After finding that data onthe upper and lower velocities for expansion and performance ofHornady XTPs, I got to wondering about the 300 grain Speer Gold Dots and 300 grain Sierra Sports Masters that I have been working with.

There's nothing on either of their web sites. I sent an e-mail query to Speer from their web site - no response yet.

The Sierra site had atoll free phone number for their group of six ballistics technicians, so I called them. Here's how it went.

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ME: "I'm shooting Sierra number 8830, 45 caliber 300 grain jacketed soft point Sports Master bullets from a muzzle loader, using a sabot. Can you tell me the upper and lower velocity limits for reliable expansion andbullet integrity for this bullet?"

TECHNICIAN: "Yes I can, but it would be meaningless for your purposes. The figures we have are based on the bullet's use in pistols, where the riflingis engravingthe jacket of the bullet, and that has an impact on how the bullet performs on game. It's a very tough bullet to start with. When you put it in a sabot where it's not beingengraved by the rifling, its even tougher. I've shot it from a muzzleloader at 2200 fps and got very little expansion."

ME: "I'm shooting it at 1700 fps at the muzzle."

TECHNICIAN: "Then you'd better shoot for the sholder and get some bone, because you're not going to get any expansion at all. It's a really though bullet."

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Well, I guess I won't be using the Sierra for my whitetail hunts. Probably be real good for big hogs, or punching through a coyote without damaging the hide.

If I get anything back from Speer, I'll let you guys know.