Hornady 129gr SST Recovered Bullet Review: 6.5 Creedmoor Deer Load 🦌

I finally got my hands on the recovered bullet from the doe I shot a month ago. The retained weight was 82.3gr which means it shed about 36% of it weight...the expansion was good and the bullet performed exactly as it was designed to do! I’m a fan of the SST! Make sure y’all go stock up at Mr. Big Guns in Huntsville Alabama!

[@mrmatt7210]

I've used the 150gr SST in my .308 Win since Hornady introduced this bullet in 1998. To be honest, I've lost count of the deer I've taken with this bullet along with a few hogs for extra measure. In all this time , I've never had a bullet failure nor have I ever lost a deer . No bullet can guarantee to drop every deer in its tracks, but its rare to have one travel more than a few yards after the shot. With this being said, I've been hunting with a 6.5 Creedmoor over the last couple of years and have been somewhat reluctant to use the SST in this cartridge. For what it's worth, I was concerned if a unbonded light weight bullet of smaller diameter designed for rapid expansion would retain the bullet weight needed to penetrate and exit a deer at an off angled shot . Yes, there are times you must choose between taking the shot which is available or allow the deer to walk, and at such times you had best have full confidence in your bullet. For this reason, I chose to sight my rifle in with Hornady's 129gr spire point (soft lead tip) bullet. In my case, this bullet has been very accurate, and I've yet to recover a bullet in which to judge its expansion or retained weight. In the future I may try the 6.5 129gr SST in my own rifle thanks to your video. Until then, I have a couple hundred soft point bullets which are ready for reloading and filling freezers.

[@mcclain011]

Nice to see the end result. Good job.

[@kirkthorpe5392]

Thanks for sharing! Not a lot of info out there on how these bullets perform in animals.

[@davidrussell631]

Thanks for the info. Sounds like you got a really good load worked up. The question in my mind is how reliable they are at really close range or if they encounter heavy bone.

[@trevorgomez3343]

My best shots with my Browning X-Bolt Stalker Long Range and Hornady Superformace SST 150 grain 30-06.
*5x4 Whitetail @ 387 yards
* 3×3 Mule deer @ 262 yards
* 306 pound black bear @ 370 yards
* 5x5 Bull Elk @ 270 yards
.82" 100 yard groups/ 3,103 FPS
FACTORY AMMO

[@dandingfelder6763]

I found the 129 sst to be the most accurate out of my creed as well. Although I use R17. As you said, it drops them where they stand at least everything I have shot has. Congratulations on your harvest!

[@alabamareloader]

Seems to be a solid bullet for sure...the 129gr options let’s you kick up a little more velocity as well.

[@jmkhenka]

Why 129 sst where there is a 129 Interbond that is bonded? I for one dont want more lead in the meat then necessary. Interbond shoots really fine and is superiour to the SST. But if you want/need a wet/soft bullet the SST is better - bonded bullets can be a bit harder.

[@alabamareloader]

@@jmkhenka I love bonded bullets but the Interbond bullets are $.30 cents more per bullet compared to the SST’s...if I was gonna spend that kind of money per bullet I would just go with a lead free option like Barnes or a Nosler E-Tip. Speer Gold Dots are a great bonded choice that don’t break the bank.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Can't argue or be unhappy with that.

[@dylanmartinez2157]

Thanks for the video brother. Though I don’t hunt, I see this round more than capable for 2 legged predators should the need arise.
I’m planning on getting a Bergara B14 HMR but I can’t seem to find one in an all black stock .. any idea why? Thanks man!

[@brianlee6849]

Looks like that SST did its job. Have you tried the nosler 129 L R accubond? I'm curious to see how they perform also. Being a bonded bullet it should actually hold more weight. Thank you 👍

[@alabamareloader]

I haven’t tried the AB’s but yea it should retain more weight and get the job done for sure.

[@brianlee6849]

@@alabamareloader Cool 👍 thank you

[@shawn2571]

Honady told me these weren't desiged for big game game hunting., are they effective for deer?

[@alabamareloader]

Very effective

[@rodneyharrison7107]

Where can I get a book like that

[@alabamareloader]

MidwayUSA

[@davejones67]

Hey what’s going on UTube said everyone…..