Speer TNT 39 gr. .204 bullets

[Mark M.]

I would like to try these in my 204, have any of you guys tried these? Wondering how they compare to Sierra's 39 gr. Blitzking

 

[searcher]

I bought a bunch of the lead-free 39 TNT's several years ago when California was going lead-free. I have not seen or fired the leaded version - so this may be apples to oranges. On the lead-free ones, they are flat-base and have a HUGE hollow point. Much larger than H.P's in any other varmint bullets I have used. They blow up ground squirrels REALLY well. I was shooting them out of an AR-15 in .20 Practical. I have shot tons of the 39 BK's and 40 V-Max and the TNT's seem to blow squirrels up just as well, though their lower BC has them shedding speed a bit quicker, more wind drift, etc.. I think the lead-free TNT's are comprised of compressed particulate like the Barnes Varmint Grenades and Lead-free Ballistic Tips - all of which are also very explosive. I'm not sure if the leaded version will do that. As for accuracy - in the two barrels I tested the TNT's in - neither of them favored the TNT over the 39 BK. They didn't shoot badly - just not as good. I was getting around 5/8 MOA out of them on barrels I can get 3/8 to 1/2" MOLA using BK's or V-Max. Of course - that could just be my barrels and I didn't test them as extensively as I did the others. All said - the lead-free version are good bullets - not sure about the leaded. If the leaded version has as big of a hollow point opening as the lead free - if an A/R barrel doesn't have a good bevel leading to the chamber, these bullets will hang up when loading. I ground on mine with a Dremel for a minute and problem solved. I think that issue, though was due to the gunsmith who chambered my barrel - not the bullet.

 

[MikeT49]

I've shot them in my 20P. They are close to the 39 BK in my barrel and probably just as good if I had more confidence in them.

 

[Fast14riot]

I used to shoot them in my 20P and they were good to go.

 

[GAnderson]

If I had only one choice of bullet to use in 20cal for coyotes, it would be the 39gr Speer...they do the job on coyotes. Use them a lot!

 

[RegionRat]

Like @searcher I have no choice but to use non-tox in CA for hunting now.

I spend most hunting trips far away from CA, I have not put in as much effort on these since I don’t use them when out of state. That said, I have developed loads and used all the non-tox, just not anywhere near the degree I have used Hornady, Sierra, and Berger.

I’ll be starting that development up again now with a set of new dedicated 204 rigs for CA. The previous efforts were just okay, not the equivalent group or accuracy of the 39 Sierra or the 40 VMax, but close enough. The terminal performance is good but the BC isn’t as good so their range isn’t as good.

 

[jpx2rk]

I've shot them in a 204R and 20P without any issues. Accurate enough to blow up a pdog for sure.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I just picked up 1K of the Speer 39gr TNT. Will be testing them in a custom 20 PPC.

The Sierra 39gr BK used to be my go-to bullet. Arguably the best shooting all around 20 cal bullet on the market. But they are just getting too damn expensive and they have always been hard to find. Finally decided to cut ties with the 39gr BKs and move on to more affordable bullets that are much easier to find

 

[searcher]

Like @searcher I have no choice but to use non-tox in CA for hunting now.

I spend most hunting trips far away from CA, I have not put in as much effort on these since I don’t use them when out of state. That said, I have developed loads and used all the non-tox, just not anywhere near the degree I have used Hornady, Sierra, and Berger.

I’ll be starting that development up again now with a set of new dedicated 204 rigs for CA. The previous efforts were just okay, not the equivalent group or accuracy of the 39 Sierra or the 40 VMax, but close enough. The terminal performance is good but the BC isn’t as good so their range isn’t as good.

When working up the lead-free load for the new rigs - be sure to try the Lead Free Ballistic Tip if you can find them. Combined with Accurate LT32 - nothing better in a half dozen barrels I tuned. Within 300 yards, they lack not.

 

[RegionRat]

@searcher Yes, I am glad I already have them in hand since we all know how hard things are going to be for a while. I’ll add LT32 to the list.

I have one of the new bolt guns in hand along with scope and rings, but I’m waiting on a mount before I can assemble and start testing. I’ll run the LT32. Reloader 10X, RE-15, and CFE223 to start. Really looking forward to seeing what the non-tox versions can do.

 

[A_Gamehog]

Nosler 32 grain lead free flys excellent with LT-32 in all my 204’s with 11 twist.
I have stocked up over the past few years. Shoot me a PM and I’ll send you some to try.
Remember that the lead free 32 nosler is as long as a 40 VMax and longer than the 39 Sierra’s.

Don

 

[TheOtherZilla]

I tried em. Bought a couple of boxes. Still have em. Sierra's shoot better.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I tried em. Bought a couple of boxes. Still have em. Sierra's shoot better.

But how much better? Hard to turn the other cheek when TNTs are less than half the price of BlitzKings

 

[Knifeman]

You may want to try 40gr Berger’s I use them exclusively in a 20 Vartarg for coyotes. Very accurate and anchor dog well.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

But how much better? Hard to turn the other cheek when TNTs are less than half the price of BlitzKings

Better enough that I will shoot em up and move on. In my 204 Sierra 39's are the best shooting. Tried Bergers, but the Sierra's shoot best in my rifle..

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Better enough that I will shoot em up and move on. In my 204 Sierra 39's are the best shooting. Tried Bergers, but the Sierra's shoot best in my rifle..

Yeah that’s always been my experience as well. Nothing beats the Sierra 39gr. I will do some extensive tuning to see just how good the 39gr TNT will shoot as soon as I can get a break from the new house build.