I am switching from Powerbelt 245 gr to Hornady Low Drag SST's. My ? is what bullet weight do you recommend I start with, 250 or 300 gr. I was not happy with the accuracy of the Powerbelts.Anybody tried both in the Winchester Apex 209 rifle? I will be using 2 -50gr 777 pellets. Any comments or suggestions guys!

Try them both. Which ever is most accurate. Both of them would make great deer loads.

300 had highter Ballistic Coefficient and better down range energy, therefore better shoot thru.
Chap

I'd also try both. For deer, either would be fine. Anything bigger I'd stick with the 300s.

dbblung

I agree that in most cases when hunting deer the 250 is very adequate to ranges of 175 yards... if you think you might be going longer - of course it will do it but the 300 will have better down range energy.

Next question are you dead set on the SST/SW.... it is a far better (more dependable) bullet than a PowerBelt, but I would offer an opinion that there are better expensive bullets and there are better less expensive bullets - That is only my opinion.

Cause there are a lot of people that really like the SST/SW bullet.

Don't forget the 200SW. It is not far behind the 300SW in energy at any sane range. You get good BC and with similar powder levels get several hundred fps velocity increases which will flaten the trajectory and help in retained energy. If your going for deer it is plenty.

Thanks for all the input guys. I am limited to no magnification on my rifleso therefore my shots will be limited to 150 yards or less. So bullet weight and down range energy are less important than flat-outaccuracy. I plan to do some range testing early next week, I plan to try the 250gr. SST's first. What would be considered an acceptable group size at 100 yards with 1X scope? I am thinking 6".

dbblung
Should get 4" with out much trouble. Lee

dbblung

I would concurr with Lee - 4" group shoule be well within range.