Anyone Hunt With 200 grain SSTs

falcon · 10-05-2008, 06:21 PM

My .50Encore loves the .40 caliber 200 grain SST bullets in the blue sabots. Sighted it in with that bullet and 100 grains of Pinnacle FF several months ago.Checked the zero yesterday. First shot from a clean barrel went 1.5" high at 100 yards and the second shot from a dirty barrel went to point of aim. Quit and went home with that.

Problem is that i have never hunted with that load. Would appreciate hearing any hunting experiences with the .40 caliber 200 grain SST.

sabotloader · 10-05-2008, 07:01 PM

falcon

I am sure that lemoyne does and he has nothing but great reports about them... hopefully he will pick up on this thread but if he doesn't you might send him a PM

oldsmellhound · 10-05-2008, 08:01 PM

I used a 200 grain SST earlier this year to put a doe out of her misery - it had been hit by a car and its legs were broken. Range was 5 yards- 95 grains 777 and the 200 grain SST. Shot went in the back and exited the brisket - full penetration & the bullet didn't fragment, even at that close range. My only complaint was that the exit hole was only slightly larger than the entrance hole, but it did kill the deer pretty quickly (though not instantly).

I normally use the 200 grain XTP- I've had nothing but great experiences with this bullet- accurate, expands reliably and penetrates very well. If your shots are going to be under 150 yards, I would highly recommend looking at the .40 cal 200 grain XTP.

lemoyne · 10-05-2008, 09:17 PM

I have used both, have had good results all the way. Dropped several boar and a couple of deer none of them went more than a couple of steps. I have heard there is some work being done on a 220 or 225 gr SST if that turns out than I will be trying them, the BC and SD on that bullet should be really decent. Lee

vabowhntr · 10-06-2008, 12:18 PM

I really like the bullet, it has a good BC and seems to hold together well, although I am only shooting it at about 1900 fps. I would love to see a 225-240 gr sst in .40 cal. That would be my go to bullet if my gun liked them.

spaniel · 10-06-2008, 06:36 PM

40+ deer later no complaints...110gr 777 at 2100fps... ranges from 15 to 338 yds. Bullet expands, usually exits, deer never go far. All those shots I've only recovered 3 bullets. Only possible negative is that if you hit tons of bone (both shoulders) at under 150 yds the jacket may separate, had that happen twice but both times not until the bullet was under the far side skin. No plans to change bullets for me.

falcon · 10-07-2008, 03:31 AM

Thanks everyone for the good information. Will be using the 200 grain SST bullets this muzzleloader season. Will also give the .40 caliber 200 grain XTP bullets a try.

marshall9779 · 10-07-2008, 06:36 AM

I am new to Muzzleloading. Just picked up my Optima Elite yesterday and will be trying the 200gr SW's at the range this weekend. I chose the 200 gr since it is plenty heavy for a deer and will shoot a lot flatter if I need it, and wont have to worry about the drop as much. I will let you now how they do after the early ML season next weekend.

Lefse · 10-07-2008, 07:35 AM

SST is Hornady. Do they make the 200 grain? I am shooting 200 gr SW made by TC. I can't find the sst. They would be cheaper than the sw and the same bullet. Have to pay for the TC name.

gleason.chapman · 10-07-2008, 04:58 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: marshall9779

I am new to Muzzleloading. Just picked up my Optima Elite yesterday and will be trying the 200gr SW's at the range this weekend. I chose the 200 gr since it is plenty heavy for a deer and will shoot a lot flatter if I need it, and wont have to worry about the drop as much. I will let you now how they do after the early ML season next weekend.

You will find that most 200 and 250g bullets don't shoot thru deer, and therefore you don't have good blood trail. I like the 300g bullets since it shoots thru deer and has more energy at 150 to 200 yards. Your problem with the 200g will be energy after 150 yards.
Chap Gleason