Accuracy test: Sellier & Bellot sport shooting rifle ammunition in .223 Rem., .308 Win, .300 WM and .338 LM

The Czech manufacturer Sellier & Bellot has been producing ammunition since 1825 and is thus heading straight for its 200th anniversary. In recent years, the product catalog has been steadily expanded, especially in the field of match and hunting ammunition, as well as the special needs of the law enforcement sector. Today, however, our overview focuses more on the sport shooting sector, which Sellier & Bellot covers with a wide range. Classic calibers such as .223 Remington and .308 Winchester are to be found here, as well as the long range calibers .300 Winchester Magnum or .338 Lapua Magnum. But also fans of "newcomers" such as 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 Blackout or "issue calibers" such as 6.5x55, 7.5x55 or 7.62x54R will find what they are looking for at Sellier & Bellot. And in our opinion, especially the match loads with hollow-point boat-tail bullets often have what it takes to play in the  front row. Prices are quite affordable too.

.223 Remington – You can get these loads at Sellier & Bellot

Ballistic data from Sellier & Bellot website
Ballistic data on the individual loads are available on the Sellier & Bellot website. In some cases, it is even possible to compare the different types of bullets, such as here the trajectory of the .308 Winchester with 190-grain bullet to the 168-grain match variant.

The smallest cartridge of our quartet has always found supporters in sport shooting in recent years. Whether for static hole punching or dynamic disciplines, the .223 Remington is gaining more and more popularity due to its low recoil and low price. With heavy projectiles, it can even be used on the 300 meter range. The 55-grain FMJ loads mentioned in our tables appeal primarily to shooters who train a lot and appreciate a low price. Occasionally, however, stand regulations also prescribe full metal jacket bullets, so match bullets may not be used. The 52-grain HPBT load is probably the most universal match cartridge. It is suitable for barrel twist rates up to 1:12", but also copes well with shorter ones. Especially for longer ranges, the 69-grain bullets, which can also be found in the table, are suitable. The even heavier 77-grain bullets, which have a BC value of 0.376, are quite new in the catalog. However, they definitely require a shorter twist rate of up to about 1:8". On the other hand, they are also a bit less sensitive to crosswind.

.308 Winchester by Sellier & Bellot

Accuracy International AX Mk III
With an Accuracy International AX Mk III in .300 Winchester Magnum...

The classic among the center cartridges par excellence. That is why Sellier & Bellot also pays tribute to this universal hunting and sport cartridge with three full jacket loads, from the lightweight and mild-recoiling 124-grain to 147-grain bullets, and the heavy 180-grain bullets. The 168-grain HPBT is almost the classic weight of match cartridges. Sellier & Bellot also started with it, which is why most of the results can be found in our tables. Newer in the product range are the 175-grain, 180-grain and 190-grain bullets, which then have BC values of 0.474, 0.488 and 0.451 respectively. These will be included in the tests in the near future. Sellier & Bellot can thus supply enough match cartridges for this still popular caliber.

Sellier & Bellot in .300 Winchester Magnum

17 mm group at 300 m with the Sellier & Bellot in .300 Winchester Magnum
  ...we were able to achieve this very respectable 0.67”/17 mm group at 300 meters using Sellier & Bellot cartridges.

Even though the .300 Winchester Magnum has been overtaken by the performance of the .338 Lapua Magnum, there are still some followers and enough match guns for the belted cartridge. Again, the 168-grains HPBT bullet is a popular choice. Sellier & Bellot is also offering loads with 190-grain and 220-grain bullets. With a BC value of 0.622, the latter clearly appeals to long-range shooters. However, the twist rate for the heavy bullet should be correspondingly short. The manufacturer gives a recommendation of 1:9.5". Especially with this heavyweight we could probably achieve one of the best results of the last years. In combination with an Accuracy International AX MK III, we managed to achieve a fabulous grouping of 17 mm here on the 300-m range.

Long-range sport shooting loads in .338 Lapua Magnum from Sellier & Bellot

The .338 Lapua Magnum has gained more and more importance in the military in the last 10 years and is also found in long-range shooting. Sellier & Bellot offers two match loads. One with the "original bullet weight" of 250 grains and a BC value of 0.637. In addition, the heavy 300-grain bullet has also won its followers due to its lower wind drift. It has a BC-value of 0.760 and according to the manufacturer, it should also harmonize well with twist  rates of 1:11".

S&B ammunition in practical test

Not every gun shoots equally well with every ammunition, that is certainly nothing new. The same applies here as well: the proof of the pudding is in the eating. And we have done this sufficiently. Our extensive table is divided into ascending order of the smallest caliber and lowest bullet weight. The test firearms can be found in the last column and are sorted alphabetically. The accuracy results are based on 5-shot grouping circles at 100 m distance and refer to the most widely spaced centers of the bullet holes. We have chosen the .223 Remington caliber, .308 Winchester .300 Winchester Magnum and the long-range .338 Lapua Magnum. Match loads are also available with inexpensive full metal jacket bullets as well. Maybe your firearm is one of those we used. Otherwise, try the Sellier & Bellot for yourself. It could be worth it.

Here you can find your caliber:

Test results for the Sellier & Bellot loads in .223 Remington

Bullet Weight

 Type

v2 (m/s)

Accuracy (mm)

Firearm

52

HPBT

962

19

Christensen Arms CA-15 Recon

52

HPBT

998

19

DAR-15

52

HPBT

975

17

Daniel Defence DDM4V11Pro

52

HPBT

918

26

DPMS RFA3-OC

52

HPBT

890

16

Heckler&Koch MR223

52

HPBT

1005

12

Howa 1500 Kryptec Typhon

52

HPBT

954

20

Haenel CR 223

52

HPBT

963

22

Kimber 84M Short Varmint/Target

52

HPBT

994

11

North Arms NA-223

52

HPBT

937

15

Oberland OA15 SPR LE

55

FMJ

939

40

Oberland Arms SPR

52

HPBT

918

41 (35)

Pro Arms

52

HPBT

932

41

Pro Arms MK3

52

HPBT

1021

15

Ruger American Rifle Predator

52

HPBT

1005

9

Ruger Precision Rifle Gen2

52

HPBT

974

14

Schmeisser AR15 Ultra Match

52

HPBT

908

15

Schmeisser AR15 SP Ultra Match

52

HPBT

949

26 (17)

Schmeisser AR15 M5

52

HPBT

945

45

Schmeisser AR-15 Dynamic

52

HPBT

944

16 (10)

Schmeisser AR-15 M5 F

52

HPBT

954

18

Schmeisser AR-15 Solid II

52

HPBT

925

38

SIG 516

52

HPBT

925

34

STI Sporting Rifle

52

HPBT

979

21

SIG Sauer MCX Virtus

52

HPBT

1019

32

Zastava M2010

55

FMJ

927

41

DAR-15

55

FMJ

926

47

DPMS RFA3-OC

55

FMJ

1002

23

Howa 1500 RP Varminter

55

FMJ

977

84

Les Baer AR 15

55

FMJ

899

80

Remington 7615

55

FMJ

1025

42

Remington XR-100

55

FMJ

1033

60

Remington 700 VLSS Thumbhole

55

FMJ

975

85

Ruger Mini 14

55

FMJ

955

39(23)

Ruger Mini 14 Ranch Target Rifle

55

FMJ

980

35

Sabre Defence XR 15

55

FMJ

975

24

Steyr AUG-Z Sport

55

FMJ

969

45

SIG Sauer M400 SDPC

69

HPBT

892

28

Christensen Arms CA-15 Recon

69

HPBT

858

26

Hera Arms AR-15C

69

HPBT

915

23

DAR-15

69

HPBT

833

40

DPMS RFA3-OC

69

HPBT

825

42

MKE T43

69

HPBT

878

40

Oberland Arms OA-UG Sport

69

HPBT

774

32

Oberland Arms -15 SSP Commando

69

HPBT

835,

32

Oberland Arms -15 SSP M4

69

HPBT

859

25

Oberland Arms -15 SSP M5

69

HPBT

819

32

Oberland Arms -15 M7

69

HPBT

836

32

Pro Arms MK3

69

HPBT

863

22

Pro Arms MK3

69

HPBT

839

8

Robinson Armament

69

HPBT

960

18

Rössler Titan 3 Target

69

HPBT

873

48

Steyr AUG-Z Sport

69

HPBT

921

18

Savage MSR 15

69

HPBT

904

54

Schmeisser AR15 Ultra Match

69

HPBT

875

46

Schmeisser AR15 M5

69

HPBT

920

20

Schmeisser SP Ultramatch

All bullet and powder weights in grains (to convert to grams, multiply by 0.0648).
FMJ = Full Metal Jacket
HPBT = Hollow Point Boat Tail

The grouping values refer to the farthest apart centers of the bullet holes. The values in brackets indicate the accuracy without a flyer. 

Test results for the Sellier & Bellot loads in .308 Winchester

Bullet Weight

 Type

v2 (m/s)

Accuracy (mm)

Firearm

147

FMJ

786

33

Heckler & Koch MR308

147

FMJ

773

89

MKE T41

147

FMJ

818

35

Ragnaršck PSG

147

FMJ

854

52

Savage 10 BAS

168

HPBT

784

5

Accuracy AT 308

168

HPBT

774

9

Accuracy International AWP

168

HPBT

771

18 (6)

Brügger&Thomet APR

168

HPBT

805

19

Christensen Arms BA Tactical

168

HPBT

716

23

DPMS AR-10 Oracle

168

HPBT

735

21

DPMS LRT-SASS

168

HPBT

757

12

Haenel RS8

168

HPBT

715

21 (7)

Heckler & Koch MR308

168

HPBT

775

41

HSG 1

168

HPBT

784

11 (5)

Keppeler KS V

168

HPBT

789

9

Kimber 84M Mountain Ascent

168

HPBT

791

7

Kimber 84M Long Master Classic

168

HPBT

773

8

Sako TRG 22

168

HPBT

754

14

Savage 12 VSS

168

HPBT

757

19

Savage FP10

168

HPBT

749

47 (34)

Molot Vepr Standard

168

HPBT

790

9

Remington  40 XB Tactical

168

HPBT

745

11

SHR 970 Alpine

168

HPBT

775

41

LDT HSG 1

168

HPBT

716

43

LTD HSG 41

168

HPBT

775

25

Les Baer Tactical Recon

168

HPBT

714

49

MKE T41

168

HPBT

795

52

Oberland Arms OA 10

168

HPBT

760

30 (15)

Oberland Arms OA10 SASS

168

HPBT

788

38

Oberland Arms OA10

168

HPBT

778

19

Orsis Varmint

168

HPBT

820

9

Orsis F-Class

168

HPBT

739

10

PGM Ultima Ratio

168

HPBT

806

12

PSG Walküre

168

HPBT

687

11

Roedale Precision Hunter

168

HPBT

741

13

Roedale Precision RH 40 CS

168

HPBT

750

16

Ragnaršck PSG

168

HPBT

746

11

Remington 700 Mil Spec

168

HPBT

 808

18

Remington 700 SS 5R

168

HPBT

785

8

Remington 40-XS Tactical

168

HPBT

784

16

Remington 700 Target Tactical

168

HPBT

758

27

Remington 700 SPS

168

HPBT

725

26

Remington 700 XCR

168

HPBT

725

10

Remington 700

168

HPBT

771

12

Remington PCR

168

HPBT

779

8

Remington M24

168

HPBT

814

14

Ritter & Stark  SX1

168

HPBT

808

15

Rössler Titan 6 TAC

168

HPBT

789

9

Sako TRG M10

168

HPBT

721

29

SAR M41

168

HPBT

768

55

SAR M57

168

HPBT

730

34

SAR M41 DMR HPC

168

HPBT

775

35

Sabre Defence XR 41.

168

HPBT

800

16

Savage  M10 BA Ashbury

168

HPBT

775

7

Savage 10 BAS

168

HPBT

777

10

Savage M10 FCP-SR

168

HPBT

741

26

Savage M10 Predator Hunter

168

HPBT

775

7

Savage M10 BA

168

HPBT

753

19

Sauer SSG 3000

168

HPBT

757

11

Steyr SSG Carbon

168

HPBT

793

15

SMH Precision Tactical A5

168

HPBT

778

11

Tikka T3 Tactical

168

HPBT

730

18

Unique Alpine TPG 3 A4

168

HPBT

 753

22

Victrix Armaments Pugio

168

HPBT

736

27

Waffen Burk BR-10

168

HPBT

754

18

Windham AR 10 Hunter

175

HPBT

808

10

Tec Target Schneider

190

HPBT

787

9

Daniel Defence Delta 5

All bullet and powder weights in grains (to convert to grams, multiply by 0.0648).
FMJ = Full Metal Jacket
HPBT = Hollow Point Boat Tail

The grouping values refer to the farthest apart centers of the bullet holes. The values in brackets indicate the accuracy without a flyer. 

Test results for Sellier & Bellot loads in .300 Winchester Magnum

Bullet Weight

 Type

v2 (m/s)

Accuracy (mm)

Firearm

168

HPBT

910

25

Accuracy International G22

168

HPBT

939

12

Accuracy International G22 A2

168

HPBT

932

9

Accuracy International AX MK III

168

HPBT

883

10

Blaser II Tactical

168

HPBT

922

13

Orsis T-5000

168

HPBT

886

29

Remington 700 MSR

168

HPBT

911

9

Sako TRG 22

168

HPBT

916

22

STL Tac

168

HPBT

912

15

Steyr SSG 04

168

HPBT

901

9

Unique Alpine TPG 1

220

HPBT

817

10

Accuracy International G22 A2

220

HPBT

822

14

Accuracy International AX MK III

All bullet and powder weights in grains (to convert to grams, multiply by 0.0648).
FMJ = Full Metal Jacket
HPBT = Hollow Point Boat Tail

The grouping values refer to the farthest apart centers of the bullet holes. The values in brackets indicate the accuracy without a flyer. 

Test results for Sellier & Bellot loads in .338 Lapua Magnum

Bullet Weight

 Type

v2 (m/s)

Accuracy (mm)

Firearm

250

HPBT

896

29

Blaser R8 Professional

250

HPBT

863

18

Unique Alpine TPG 3 A4

250

HPBT

879

21

Voere X3

300

HPBT

853

18

Barnard Modell 10

300

HPBT

853

31

Haenel RS9

300

HPBT

833

22

Orsis T-5000

300

HPBT

784

31

Savage M10 BA Stealth Drake

300

HPBT

821

25

Unique Alpine TPG 3 A4

300

HPBT

836

26

Voere X3

All bullet and powder weights in grains (to convert to grams, multiply by 0.0648).
FMJ = Full Metal Jacket
HPBT = Hollow Point Boat Tail

The grouping values refer to the farthest apart centers of the bullet holes. The values in brackets indicate the accuracy without a flyer. 

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