Polymer tip vs HP

Tjkiller

Tjkiller

Well-known member
Does anyone prefer one type over the other? It seems that many times the HPs may be a tad more accurate on average but the difference is often very very minor. It does seem the plastic tipped bullets are more devestating. But, with the poly tips I often have to seat the bullet farther from the rifling to make it fit in the mag. Any thoguhts ?
 
I've written and erased about 12 responses to your question. Because I don't think there is an answer. They both have strengths and weakness's but it just depends on what, where, when, and how you shoot.

I've got lots of both in my bullet cabinet.
 
When working up a load, I try just about everything I can. I generally go with whatever is more accurate be it a Poly tip, HP or softpoint. If all are the same, I go with a poly tip for the quick expantion.
 
I suppose my answer depends on WHAT you are hunting.
If general varminting is your goal, chose what shoots, and is cheaper. Both will kill equally. Tipped bullets tends to be more dramatic for the camera.

If you are talking big game, then it depends on a lot of factors. IF you are running out of velocity/energy, then the tipped bullets can be opened at lower velocities. I'm not sure of the GameKings, but the operating window for X bullets is higher than you would expect. This can lead to much more penetration without much permanent wound channeling.
 
Like what has been said depends on what you are hunting. Iv shot tons of groundhogs with my .223 using 40-55gr v max and on a body shot they usually dont exit. I shot one a little while ago with a 55gr SP and it blew thru with about a 3" exit. HP's tend to penatrate more and expand not quite so violently.
3524c93b.jpg

The bullet on the left is a 60gr sierra varminter mushroomed out, i recovered it on the offside of a yote wih a sectioned one next to it. Third from left is a 55 gr sierra game king HP. The a 40 v max and fmj for comparison. The jacket thickness and what it hits has a lot to do with how a bullet behaves. Stay away from shoulder blades on yotes with a v max.
 
Mail the bullet manufactors stating what you want to do with the bullet and they'll detail sometimes with a load what bullet to use on what you are hunting. Good source of info.
 
I use hollow points for target shooting only and not hunting. From my experience of 35 years nothing kills like a spitzer style bullet. I've seen an hp go through an animal and never even open.

For the past 33 years I've used Spitzer style bullets only.
 
If I remember right it seems that the polymer tipped have a higher BC. Not to say that is everything but....

I shoot mostly HP's for the fact of cost and have never had the V-Max out shoot the HP.

Jackets definitely have a lot to do with how a projectiles performs.
 


Plastic tipped bullets are okay but when I shoot for the money it is HPBT's. I shoot Lapau brass and bullets. I do not go home broke.
 
Plastic tip bullets perform better for farther down range. They are frangible for sure.

Hollow points may shoot better groups at 100-200yds, but then we start to argue flat base or boat tail. Frangible performance is not science with HP's either.

Bottom line for me, plastic tips for general use. Spire point bullets for killing DRT.
 


Write your reply...
Back
Top