Blackjack bullets, alternatives.

[nakneker]

Apparently I’ve been living under a rock for the past year when it comes to Blackjack bullets, looks like they are out of the game, the last FB post is a senior member leaving the company, there website has no stock etc etc. I’m surprised the website is still up. There’s also a few guys with very negative comments, orders that haven’t been delivered etc. If they are still up and running where are their bullets offered? That’s really too bad, I know Berger now offers the 133gr and 135gr. Hornady has an offering listed in 134gr but I haven’t seen any and it’s a ELD-M. Who else offers that type of a bullet? Thinking about building a 25 Saum or PRC with ODCR in the coming year. I wish I would have had a crystal ball, Blackjack had the quite a few reamers, quite a few barrels and their bullets etc in stock last time I checked which was a couple years ago.

I’ll ask Zack too of course, he’s always beyond helpful but thought I’d ask here too.

Ive always loved quarter bores. I’ve had a 25-05 of some kind most my adult life. I currently have a 25x47L Alex Wheeler built that shoots BIB 110s. That’s what it’s set up to shoot, it’s a lethal combo too. That niche is covered but an over ore .25 cal is not.

I’d appreciate any input on other .25 caliber LR, high BC 25 cal options. Thanks in advance.

 

[Kurz]

Blackjack Bullets has been out of production for at least the last two years. They actually didn't produce anything since it was Sierra who made those bullets. When the COVID stranglehold took down the components industry, Sierra kept the production of the 131 ACE off the list which is where it's stayed all this time. It might make a comeback in a few years but it will be supplied by Sierra.

You've named the others; 133, 135 and the 134. There is a 145 gr. from Blackhole Bullets:

https://blackholebullets.com/see-products

Enjoy!

 

[284winner]

Apparently I’ve been living under a rock for the past year when it comes to Blackjack bullets, looks like they are out of the game, the last FB post is a senior member leaving the company, there website has no stock etc etc. I’m surprised the website is still up. There’s also a few guys with very negative comments, orders that haven’t been delivered etc. If they are still up and running where are their bullets offered? That’s really too bad, I know Berger now offers the 133gr and 135gr. Hornady has an offering listed in 134gr but I haven’t seen any and it’s a ELD-M. Who else offers that type of a bullet? Thinking about building a 25 Saum or PRC with ODCR in the coming year. I wish I would have had a crystal ball, Blackjack had the quite a few reamers, quite a few barrels and their bullets etc in stock last time I checked which was a couple years ago.

I’ll ask Zack too of course, he’s always beyond helpful but thought I’d ask here too.

Ive always loved quarter bores. I’ve had a 25-05 of some kind most my adult life. I currently have a 25x47L Alex Wheeler built that shoots BIB 110s. That’s what it’s set up to shoot, it’s a lethal combo too. That niche is covered but an over ore .25 cal is not.

I’d appreciate any input on other .25 caliber LR, high BC 25 cal options. Thanks in advance.

I still have 1000 BJs but the Berger 135s are so close(accuracy wise) that there's no need for BJ bullets. Not sure how they compare in killing game tho. POI is identical to my 131s.

 

[nakneker]

Blackjack Bullets has been out of production for at least the last two years. They actually didn't produce anything since it was Sierra who made those bullets. When the COVID stranglehold took down the components industry, Sierra kept the production of the 131 ACE off the list which is where it's stayed all this time. It might make a comeback in a few years but it will be supplied by Sierra.

You've named the others; 133, 135 and the 134. There is a 145 gr. from Blackhole Bullets:

https://blackholebullets.com/see-products

Enjoy!

Looks like they, blackhole, makes a 130 grain too

 

[nakneker]

Seems pretty limited out there, figured that was the case. Blackjack was good for the quarter bore, hate to see their demise.

 

[284winner]

Seems pretty limited out there, figure that was the case. Blackjack was good for the quarter bore, hate to see their demise.

Really not limited. Berger has 133/135 bullets available most locations that sell Berger. Now the Hornady 134 ELDs came out. I just ordered the 120 Speer BTSP that finally arrived at some locations. The 135 Berger should perform exactly like the 131 BJ

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

There are some Hammer bullets, all copper I think. They look pretty sleek. Has anyone fired them in 25 cal?

 

[Bill K]

Hammer bullets are very good, have used some in several calibers. But be sure and follow his directions on what twist your barrel has, for the best results. One good thing with Hammer bullets, is that you can buy a small test pack to try, prior to ordering a 100 or more.
Black Hole have a good selection also. Either one however needs for you to work up a load with the choosen bullet in each case, which, really is a normal procedure.

 

[nakneker]

There are some Hammer bullets, all copper I think. They look pretty sleek. Has anyone fired them in 25 cal?

Lots of good info out there on those bullets. I have yet to use them but I plan on trying them in different calibers and cartridges later this year. They are getting some rave reviews on their performance on big game. An all copper bullet and bullets weights used are lighter than what you typically would use. Better choices for the long range game in my opinion but they certainly seem deadly and the shorter and medium ranges and the reported accuracy is very good. There is lots of load data out there if you look too.

 

[STOMP442]

Sierra is seriously missing the boat here. The very short run they had with Blackjack created quite the following of happy customers. They hit a home run with that bullet design, I have never seen a poor review of them and now they just don't make them. The .25 cal was finally getting the attention it deserved. It's a shame.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

Sierra is seriously missing the boat here. The very short run they had with Blackjack created quite the following of happy customers. They hit a home run with that bullet design, I have never seen a poor review of them and now they just don't make them. The .25 cal was finally getting the attention it deserved. It's a shame.

Yeah, I agree 100%. I think there is a market for a bullet in the 120-125, not quite VLD dimensions.

 

[dakotaman]

I miss the Blackjack/Sierra 131g bullet and the helpful guys at Blackjack. I've shot these in my 25 Creedmoor since Blackjack started up years ago and they have been deadly accurate. I shot them for a year in 600 yard F-Class. They are even more deadly at 1000 yards. I normally shoot a 6mm Dasher in competition for longer barrel life and less barrel heat mirage but the 25 Creedmoor shoots. I'd order 1000 today if Sierra decided to run a batch. I'm just using up the last of my 131g stock and will start shooting the Bergers once they are gone. I've also made a couple 25-06 AIs that use this bullet and they are barn burners. This is what the quarter bore has been missing for my whole lifetime so I'm enjoying the opportunity to shoot these beauties. I'll try the Hornady ELD too as that is my favorite long range hunting bullet.