Introduction
Explore the Hornady SST (Super Shock Tip), a polymer-tipped bullet designed for hunters who value rapid expansion and enhanced precision. Introduced by Hornady Manufacturing in 1997, based in Grand Island, Nebraska, the SST combines aerodynamic design with reliable terminal performance for modern hunting needs.
Renowned for its rapid expansion and shock effect, the SST delivers effective terminal performance, making it a top choice for ethical hunters pursuing medium game. Its advanced design ensures consistent results across varied hunting scenarios, from dense woods to open fields.
- Caliber Range: Available from .224 to .338 inches, supporting cartridges like .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, and .300 Winchester Magnum.
- Weight Options: Spans 55 to 180 grains, with key variants like 55-grain .224, 100-grain .243, and 165-grain .308.
- Hunting Focus: Optimized for rapid expansion and shock, ideal for medium game at mid to long ranges.
Technical Characteristics
The Hornady SST is crafted for hunters seeking rapid expansion and reliability. Its lead-core construction and innovative features make it a standout in the field.
- Lead Core with Copper Jacket: Features a lead core encased in a copper jacket for high weight retention and controlled expansion, preventing excessive fragmentation.
- Polymer-Tipped Design: Includes a red polymer tip and hollow-point cavity for rapid expansion at velocities as low as 1,800 fps, achieving 1.5-2x diameter expansion.
- Boat-Tail Profile: Streamlined boat-tail design enhances ballistic efficiency and reduces drag for flat trajectories.
- Velocity and Range: Optimized for muzzle velocities of 2,000-3,500 fps, effective to 500+ yards with excellent stability.
- InterLock Ring: Internal locking ring secures core and jacket for consistent performance.
Reloading demands precision, using standard dies and SAAMI-compliant COAL to manage pressures. Maintain case neck tension (0.002-0.004″) for optimal accuracy, as the SST’s design excels in varied hunts but requires careful load development.
Ballistics and Performance
With G1 BCs ranging from 0.300 to 0.530, the SST provides superior long-range stability and wind resistance, bolstered by high sectional density for reliable penetration. Field tests show a 130-grain .270 SST achieving 0.5-0.8 MOA at 300 yards with ES/SD under 15 fps from a 1:10 twist barrel. The 55-grain .224 is ideal for varmints and small game, while the 165-grain .308 excels for medium game like deer or elk, maintaining energy to 400 yards.
The Expert Ballistics Table below lists key SST variants from Hornady specifications, sorted by diameter then weight. BCs are G1; verify on Hornady’s site for updates.
| Diameter (inches) | Weight (grains) | Ballistic Coefficient (BC) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.224 | 55 | 0.300 | 0.157 |
| 0.243 | 95 | 0.355 | 0.230 |
| 0.264 | 123 | 0.510 | 0.252 |
| 0.277 | 130 | 0.415 | 0.242 |
| 0.284 | 140 | 0.486 | 0.248 |
| 0.308 | 150 | 0.415 | 0.226 |
| 0.308 | 165 | 0.447 | 0.248 |
| 0.308 | 180 | 0.480 | 0.271 |
| 0.338 | 180 | 0.530 | 0.225 |
Groups of 0.5-0.8 MOA achievable; excels to 500 yards with proper shot placement.
Comparison Bullets
The SST competes with Nosler Ballistic Tip (polymer-tipped lead-core) and Sierra Tipped GameKing (polymer-tipped boat-tail). Its BCs (0.300-0.530) are comparable to Ballistic Tip (0.310-0.531) and Tipped GameKing (0.323-0.535), offering similar long-range performance. The SST’s expansion is 5-10% more rapid than Tipped GameKing at high velocities (3,000 fps), but matches Ballistic Tip in penetration. Against Ballistic Tip 140gr .270, the SST 130gr .270 drops 5% less at 400 yards; versus Tipped GameKing 150gr .308, it expands 5% faster. Advantages: rapid expansion, high BC. Drawbacks: potential over-expansion at close range, slightly higher cost ($0.30-$0.50 per bullet).
| Bullet | Diameter Range (inches) | Weight Range (grains) | BC Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady SST | 0.224-0.338 | 55-180 | 0.300-0.530 | Polymer tip, interlock ring |
| Nosler Ballistic Tip | 0.224-0.338 | 55-180 | 0.310-0.531 | Polymer tip, boat-tail |
| Sierra Tipped GameKing | 0.224-0.308 | 64-180 | 0.323-0.535 | Polymer tip, boat-tail lead-core |
Field reports show SST leading Tipped GameKing by 0.2 MOA at 400 yards and outperforming Ballistic Tip in expansion consistency.
Applications and Practical Aspects
Ideal for hunting:
- 55gr .224 for varmints and small game;
- 95gr .243 for deer and antelope;
- 123gr 6.5mm for mid-range elk or bear;
- 150-180gr .308 for deer or larger medium game;
- 180gr .338 for versatile medium game.
Delivers 0.5-0.8 MOA in tuned rifles, ideal for ethical kills.
Reloading
- Load Data: Refer to Hornady’s reloading manual or website for SST-specific data, as the lead-core design generates standard pressures similar to other jacketed bullets.
- Starting Charges: Begin at recommended loads for comparable lead bullets to avoid over-pressure; increase gradually while checking for pressure signs.
- Seating Consistency: Ensure precise seating depths (0.010-0.050″ off lands) to maximize accuracy, as the SST’s profile is sensitive to inconsistencies.
- Crimp Application: Apply a light to medium crimp on the cannelure for secure bullet retention, particularly in semi-auto or high-recoil rifles, ensuring reliable feeding.
- Barrel Twist Compatibility: Match barrel twist rate to SST weight (e.g., 1:9 for 55gr .224, 1:8 for 123gr 6.5mm) for proper stabilization and optimal accuracy.
- Velocity Check: Chronograph to confirm velocities above 1,800-2,000 fps for reliable expansion, targeting extreme spreads under 15 fps.
- Storage: Store in sealed containers to protect from moisture; suitable for all hunting applications per design.
Conclusion
Hornady SST is a premier hunting bullet, combining high ballistic coefficients with rapid expansion and shock effect. Its precision and reliability make it ideal for hunters targeting medium game at extended ranges. Visit official website.
