What Happened When I Tried the **Sierra Bullets .20 Caliber 39 Grain SBT BlitzKing Rifle Bullets**
When it comes to precision shooting, especially for varmint control or serious target practice, the choice of projectile is paramount. I recently found myself needing a highly accurate and dynamically expanding bullet for my .204 Ruger, specifically for those long-range prairie dog hunts where every ounce of performance counts. This led me to the Sierra Bullets .20 Caliber 39 Grain SBT BlitzKing Rifle Bullets, a name synonymous with quality in the reloading world.
My previous experiences with Sierra bullets have always leaned towards their MatchKing line for pure accuracy, so the prospect of a bullet designed for explosive expansion while retaining that Sierra precision was intriguing. The core of my need was a bullet that could deliver a devastating terminal effect on small game at high velocities, without sacrificing the inherent accuracy required for challenging shots. The marketing promised a blend of MatchKing precision with varmint-seeking destructiveness, a combination I was eager to put to the test.
Upon receiving the box of 100, my initial impression was of a classic, well-manufactured component. The bullets felt substantial and consistent in weight and form, which is a critical first indicator of quality. The proprietary polymer tips were uniformly seated, and the copper jackets appeared flawlessly finished. I briefly considered some monolithic copper bullets for their perceived “cleaner” expansion, but the known ballistic performance and cost-effectiveness of jacketed bullets ultimately won me over. My first reaction was one of focused anticipation, a quiet confidence that these bullets were built to perform.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Sierra Bullets .20 Caliber 39 Grain SBT BlitzKing Rifle Bullets** to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing grounds were the familiar wide-open spaces of a private ranch, specifically set up for prairie dog eradication. I loaded these Sierra Bullets .20 Caliber 39 Grain SBT BlitzKing Rifle Bullets into my custom .204 Ruger, working up loads with Hodgdon CFE-223 powder, a propellant known for its excellent velocity potential and clean burning, ideal for this caliber. The process of seating these bullets was straightforward; their uniform dimensions meant consistent seating depth with minimal runout, a critical factor for accuracy.
The first shots were taken at distances ranging from 100 to 300 yards, on static targets to dial in the precise load. The results were immediately impressive. Consistently, I was achieving sub-MOA groups, often tightening to the sub-half-MOA range with meticulous load development. When the opportunity arose to test terminal performance on actual varmints, the results were equally striking. At approximately 3,700 feet per second, the impact was dramatic; targets simply disintegrated, demonstrating the explosive expansion Sierra promises.
Even when conditions weren’t ideal – a slight crosswind, or a fleeting target – the Sierra Bullets .20 Caliber 39 Grain SBT BlitzKing Rifle Bullets performed admirably. I did note that their thin jackets, while contributing to expansion, also meant they were less forgiving of over-pressure signs during load development, necessitating careful powder charges.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several hundred rounds downrange over the course of a few months, the reliability of these BlitzKing bullets has held steady. They have proven to be a consistent performer, whether it’s for extended range sessions at the local bench rest club or for multiple days afield chasing prairie dogs. The accuracy I initially observed has not degraded with continued use; each batch I loaded performed to the same high standard.
In terms of durability, these bullets are consumables, so “wear and tear” isn’t directly applicable in the same way it would be for a piece of equipment. However, their structural integrity during flight and upon impact has been flawless. There have been no instances of core-separation or jacket failure in flight. I have had a few instances where bullets were recovered from soft soil after impact; even then, the expansion was evident, with fragments showing the characteristic mushrooming.
Maintenance for these bullets primarily involves keeping them clean and dry in their original packaging. I’ve stored them in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent any potential issues with oxidation or moisture. Compared to some budget varmint bullets I’ve tried in the past, which could sometimes exhibit inconsistent jacket thickness or core seating, these Sierra bullets offer a marked improvement in consistency and terminal performance, justifying their premium price point.
Breaking Down the Features of **Sierra Bullets .20 Caliber 39 Grain SBT BlitzKing Rifle Bullets**
Specifications
The Sierra Bullets .20 Caliber 39 Grain SBT BlitzKing Rifle Bullets are engineered with specific ballistic goals in mind. They feature a 39-grain weight, which is a sweet spot for the .204 Ruger, balancing velocity with retained energy. The Spitzer Boat Tail (SBT) design is crucial for aerodynamic efficiency, reducing drag and enhancing ballistic coefficient.
A key design element is the proprietary polymer tip, which not only aids in aerodynamics but is engineered to initiate rapid and violent expansion upon impact. This is further facilitated by the thin jacket construction, allowing the bullet to fragment and create a larger wound channel. The sectional density of 0.134 indicates a bullet designed for rapid energy transfer rather than deep penetration.
These bullets are intended for high muzzle velocities, with Sierra Bullets specifying performance up to 4400 fps for lighter 20 and 22 caliber BlitzKings. The included ballistic coefficients vary depending on velocity: .287 at 3600 fps and above, decreasing to .210 between 2300 and 1900 fps. This range of BC values highlights how the bullet’s performance changes dramatically as it slows down. The fact that they are available in a 100-count package is convenient for dedicated reloaders.
Performance & Functionality
In terms of pure performance, the Sierra Bullets .20 Caliber 39 Grain SBT BlitzKing Rifle Bullets excel at their intended task: varmint elimination. When fired at velocities above 3000 fps, the expansion is truly explosive. On prairie dogs, this often results in complete disintegration, which is desirable for minimizing follow-up shots and reducing the chance of wounded game escaping.
The primary strength of these bullets lies in their explosive expansion coupled with remarkable accuracy. They achieve a level of precision often reserved for dedicated match bullets, allowing for confident shot placement even at extended ranges. This combination is what sets them apart from many other varmint bullets that might sacrifice accuracy for expansion, or vice versa.
A potential weakness, though inherent to their design, is their limited penetration. These are not bullets for large game or for shooting through thick cover. Their thin jackets and rapid expansion mean they are not designed to punch through substantial bone or tissue without fragmenting. For their intended purpose, however, this is a feature, not a flaw.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Sierra Bullets .20 Caliber 39 Grain SBT BlitzKing Rifle Bullets is a testament to thoughtful engineering. The Spitzer point with a boat tail base offers excellent ballistic efficiency, contributing to flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift. The polymer tip is a standout feature, being precisely molded and seated to enhance aerodynamic performance and initiate controlled fragmentation.
The thin copper jacket is another critical design element. It’s precisely drawn to facilitate rapid expansion upon impact with soft tissue or minimal resistance. This attention to detail in jacket thickness and concentricity directly contributes to the bullet’s accuracy potential.
While bullets themselves don’t have “ergonomics” in the traditional sense, their uniform dimensions and quality control ensure ease of use for the reloader. Consistent diameter, length, and weight mean they feed reliably into reloading dies and chamber smoothly. There’s a palpable sense of quality in handling them, reflecting Sierra Bullets‘ reputation.
Durability & Maintenance
As rifle bullets, the durability of the Sierra Bullets .20 Caliber 39 Grain SBT BlitzKing Rifle Bullets is primarily about their structural integrity during flight and their predictable performance upon impact. They are designed for a single, decisive use. Their copper jackets are robust enough to withstand the pressures and stresses of firing without deforming prematurely.
Maintenance is straightforward: keep them dry and free from damage. I store mine in their original packaging, away from moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations. This ensures that when they are seated and fired, their aerodynamic properties and expansion characteristics remain as intended by the manufacturer. There are no specific maintenance procedures beyond proper storage.
Potential concerns would arise from poor storage, leading to corrosion, or physical damage to the polymer tip or bullet body before firing. However, with reasonable care, these issues are easily avoided. Their design is for optimized single-shot performance, not repeated stress.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Sierra Bullets .20 Caliber 39 Grain SBT BlitzKing Rifle Bullets are components, not complete firearms or systems, so they don’t typically come with accessories in the same way. However, their polymer tips serve as a form of pre-installed “accessory” that is integral to their performance. No further customization of the bullet itself is intended or possible by the end-user.
Their primary compatibility is with reloading presses and dies that are caliber-specific for .20 caliber rifles. Reloaders often use specialized seating dies to ensure precise seating depth and concentricity, which is crucial for maximizing the accuracy potential of these bullets. Compatibility with standard reloading practices and tools for the .204 Ruger cartridge is excellent.
The 100-count bulk pack is the standard offering, providing a good quantity for serious load development and field use. While Sierra Bullets does not offer different tip colors or materials for this specific model, the core functionality of the polymer tip is paramount.
Pros and Cons of **Sierra Bullets .20 Caliber 39 Grain SBT BlitzKing Rifle Bullets**
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: These bullets deliver sub-MOA accuracy consistently, rivaling dedicated match bullets.
- Devastating Terminal Performance: The polymer tip and thin jacket ensure explosive expansion on varmints for quick, clean kills.
- High Velocity Capability: Designed to perform optimally at the high velocities common in cartridges like the .204 Ruger, up to 4400 fps.
- Aerodynamic Design: The Spitzer Boat Tail (SBT) profile offers a high ballistic coefficient for flat trajectories and reduced wind drift.
- Reputable Manufacturer: Sierra Bullets is a trusted name in ammunition components, known for quality and consistency.
Cons
- Limited Penetration: Not suitable for larger game or applications requiring deep penetration due to rapid fragmentation.
- Sensitive to Over-Pressure: Their thin jackets can make them more susceptible to showing pressure signs during load development.
- Price: As a premium component, they are more expensive than basic plinking or some other varmint bullets.
Who Should Buy **Sierra Bullets .20 Caliber 39 Grain SBT BlitzKing Rifle Bullets**?
These Sierra Bullets .20 Caliber 39 Grain SBT BlitzKing Rifle Bullets are an excellent choice for serious varmint hunters who prioritize accuracy and decisive terminal effects. Shooters with .204 Ruger or similar high-velocity cartridges looking to maximize performance on prairie dogs, groundhogs, and other small game will find them highly effective. They are also ideal for competitive bench rest shooters who compete in varmint silhouette disciplines where precision is key.
Anyone looking for a bullet for large game hunting, defense, or target shooting that requires deep penetration should look elsewhere. Those on a very tight budget for ammunition components might also find these to be a more premium option than necessary for casual plinking. A high-quality reloading press, accurate powder scale, and proper dies are essential to fully exploit the potential of these bullets.
Conclusion on **Sierra Bullets .20 Caliber 39 Grain SBT BlitzKing Rifle Bullets**
The Sierra Bullets .20 Caliber 39 Grain SBT BlitzKing Rifle Bullets are, without question, a top-tier component for specific shooting disciplines. They successfully bridge the gap between match-grade accuracy and explosive varmint terminal performance, a feat not easily achieved. The quality of construction, consistency in manufacturing, and proven performance in the field make them a highly reliable choice for the discerning reloader.
Considering their price point, the value proposition is strong for those who demand precision and effectiveness. The ability to achieve sub-MOA groups at high speeds, coupled with the devastating expansion they offer on impact, justifies the investment. I would wholeheartedly recommend these bullets to any experienced reloader with a suitable rifle chambered in a caliber like the .204 Ruger, especially if their primary focus is on varmint control or precision shooting where every shot counts. They are a testament to Sierra Bullets‘ commitment to producing exceptional rifle ammunition components.