Sellier & Bellot Ammo

[shootinthecinders]

I’ve used S&B ammo in a 6.5x55 Swede with no problems but I had a case separation in my Henry .357 with 158gr FMJ ammo and also found this same example on another forum http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/b ... se.177515/ . Is it just a coincidence that this happened in lever action rifles? I don’t know but it does seem unusual. I previously considered it good ammunition.

[RanchRoper]

We'll see how it goes. If any issues cycling it I'll have 600 rounds of revolver ammo.

[CT_Shooter]

I’ve used S&B ammo in a 6.5x55 Swede with no problems but I had a case separation in my Henry .357 with 158gr FMJ ammo and also found this same example on another forum http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/b ... se.177515/ . Is it just a coincidence that this happened in lever action rifles? I don’t know but it does seem unusual. I previously considered it good ammunition.

Shootinthecinders, I've used this ammo without the problem you've described. But, as you've described it, the brass case seems to be the weak component, and since the sited thread is fairly old, it may simply be a rare manufacturing anomaly.

Nonetheless, no brand of FMJs are recommended by Henry for tubular lever action rifles. Not because cases may separate on detonation as happened to you, but rather, because they may detonate in the magazine because of the hard surface of the FMJ bullet contacting the next round's primer.

I no longer shoot FMJs in my Henry out of an abundance of caution, but I have had no issues with S&B ammo.

[shootinthecinders]

Nonetheless, no brand of FMJs are recommended by Henry for tubular lever action rifles. Not because cases may separate on detonation as happened to you, but rather, because they may detonate in the magazine because of the hard surface of the FMJ bullet contacting the next round's primer.

CT_Shooter, these are flat nose bullets not round nose. The only ammo warning I found in the Henry manual was in bold red letters stating: DO NOT USE BLAZER OR OTHER ALUMINUM CASED AMMUNITION IN THIS RIFLE.

[RanchRoper]

I did some homework on this stuff before I purchased and lots of CAS shooters use it, however I certainly appreciate the input and comments. I will exercise caution on the first bunch of rounds, and see how it goes. My hopes are it feeds good and is as accurate as the Winchester 250 gr LFN I prefer or the Black Hills that is a close second. At the Sellier & Bellot price, if it performs I'll be ordering a bunch more....but like I said, any issues and it's revolver ammo. Thanks guys, appreciate your perspectives.

Watch for a frosty range report sometime soon....

[CT_Shooter]

CT_Shooter, these are flat nose bullets not round nose. The only ammo warning I found in the Henry manual was in bold red letters stating: DO NOT USE BLAZER OR OTHER ALUMINUM CASED AMMUNITION IN THIS RIFLE.

It was a surprise to me, too. I've fired thousands of 130 gr FMJ handloads, but Henry does not recommend them and actually advises against using them.

Here are a few forum links regarding FMJs in Henry rifles.

http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... fmj#p37382

http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... fmj#p37391

http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... fmj#p37402

[shootinthecinders]

CT_Shooter, these are flat nose bullets not round nose. The only ammo warning I found in the Henry manual was in bold red letters stating: DO NOT USE BLAZER OR OTHER ALUMINUM CASED AMMUNITION IN THIS RIFLE.

It was a surprise to me, too. I've fired thousands of 130 gr FMJ handloads, but Henry does not recommend them and actually advises against using them.

Here are a few forum links regarding FMJs in Henry rifles.

http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... fmj#p37382

http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... fmj#p37391

http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... fmj#p37402

Thanks for the links.

[shootinthecinders]

Keep us posted RanchRoper. They will probably work fine. One thing for sure, they did cycle well for me and gave good accuracy.

[RanchRoper]

Picking up the ammo on Monday. Will let you know how it works.

[JEBar]

I just loaded some of their primers in 44 mag cases, they seem to be a bit thinner than the CCI's I normally use .... that said, they do go boom

[RanchRoper]

Boom is good!

[RanchRoper]

It's here! Picked up the shipment today. I'll try some out this weekend. It looks good.

[BigAl52]

If they shoot as good as the box looks RR you will be in like flint.