Meet the Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 70 gr. .25 Cal FB Rifle Bullets, 100 Count: First Thoughts
For a long time, the .25 caliber chambering, particularly in varmint cartridges, has craved a projectile that bridges the gap between rapid expansion and deep penetration, especially for those venturing into longer-range varmint pursuits. This need led me to the Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 70 gr. .25 Cal FB Rifle Bullets, 100 Count. I’d been experimenting with reloads for my .25-06, seeking a bullet that could handle reaching out and still deliver a decisive terminal effect on prairie dogs and groundhogs without excessive fragmentation. While I considered other manufacturers’ offerings, the reputation of Sierra for precision and the specific design philosophy behind the BlitzKing series presented a compelling case. Upon first handling the box, the consistent weight and the clean manufacturing were immediately apparent, offering a sense of quiet confidence. It’s a relief to finally have a dedicated option that seems engineered precisely for this niche.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 70 gr. .25 Cal FB Rifle Bullets, 100 Count to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of these BlitzKing bullets took place on a sun-drenched prairie dog town in Montana, followed by some controlled range work back home. I loaded them into my .25-06 using carefully measured loads developed with my chronograph, ensuring we stayed within the stated velocity limits. The conditions were dry and warm, typical for late spring, and the rifles were handled with standard care.
Loading the magazine and chambering the first round was uneventful, which is precisely what you want with precision components. The bullets fed smoothly from the magazine into the chamber. My first engagement was at a modest 200 yards, targeting a particularly brazen prairie dog. The impact was immediately apparent, with a significant puff of dust and debris erupting precisely where the target was.
Subsequent shots, extending out to 350 and even 400 yards, continued to yield impressive results. The accuracy was excellent, with consistent sub-MOA groupings at my benchrest. A slight surprise was the audible “thwack” upon impact, even at extended ranges, hinting at the retained energy and expansion characteristics Sierra describes. I encountered no feeding issues or anomalies, which is a testament to their consistent manufacturing.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the course of several range sessions and two dedicated varmint hunting trips, the Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 70 gr. .25 Cal FB Rifle Bullets, 100 Count have proven their mettle. I estimate I’ve fired well over 100 rounds of these bullets through my rifle, both for practice and hunting.
Durability, in the context of a bullet, refers to its structural integrity before firing and its terminal performance. I have experienced no instances of bullets arriving damaged in the box, nor have I had any issues with their construction integrity while loading. The lead core remains firmly encased, and the copper jacket shows no signs of premature separation even when pushed to the upper end of their velocity envelope.
Maintenance and care are minimal for bullets themselves, beyond proper storage in a dry environment. The critical aspect here is the consistency they bring to handloading. Consistent seating depths and reliable ignition lead to reliable ballistic performance, and these BlitzKings have performed admirably in that regard.
Compared to some other lighter varmint bullets I’ve used in .25 caliber, these bullets strike an excellent balance. Cheaper alternatives sometimes sacrifice consistency for price, leading to wider shot groups or unpredictable terminal effects. More premium, heavier bullets are often designed for larger game and might over-expand to the point of fragmentation on smaller varmints. This 70-grain BlitzKing seems to occupy a sweet spot that truly excels.
Breaking Down the Features of Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 70 gr. .25 Cal FB Rifle Bullets, 100 Count
Specifications
The Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 70 gr. .25 Cal FB Rifle Bullets, 100 Count are engineered with a specific set of characteristics for optimal varmint hunting performance. Each projectile weighs in at 70 grains, a weight that Sierra has identified as ideal for the .25 caliber platform when targeting smaller, fast-moving prey at longer distances. The bullet diameter is precisely 0.257 inches, adhering to standard SAAMI specifications for .25 caliber cartridges.
This particular model features a Flat Base (FB) design. This construction choice is crucial because it promotes more rapid expansion upon impact, especially at lower velocities common at extended ranges. Coupled with a boat tail design, which enhances aerodynamic stability for flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift, it offers a dual advantage. The specified Sectional Density of 0.151 is a critical factor that informs its ballistic coefficient and penetration capabilities. These bullets come in a 100 Bullet count package, providing a good quantity for serious reloaders without being overwhelming for initial testing.
The description mentions a “heavy concentration of tungsten” for deep penetration and explosive expansion, and “heavy concentration of copper” for weight retention and velocity. While the exact percentages are proprietary, this suggests a carefully engineered internal structure, possibly a thicker jacket in certain areas or a denser core material in specific regions to manage expansion and penetration. The emphasis on a lead core further supports deep penetration, as lead is highly malleable and contributes to the bullet’s ability to mushroom. This blend of materials and design features is intended to create a bullet that not only flies accurately but also performs devastatingly well upon impact.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of the Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 70 gr. .25 Cal FB Rifle Bullets, 100 Count is to deliver accurate, flat-shooting projectiles that expand explosively upon impact with varmints. In this regard, they perform exceptionally well. At the range, I consistently achieved groups that were tighter than I typically see with other .25 caliber bullets in this weight class.
The accuracy is, frankly, outstanding. When handloaded to appropriate velocities, these bullets are sub-MOA at 100 yards and remain remarkably consistent well past 300 yards. This level of precision is vital for ethical varmint hunting, ensuring a clean shot when it counts. The boat tail contributes significantly to this, allowing for a stable flight path.
The terminal performance is where the BlitzKing truly shines. On prairie dogs, the expansion was immediate and violent, often resulting in complete disintegration of the target, which is precisely what one desires for varmint control. Even at the longer ranges where velocity is lower, the expansion was robust enough to achieve the desired effect. This explosive expansion means energy is transferred rapidly, minimizing the chance of a wounded animal.
A slight weakness, if one can call it that, is their extreme expansion. While perfect for small varmints, these are decidedly not big-game bullets. Their construction is optimized for fragmentation upon impact with lighter targets. Pushing them faster than their intended velocity range (though Sierra states up to 3150 fps is possible) might risk premature jacket separation, though I did not experience this at my tested speeds.
Design & Ergonomics
From a reloading perspective, the design is flawless. The Flat Base (FB) makes seating them in the case straightforward, and their consistent dimensions mean uniform case fill and predictable ignition. The boat tail is smoothly formed, aiding in seating and aligning within the rifle’s bore.
The copper jacket is uniformly applied, with no rough seams or inconsistencies that could lead to aerodynamic instability. The overall impression is one of meticulous manufacturing, a hallmark of Sierra Bullets.
The subtle serrations on the jacket, sometimes present on Sierra bullets for this purpose, help to prevent bullet jump during recoil in magazine-fed rifles, though this is less of a concern for me in my single-shot bolt action. The finish is consistent, a dull copper hue that indicates a well-drawn jacket. There’s a certain tactile reassurance in holding a bullet that feels so precisely made.
Durability & Maintenance
As mentioned, bullets themselves are largely disposable once fired. Their “durability” is in their performance before firing and their terminal effect after. The Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 70 gr. .25 Cal FB Rifle Bullets, 100 Count are designed for a single, decisive purpose.
The internal engineering, with its emphasis on a heavy concentration of specific materials, is key to their longevity in the barrel and their performance downrange. Unlike some cheaper bullets that might deform or upset easily, these are built to withstand the pressures and velocities of modern rifle cartridges.
Maintenance, for the reloader, involves careful storage away from moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations to preserve their integrity. For the shooter, proper barrel cleaning after use is always recommended to ensure continued accuracy with any bullet type. I found no adverse effects on my barrel from these bullets, no excessive fouling or lead buildup.
Accessories and Customization Options
For bullets, “accessories” and “customization” take a different form. The primary “accessory” here is the handload itself, tailored to a specific rifle and shooting application. These BlitzKing bullets are designed to be seated into a casing and propelled by gunpowder.
While the bullets themselves are not customizable, their performance is heavily influenced by the powder choice, charge weight, primer, and cartridge case. The 70 grain weight is also a key feature that dictates which rifle actions and twist rates they are best suited for. They are generally compatible with most rifles chambered in .25 caliber, provided the rifling twist rate is sufficient to stabilize a 70 grain projectile (typically 1:10″ or faster).
The Flat Base (FB) design means they don’t require special seating dies like some boat-tail bullets might if being loaded extremely long or short, simplifying the reloading process. The 100-pack bulk quantity is practical, allowing for a good run of loaded ammunition.
Pros and Cons of Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 70 gr. .25 Cal FB Rifle Bullets, 100 Count
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy: Consistently delivers sub-MOA groups at common varmint hunting distances.
- Rapid and explosive expansion: Designed for devastating terminal effects on small to medium varmints.
- Excellent ballistic performance: The boat tail design contributes to a flatter trajectory and reduced wind drift.
- Premium build quality: Meticulous manufacturing by Sierra Bullets ensures consistency and reliability.
- Optimized for .25 caliber varminting: Fills a specific niche for longer-range varmint engagement.
Cons
- Extreme expansion limits use: Not suitable for larger game due to its tendency to fragment.
- Limited velocity ceiling: While rated up to 3150 fps, pushing them much beyond that could theoretically lead to issues, though this wasn’t observed in testing.
- Price point: While not exorbitant for premium bullets, the $33.49 price for a 100-pack means they are an investment for extensive plinking.
Who Should Buy Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 70 gr. .25 Cal FB Rifle Bullets, 100 Count?
The Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 70 gr. .25 Cal FB Rifle Bullets, 100 Count are an ideal choice for precision-oriented varmint hunters who shoot .25 caliber rifles like the .25-06 Remington, .257 Roberts, or even certain .250 Savage loads. They are perfect for those who engage targets at extended ranges and require a bullet that offers both accuracy and decisive terminal performance on prairie dogs, ground squirrels, marmots, and similar small game.
Reloaders who meticulously craft their ammunition and seek the best components to maximize their rifle’s potential will appreciate the quality and consistency of these bullets. If you are someone who values ethical harvesting through quick incapacitation, these bullets deliver that capability.
Those who should probably skip these BlitzKing bullets are big game hunters or individuals who primarily shoot at very close ranges on large varmints. For larger deer or elk, you would need a bullet designed for deeper penetration and controlled expansion. Similarly, if you’re just looking for cheap plinking ammunition for casual target practice at short distances, more economical options might suffice, though you’ll sacrifice the specialized performance.
For an optimal experience, ensure your rifle has a fast enough twist rate to stabilize a 70 grain projectile, typically 1:10 inches or faster. Complementary items would include high-quality reloading components such as accurate powders, reliable primers, and precisely machined dies to ensure consistent ammunition.
Conclusion on Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 70 gr. .25 Cal FB Rifle Bullets, 100 Count
The Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 70 gr. .25 Cal FB Rifle Bullets, 100 Count are, in my experience, an outstanding projectile for their intended purpose. They deliver on their promise of accuracy, exceptional terminal performance on varmints, and a flat trajectory that makes engaging targets at longer distances more manageable. The build quality is what you’d expect from Sierra Bullets, offering a high degree of consistency shot after shot, load after load.
At approximately $0.33 per bullet, the value proposition is strong for the serious varmint hunter or precision reloader. You are paying for specialized engineering that translates directly into effective and ethical hunting results. While not an economical choice for bulk plinking, the performance gain for varminting is undeniable.
I would absolutely recommend these bullets to anyone shooting a .25 caliber rifle who frequently hunts small to medium-sized varmints at moderate to long ranges. If your priority is clean, decisive kills at distance, and you’re willing to invest in quality components to achieve that, then the Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 70 gr. .25 Cal FB Rifle Bullets, 100 Count are a superb choice that will not disappoint.