Hornady 55 Grain SPSX

[Jim Duncan]

I am reloading for my 580 series Mini-14. I ordered 500 of these Super Explosive bullets a few months back... getting around to loading some but began to wonder about the caveat on these thin jacketed bullets in a 1:9 twist.

Similar in design and function to the standard Spire Point bullets, the Super Explosive Spire Points feature a thinner copper jacketed for even more rapid and devastating expansion on impact. Please note that these bullets cannot withstand velocities of greater than 3,500 fps. This is not loaded ammunition.

While I would be well under 3500 FPS.... would a 1:9 twist vs 1:12 used in load development for Hornady cause too much rotation or spin causing the same effect as too much velocity? I'd hate to just vaporize these lil guys.

Anyone out there using this bullet in a Ranch Rifle with 1:9 twist?

This warning was on Midway USA's website... however... I can't find this warning in the 2012 Hornady catalog or the 8TH Edition Hornady Reloading manual or on the boxes that these bullets come in. Odd?

[Jim Duncan]

I was contacted by Hornady concerning my written request for clarification on this SX bullet. If anyone is interested I can pass it on.

[kwg020]

I really doubt a 1/9 twist is too excessive as long as the bullet is under the 3500 FPS. Unless you go to some really hot max loads I think the best you are going to safely get out of the Mini is around 3200 fps. Anything above that and you are pushing your luck pressure wise. I have shot the SX's out of my Mini's and AR's and they survived to the target without issue at around 3100 FPS. kwg

[Jim Duncan]

Originally Posted by kwg020 I really doubt a 1/9 twist is too excessive as long as the bullet is under the 3500 FPS. Unless you go to some really hot max loads I think the best you are going to safely get out of the Mini is around 3200 fps. Anything above that and you are pushing your luck pressure wise. I have shot the SX's out of my Mini's and AR's and they survived to the target without issue at around 3100 FPS. kwg

Thanks for that info, kwg... thats what I was hoping to hear. I was told pretty much the same thing by Hornady. So I plan to stay around 3000 FPS and do some testing. Seems like a really nice round from the reviews I've read.

[tri70]

I love shooting the SPX bullets, I shoot them with 21.5 gr RL7. I chronoed the loads at 3100 fps in my target mini.