Introduction
Discover the Speer TNT, a high-performance bullet designed for varmint hunters who demand explosive terminal effects and precision. Introduced by Speer Ammunition in the 1990s, based in Lewiston, Idaho, the TNT is a jacketed hollow-point bullet optimized for rapid fragmentation, making it ideal for areas where lead-core bullets are permitted.
Renowned for its explosive expansion and dramatic energy transfer, the TNT delivers devastating performance on small game, making it a favorite among varmint hunters. Its versatile design excels in fast-paced scenarios, from open prairies to agricultural fields.
- Caliber Range: Available from .224 to .308 inches, supporting cartridges like .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, and .300 Winchester Magnum.
- Weight Options: Spans 30 to 110 grains, with popular variants like 50-grain .224, 87-grain .257, and 90-grain .264.
- Hunting Focus: Engineered for rapid fragmentation and minimal pelt damage, ideal for varmints like prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and coyotes.
Technical Characteristics
The Speer TNT is built for varmint hunters seeking explosive performance and accuracy. Its thin-jacketed design ensures top-tier results in the field.
- Thin Jacket Construction: Features a thin precision jacket with internal fluting for explosive fragmentation upon impact, ensuring quick kills with minimal over-penetration.
- Hollow-Point Design: Jacketed hollow point promotes rapid expansion at velocities as low as 2,000 fps, achieving 2-3x diameter expansion on varmints.
- Flat-Base Profile: Streamlined shape enhances ballistic efficiency and reduces drag for flat trajectories.
- Velocity and Range: Optimized for muzzle velocities of 2,500-4,000 fps, effective to 300+ yards with good stability.
- Reduced Fouling: Lead-core design with thin jacket minimizes barrel fouling compared to thicker-jacketed bullets, extending cleaning intervals.
Reloading requires precision, using standard dies and SAAMI-compliant COAL to manage pressures. Maintain case neck tension (0.002-0.004″) for optimal accuracy, as the TNT’s fragile design suits high-velocity varmint loads but demands careful load development.
Ballistics and Performance
With G1 BCs ranging from 0.091 to 0.384, the TNT offers solid stability for varmint ranges and wind resistance, supported by moderate sectional density for explosive effects. Field tests show a 50-grain .224 TNT achieving 0.5-1.0 MOA at 200 yards with ES/SD under 20 fps from a 1:12 twist barrel. The 30-grain .224 is ideal for small varmints like ground squirrels, while the 90-grain .264 excels for larger predators like coyotes, delivering energy to 300 yards.
The Expert Ballistics Table below lists key TNT variants from Speer specifications, sorted by diameter then weight. BCs are G1; verify on Speer’s site for updates.
| Diameter (inches) | Weight (grains) | Ballistic Coefficient (BC) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.224 | 30 | 0.091 | 0.085 |
| 0.224 | 50 | 0.228 | 0.142 |
| 0.224 | 55 | 0.233 | 0.157 |
| 0.257 | 87 | 0.315 | 0.188 |
| 0.264 | 90 | 0.281 | 0.184 |
| 0.284 | 110 | 0.384 | 0.195 |
Groups of 0.5-1.0 MOA achievable; excels to 300 yards with proper shot placement.
Comparison Bullets
The TNT competes with Hornady V-Max (polymer-tipped), Sierra BlitzKing (polymer-tipped hollow point), and Nosler Varmageddon (jacketed hollow point). Its BCs (0.091-0.384) are comparable to V-Max (0.100-0.400) and BlitzKing (0.120-0.390), but lower than Varmageddon (0.150-0.410) in some weights. The TNT’s expansion is more explosive than V-Max at high velocities (3,500+ fps) but matches BlitzKing in fragmentation.
| Bullet | Diameter Range (inches) | Weight Range (grains) | BC Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speer TNT | 0.224-0.308 | 30-110 | 0.091-0.384 | Thin jacket, internal fluting |
| Hornady V-Max | 0.172-0.308 | 20-110 | 0.100-0.400 | Polymer tip, explosive |
| Sierra BlitzKing | 0.204-0.308 | 32-90 | 0.120-0.390 | Polymer tip, rapid fragmentation |
| Nosler Varmageddon | 0.172-0.308 | 20-110 | 0.150-0.410 | Hollow point or tipped, versatile |
Field reports show TNT matching V-Max in accuracy but outperforming BlitzKing in explosive effects by 10% on small varmints.
Applications and Practical Aspects
Ideal for hunting:
- 30-55gr .224 for ground squirrels and prairie dogs;
- 87gr .257 for coyotes and foxes;
- 90gr .264 for mid-range varmints;
- 110gr .284 for larger predators.
Delivers 0.5-1.0 MOA in tuned rifles, ideal for quick, ethical varmint control.
Reloading
- Load Data: Refer to Speer’s reloading manual or website for TNT-specific data, as the thin jacket design requires careful velocity management to avoid premature breakup.
- Starting Charges: Begin 5-10% below maximum loads for comparable varmint 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 TNT’s hollow point is sensitive to inconsistencies.
- Crimp Application: Apply a light crimp if needed for secure bullet retention, particularly in semi-auto rifles, ensuring reliable feeding.
- Barrel Twist Compatibility: Match barrel twist rate to TNT weight (e.g., 1:12 for 50gr .224, 1:10 for 87gr .257) for proper stabilization and optimal accuracy.
- Velocity Check: Chronograph to confirm velocities above 2,000-2,500 fps for reliable expansion, targeting extreme spreads under 20 fps.
- Storage: Store in sealed containers to protect from moisture; suitable for all varmint applications per design.
Conclusion
Speer TNT is a premier varmint bullet, combining explosive fragmentation with reliable accuracy. Its performance and affordability make it a strong choice for hunters targeting small game and predators. Visit official website.
