Speer 30 cal 180 gr HCSP

[old 30-06]

Soon I am taking my trusty 30-06 to the Eastern Cape of Africa. But what bullets should I take with me ? Last time I was up the Limpopo I used Hornady 180 grain SST's. They worked well on a variety of medium sized game. The main target this time, though, is a Kudu. My thinking is that I will need a little more penetration over initial shock. To this end I have obtained some 30 CAL 180 grain Speer Hot Core bullets ( No. 2053 ). I have loaded these with 59.7 grains of Hodgdon Superformance to give a book speed of 2840 fps.

I have tried them out on the range. The recoil is not excessive, and I had a five shot group of less than one inch. I think I am on to a winner. However, has anyone used Speer Hot Core bullets in the field ( in any calibre ) and what was the result ? I would very much appreciate your comments.

 

[Smellydog]

Use to use nothing but Speer bullets.
Apart from their varmint range I've use hot cores in 308 150gn, 3030 170, 150 and currently 130gn.
Never had a problem except for one box of many, many years ago, they were a different darker colour than normal and they would separate from the jacket.
It was one box though so if yours are nice and shiny they will be just fine.
I once shot a stag in the neck at 15yds from the front with a 3030 and 150gn hotcore. The bullet got mashed up on the heavy neck bones and was under the thick neck skin at the back of its head but roughly in one piece still.
Think it was the only 30 cal hotcore I ever recovered.
Used many in 6mm too.

 

[reiver]

I have some 180 gr Speer round nose bullets if there any good not sure of the model no?
Very accurate in my 30-06