Update on the Barnes Original Spitzer
Soft-Point 300 grain
A couple of years ago, I discovered and reported that the .458 Barnes Original Spitzer Soft Point along with Vihtavuori N120 powder proved to be a spectacularly accurate, and comparatively flat-shooting combination out of the Savage 10ML-II when used with the smooth-loading Orange .458 / 50 MMP sabot. Since that time, many Savage enthusiast have learned the same thing. I've had sub 1-1/2 in. groups at 220 yards with this load-- some folks have reported even better. One of the seminal articles discussing this combination appears here: http://www.chuckhawks.com/barnes_original_300grain.htm .
The Savage 10ML-II can keep the Barnes Original above 1600 fps to well past 275 yards.
The Barnes Original #457010 SSP with a published BC of .291 was, and is a spectacular bullet out of the Savage. The Savage can drive this bullet at 2300 fps will little trouble, handily exceeding conventional velocities of the .45-70 Government this bullet was marketed for, as indicated right on the box. It shoots accurately, and penetrates far better than conventional thin-jacketed pistol bullets. One problem, though-- Barnes could not possibly foresee the demand, and Barnes quickly sold out of them. Another run was scheduled and completed-- those bullets sold out as soon as they were made. All the while, Barnes has been gaining traction as the most innovative bullet manufacturers in the world today, with their "Triple Shock" bullets becoming a huge hit around the world with hunters and becoming factory loaded product in Federal Premium Ammunition, and so forth. As much as Barnes tries to be all things to all people, they naturally cannot neglect their centerfire rifle and pistol customers either. And, they haven't.
As of this writing, January, 2007, Barnes has yet another run of the Barnes Original #457010 SSP scheduled for this month. He who hesistates is lost, so if you want some . . . the best bet is to get your order in directly with Barnes right now.
From Ty Herring at Barnes:
As you mentioned we are well aware of how well the .458 cal 300gr SSP is working for the Savage ML owners and we are making the largest run ever of this particular bullet. With that said, the demand is at an all time high and I don't expect them to last long. Get your order in right away!
Ty
Ty Herring
Barnes Bullets
Customer Service Director
P.O. Box 215
American Fork
Utah 84003
Tel 801-756-4222
1-800-574-9200
An example of a 2300 fps Barnes Original that I recovered by digging half-way to China: 285 grains left, or "95% weight retention" in this instance.
Contact: Randy Wakeman, 12362 S. Oxford Lane, Plainfield, IL 60585
By phone: (815) 254-2135 Email: randymagic@aol.com
