Speer BTSP Bullet - Info/Experience

[Prerylyon]

The Speer BTSP bullet has been around a long time. As far as I know, its basic design is cup and core-its not bonded, nor is it plastic tipped-pretty old school. For an older bullet design, their ballistic coefficients compare favorably to the newer stuff.

I ran across several old articles, and some online postings, praising how easy it was to get these to group well at high velocities in most rifles; as well as them being effective terminally on lighter big game (antelope, deer, CXP-2). Plenty of load recipes for these too; going back decades.

In 7mm, they have a 145 grainer that looks really interesting in the ballistics spreadsheets for what I think I can hit safely as a max velocity in my .280 REM.

Curious if anyone uses these and what their experiences have been?

Regards,

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[alaska2go]

I have killed and my son has also with the speer BTSP 145 gr caribou, sheep & mule deer. Some complete pass threw, others mushroomed on the off side. Longest shot 415 yards. Closest 170 yards Round 7-08.. I like the bullet. Easy to reload & isn't finicky on seating depth.

 

[Prerylyon]

Thanks for the feedback Alaska!

The articles I mentioned were in some old gun magazines and books from the 1980s in our local library; also, that fellow down under in New Zealand that writes the Terminal Ballistics blog, has some favorable write-ups on this bullet's capabilities as well, for lighter big game.

I know I am splitting hairs and being a total geek on my reloading; but I have some concerns getting the latest "next gen" bullets to work well in my gun; I have had great luck with the old school bullets shooting accurately. Unfortunately, I only get a week to hunt big game a year, so I rely on the experiences of others to help guide my bullet choices.

The 145 gr 7mm version of this bullet works very well, in theory, with my set-up; as a round that should safely reach max velocities in a very efficient manner, while bucking the wind decently.

If its possible, my goal is a 500 yard capable load for antelope in .280 rem. If I can work it up, I'll need to practice to honor that capability. I am not interested in extreme range hunting per se; just want to see what I can reliably achieve with a 500 yard max lighter game round.

Regards,

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[mcseal2]

I have used the 85gr Speer SPBT on deer and coyotes in a 243 win with good results. It doesn't always stay together and exit at my speeds on close shots or when bone is hit, it will fragment. I was shocked at the velocity with a near max load I worked up to that shows no signs of pressure. I had my gunsmith check the brass also and he said it looked fine. I'm getting 3333fps from a 24" Pac Nor barrel. It's not a super tough bullet, but it sure stomps predators and does with a well placed lung shot.

FWIW I had excellent results with the 7mm 140gr Accubond in a couple 7 Rem Mags and a 280 and it was easy to get to shoot well for me in all of them. At 280 velocity though I think the Speer would do well.