by jmbod » Fri Oct 29, 2021 9:04 am
I have used the red colored ACME 250 grain that uses the Hi Tek polymer (Graf and Sons). It has a flat meplat. I have used them to get on paper when sighting in usually 30-50 yds. Here are my key points:
1. I used the COAL of 2.07 based off of the Federal 300 grain commercial 450 loads. Check chambering in a ruger and a remington bolt guns ok in both i.e no resistance.
2. H110 powder at 38 grains, estimate at 2,000 fps. rotator cuff hurting? try Trail boss max is about 14 grains at 1100 or so...will smoke a whitetail at 50 yds.
3. Case prep: must bell the case to not peel off coating: I used my 45 acp die, just a slight bell so bullet just enters case mouth
4. I used LEE dies and with full compression on seating & the case mouth tightened up. I have not used other case crimp.
5. Shooting the bullets: using a 20 inch square target, the bullets grouped fairly well, and my ftx 250 required modest adjustment for 100 yd zero.
6. First bullet out of a clean bore shot low, then started to move upward. I have dirtied bore with a primed case no powder to improve cold shot accuracy, I dont clean my barrel during hunting season, accuracy is more consistent.
7. HUNTING--I have not shot them. They do not come with gas checks nor did i install any. Their flight was dang close to the ftx so with modest loads I think they could be ok for 100 yd groups .
8. Lead vs Jacketed discussions is a historical chestnut..on and on. Buffalo bore sells a lead/gas checked bullet and market them as a deep penetrating bullet for medium + game, so I would not have a problem with hunting with these 250 grain .253 bullets. SAFETY they are lead and are not prohibited for hunting as are jacketed fmjs, but hunters need to consider a pass through is possible so understand the area you are hunting in.
9. a flat meplat is a must for hunting, or even a semi wadcutter, will transfer energy better.
be safe