The Most Honest Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 39 Grain .20 Gauge FB Rifle Bullets Review Online
For years, I’ve relied on precision components across diverse environments, from sterile lab benches to the rugged outdoors and demanding workshop floors. When it came time to source new projectiles for a specific .20 caliber rifle build, my attention gravitated towards Sierra Bullets. Known for their consistent quality, the Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 39 Grain .20 Gauge FB Rifle Bullets presented themselves as a compelling option for varmint hunting and precision plinking. My previous batch of projectiles for this caliber was nearing depletion, and the unique demands of the .204 Ruger called for a bullet that could handle high velocities while maintaining pinpoint accuracy.
The initial impression upon receiving the box of 500 was one of professional packaging and meticulous attention to detail. These bullets felt substantial and well-formed, a good omen for their performance. I had briefly considered other manufacturers, but Sierra’s reputation for accuracy and terminal ballistic performance in this weight class ultimately swayed my decision. There was a palpable sense of anticipation mixed with the quiet satisfaction of knowing I had a reliable component in hand.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 39 Grain .20 Gauge FB Rifle Bullets to the Test
First Use Experience
My testing ground for these projectiles was primarily at my local shooting range, specifically set up for precision rifle work. I loaded them into my custom-built .204 Ruger, carefully working up loads with various propellant charges and seating depths. The conditions were typical for a late spring afternoon: clear skies, moderate temperatures, and a slight breeze that provided a consistent challenge for accuracy.
From the very first rounds downrange, the intuitive nature of these bullets became apparent. They fed smoothly from the magazine and seated into the chamber without any resistance, a testament to their consistent dimensions. The initial groups were promising, showing a tight cluster that suggested excellent aerodynamic stability and inherent accuracy. There were no surprises or immediate quirks; they simply performed as expected, perhaps even a little better.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and a dedicated varmint hunting trip, the Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 39 Grain .20 Gauge FB Rifle Bullets have proven their mettle. I’ve fired hundreds of rounds through my .204 Ruger with these bullets, pushing them to velocities upwards of 4000 fps in some of my warmer loads. They continue to hold their own, demonstrating remarkable consistency shot after shot.
Durability has been excellent; I’ve yet to find any deformed bullets or signs of significant wear on the jacket from the rifling. They’ve survived the occasional bump in my range bag without issue, and their performance hasn’t degraded. Maintenance is straightforward: keeping the firearm clean and properly lubricated ensures these bullets continue to perform optimally. Compared to some of the less expensive, bulk-manufactured projectiles I’ve used in the past, these Sierra bullets offer a clear step up in both consistency and terminal performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 39 Grain .20 Gauge FB Rifle Bullets
Specifications
The Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 39 Grain .20 Gauge FB Rifle Bullets boast several key specifications that contribute to their effectiveness. Each projectile weighs in at a precise 39 grain, a common and effective weight for the .204 Ruger caliber. They are designed with a Flat Base (FB), which is crucial for stability at the high velocities this caliber can achieve. The projectile caliber is listed as .204 Caliber, matching the barrel.
The sectional density is 0.134, indicating a good balance between weight and diameter for effective penetration and expansion. These bullets are manufactured by Sierra Bullets, a name synonymous with quality in the reloading and ammunition industry. The bullet quantity in a typical purchase is 500 Bullet, offering good value for serious shooters. Finally, their country of origin is the USA, a mark of domestic manufacturing standards. These specifications collectively translate to predictable performance in the field and on the range.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of these bullets is to deliver accurate and effective terminal performance, and in this regard, the Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 39 Grain .20 Gauge FB Rifle Bullets truly excel. They are designed for high-velocity impact, and they deliver on that promise with explosive expansion. On varmints, this translates to rapid incapacitation, minimizing suffering and maximizing humane dispatch.
Their strength lies in their accuracy; consistently producing tight groups is a hallmark of these projectiles. This precision allows for confident shot placement, even at longer distances. A minor weakness, if one can even call it that, is their designed fragility for rapid expansion. While perfect for small game, they might not be the ideal choice for larger, tougher-skinned animals where deeper penetration is paramount. Overall, they meet and often exceed expectations for their intended purpose, offering remarkable accuracy and devastating on-target effect.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 39 Grain .20 Gauge FB Rifle Bullets is a study in controlled aggression. The thin jacket and soft lead core are engineered for rapid expansion upon impact. The Flat Base (FB) design is often favored for its simplicity and stability in certain high-velocity applications, contributing to the excellent accuracy I experienced.
While you don’t “handle” bullets in the same way you would a tool, their consistent manufacturing quality is palpable. Each bullet feels uniform, with no obvious defects or variations. This consistency is crucial for handloaders, as it ensures predictable chamber pressures and ballistic trajectories. The finish is smooth, and the overall build quality suggests a product that is meticulously crafted by Sierra Bullets.
Durability & Maintenance
For rifle bullets, “durability” is less about resisting physical damage and more about maintaining their integrity until fired. The Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 39 Grain .20 Gauge FB Rifle Bullets are designed to hold together under the stresses of firing and flight, but to fragment upon impact for their intended terminal effect. They are not intended to be reusable or to withstand significant mishandling.
Maintenance, in this context, refers to proper storage. Keeping them in a cool, dry environment away from extreme temperature fluctuations is paramount to preserving their integrity. Improper storage could lead to degradation of the jacket or core, impacting ballistic consistency. There are no specific maintenance tips beyond careful handling and storage, as they are a consumable component.
Accessories and Customization Options
As rifle bullets, the Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 39 Grain .20 Gauge FB Rifle Bullets do not come with traditional accessories. However, the true customization comes in the handloading process. This involves selecting the appropriate propellant, primer, and seating depth to optimize performance for a specific rifle.
While Sierra Bullets provides excellent load data, individual rifles can exhibit unique preferences. This means a shooter might experiment with different powders or charge weights to find the most accurate load for their firearm. Compatibility with common reloading dies and equipment is standard, as these are industry-standard components.
Pros and Cons of Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 39 Grain .20 Gauge FB Rifle Bullets
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: These bullets consistently deliver tight groups, essential for precise varmint control.
- Devastating Terminal Performance: Engineered for rapid expansion, they provide quick and humane takedowns on small game.
- High Velocity Capability: Designed to handle the extreme speeds of calibers like the .204 Ruger without fragmenting prematurely in flight.
- Consistent Manufacturing: Sierra Bullets‘ reputation for quality ensures uniformity, leading to predictable ballistic performance.
- Good Value in Bulk: The 500 Bullet quantity offers an economical option for frequent shooters.
Cons
- Limited Application: Primarily designed for varmints; not suitable for larger game or applications requiring deep penetration.
- Fragile for Over-Penetration: Their tendency to expand rapidly means they may not exit larger animals, which can be a consideration in some hunting scenarios.
Who Should Buy Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 39 Grain .20 Gauge FB Rifle Bullets?
The Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 39 Grain .20 Gauge FB Rifle Bullets are an outstanding choice for precision varmint hunters and competitive shooters who focus on the .204 Ruger or similar high-velocity .20 caliber platforms. If your goal is accurate shot placement on small game like groundhogs, prairie dogs, or coyotes, these bullets will serve you exceptionally well. They are also ideal for those who enjoy load development and fine-tuning their rifle’s performance for maximum accuracy.
Those who should probably skip this product are individuals looking for bullets for larger game hunting or for applications where deep penetration is critical. These bullets are not designed for elk, deer, or even larger predators. If you’re seeking a bullet that will reliably exit a target and provide more passthrough, you’ll need to look elsewhere. For optimal performance, a good reloading manual and careful load development are recommended, making this product best suited for experienced handloaders or those willing to learn.
Conclusion on Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 39 Grain .20 Gauge FB Rifle Bullets
The Sierra Bullets BlitzKing 39 Grain .20 Gauge FB Rifle Bullets are a superb component for the discerning .20 caliber rifleman. They offer a compelling blend of match-grade accuracy and explosive terminal performance, making them an excellent choice for varmint hunting and precision shooting. The consistent quality synonymous with the Sierra Bullets brand ensures reliable performance, even when pushed to the high velocities these calibers are capable of.
At $194.49 for 500 rounds, the value proposition is strong for those who regularly shoot and reload for their .20 caliber rifles. The price per bullet is competitive for the level of precision and performance offered. I would absolutely recommend these bullets to anyone looking to maximize the effectiveness of their .204 Ruger or similar caliber. If your focus is on accuracy and humane varmint dispatch, these bullets are hard to beat.