Field Test Review of the **Sellier & Bellot 5.6x52R 70 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition
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My search for reliable ammunition for my vintage .22 Savage High-Power rifle led me to Sellier & Bellot 5.6x52R 70 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition
SB5652RA 11% Off. This particular caliber isn’t exactly commonplace on shelves these days, making the discovery of a reputable manufacturer like Sellier & Bellot offering it a significant find. The allure of a 70 grain soft point bullet, promising controlled expansion, was particularly appealing for the small game hunting applications I had in mind. My previous go-to options had dwindled, forcing me to look for a dependable replacement that wouldn’t compromise on accuracy or terminal performance.
The initial impression upon receiving the box was one of understated quality. The Sellier & Bellot branding, steeped in history since 1825, carries a certain gravitas. The brass cases felt solid and well-formed, a good indicator of consistent manufacturing standards. I had briefly considered some lesser-known online suppliers for obscure calibers, but ultimately, the reputation of Sellier & Bellot and the clear specifications offered on this particular product tipped the scales. My immediate feeling was one of cautious optimism; this might just be the solution I’d been looking for.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Sellier & Bellot 5.6x52R 70 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition
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First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at a familiar, albeit rustic, outdoor shooting range nestled in the foothills. The specific conditions were a crisp autumn morning, with temperatures hovering around 45°F and a slight breeze. I carefully loaded my .22 Savage High-Power rifle, ensuring a smooth feed from the magazine. The Sellier & Bellot ammunition fed flawlessly, with no resistance or binding.
The first shots were taken at a comfortable 50 yards, purely to establish baseline accuracy and feel. The soft point bullets performed exceptionally well, producing tight groups that exceeded my expectations for this caliber and bullet weight. There were no misfires or ignition issues whatsoever across the first two boxes.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the course of several weeks, I’ve used this ammunition in various scenarios, including more distant target practice at 100 yards and a few dedicated days for pest control on my property. The 70 grain soft point bullets consistently delivered predictable performance, both in terms of accuracy and terminal ballistics on appropriate game. I particularly noticed how well the cases ejected; they were clean and undamaged, indicating good metallurgy.
Durability has been a non-issue with this ammunition. Even after being carried in a loaded magazine for extended periods, exposed to light dew and dust, the rounds maintained their integrity. Cleaning the rifle after firing was straightforward, with minimal fouling left behind, which is a testament to the powder quality. Compared to some older surplus ammunition I’ve encountered for this caliber, the Sellier & Bellot rounds are a clear step up in consistency and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of **Sellier & Bellot 5.6x52R 70 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition
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Specifications
The Sellier & Bellot 5.6x52R 70 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition
SB5652RA 11% Off comes with a clear set of specifications that are crucial for any shooter seeking to understand its performance. The caliber is the distinctive 5.6x52mmR, a rimmed cartridge with a long history. Each round features a 70 grain Soft Point (SP) bullet, designed for controlled expansion upon impact.
The cartridge case material is brass, which is standard and offers excellent reusability for handloaders. Sellier & Bellot states a muzzle velocity of 2861 ft/s and muzzle energy of 1272 ft-lbs. These figures suggest a capable round for its intended purpose. The sectional density is listed at 0.192, and the G1 Ballistic Coefficient is 0.264, giving an idea of its trajectory and energy retention. Each box contains 20 rounds, and the package type is a standard box. The primer style is centerfire, ensuring reliable ignition.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of core function, this Sellier & Bellot ammunition performs admirably for its intended role. The 70 grain soft point bullet is the star here, delivering satisfying expansion on small to medium-sized game, leading to quick and humane takedowns. Accuracy from my rifle was excellent, consistently printing sub-MOA groups at 100 yards once zeroed.
The primary strength of this ammunition lies in its consistent accuracy and predictable terminal performance. The soft point design ensures that the bullet does not excessively fragment, which is ideal for preserving meat when hunting. A minor point of consideration, though not a significant weakness, is that the ballistic coefficient of 0.264 means that while accurate at moderate distances, its trajectory will drop off more noticeably at longer ranges compared to higher-BC bullets. Still, for its class and caliber, it performs exactly as a hunting round should.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of this ammunition is classic and functional. The brass cases are well-formed with consistent wall thickness, which contributes to reliable chambering and extraction. The soft point bullet design is visually evident, with the exposed lead tip clearly indicating its expansion capabilities.
From an ergonomic standpoint, ammunition isn’t about grip or comfort in the way a tool is, but rather about how it handles during the loading and firing process. These rounds load smoothly into the magazine and chamber without issue. The centerfire primer is seated precisely, contributing to reliable ignition every time. There’s a certain tactile satisfaction in the feel of these well-made cartridges, which contributes to an overall positive user experience.
Durability & Maintenance
Ammunition, by its nature, has a shelf life, but properly stored, Sellier & Bellot ammunition is known for its long-term durability. The brass cases are resistant to corrosion, provided they are kept dry. The seals around the primer and bullet appear robust, suggesting good protection against moisture ingress.
Maintenance for ammunition is minimal; primarily, it involves keeping it in a cool, dry environment. I haven’t experienced any degradation in performance over the testing period, even with rounds that have been in magazines for a while. Failure points for factory-loaded ammunition like this are rare, usually stemming from improper storage or rare manufacturing defects. In my experience with this particular batch, there have been no signs of degradation or premature wear.
Accessories and Customization Options
As ammunition, the Sellier & Bellot 5.6x52R 70 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition
SB5652RA 11% Off comes with no additional accessories. Its customization lies in its intended application. For those who reload, the brass cases are of high quality and can be reloaded multiple times.
The primary “accessory” to consider when using this ammunition would be a firearm chambered for the 5.6x52mmR caliber, a rifle with good rifling for its age, and appropriate hunting or pest control equipment. Beyond that, the ammunition itself is a self-contained unit designed for direct use.
Pros and Cons of **Sellier & Bellot 5.6x52R 70 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition
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Pros
- Excellent accuracy for the caliber and bullet type, consistently producing tight groups.
- Reliable performance with Sellier & Bellot‘s reputation for quality manufacturing.
- Effective terminal ballistics due to the 70 grain soft point bullet design, suitable for small game.
- Good case brass quality, allowing for potential reloading by experienced handloaders.
- Consistent ignition and feeding across multiple firearms.
Cons
- The 5.6x52mmR caliber is uncommon, making availability potentially limited and sometimes more expensive.
- The G1 Ballistic Coefficient of 0.264 is not optimized for extreme long-range shooting compared to modern designs.
- A box contains only 20 rounds, which can be insufficient for extended range sessions or large hunting trips.
Who Should Buy **Sellier & Bellot 5.6x52R 70 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition
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This ammunition is ideal for owners of firearms chambered in 5.6x52mmR (also known as .22 Savage High-Power or .220 Swift European) who are looking for reliable hunting or pest control rounds. If you own a rifle in this somewhat rare caliber and intend to use it for its original purpose of hunting small to medium-sized game, this Sellier & Bellot offering is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suited for those who value consistent accuracy and controlled expansion in their ammunition.
Those who should probably skip this specific ammunition are individuals who own firearms in more common calibers, as this would be an unnecessary and potentially costly purchase. Furthermore, if you are primarily a long-range target shooter requiring ultra-high ballistic coefficients and extreme energy retention, this particular soft point load may not be your first choice. For those who do opt for this caliber, ensuring your firearm is in good working order with a clean bore and properly functioning action is crucial for maximizing the potential of this ammunition.
Conclusion on **Sellier & Bellot 5.6x52R 70 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition
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Overall, the Sellier & Bellot 5.6x52R 70 Grain Soft Point Rifle Ammunition
SB5652RA 11% Off is a superb choice for anyone fortunate enough to own a rifle chambered for this classic cartridge. It delivers on its promise of accurate shooting and effective terminal performance on small game, thanks to the well-designed 70 grain soft point bullet. The brand’s long history and commitment to quality are evident in the consistent ignition, reliable feeding, and overall build of these rounds.
Considering the often niche nature of the 5.6x52mmR caliber, the availability and quality offered by Sellier & Bellot make this ammunition a strong value proposition, even if the price per round might be slightly higher than mass-produced calibers. For its intended application of hunting and small varmint control, I would absolutely recommend this ammunition to fellow owners of the .22 Savage High-Power. If you have a rifle in this caliber and need dependable ammunition, you can purchase this with confidence.