HP vs plastic tip which is better

5mmgunguy

Which is better a hp or a plastic tip varmint bullet?

Mobuck

I prefer the plastic tip. They expand well and have a very streamlined profile.

temblor

Whichever is the most accurate in your particular gun.
They both work well on varmits.........................
Just my .02

PS= I shoot both types in various guns, for what it's worth.

tsr1965

As a general rule, the plastic tip works more explosively, and is more accurate. If I might ask, does this have anything to do with the 17HMR?

MG1890

5-
By my estimation, there are (3) commonly available Hollow Point bullet styles available for handloaders. The "match" HP's are not designed to expand (ref. Sierra Matchkings). The "varmint" HP's should expand equally to or greater than polycarbonate tip bullets (ref. Speer TNT). Sierra also used to (still may) make a big game hunting hollow point designed to give controlled expansion without bullet tip upset from the rifles' magazine. I believe that the poly tipped bullets greatest application is for stopping consumers wallets at the checkout aisle....
Hope I helped,
Greg

5mmgunguy

No this has nothing to do with the 17HMR. It is in reference to the 19 Badger. James Calhoon is coming out with a plastic tip 19 cal bullet. He still makes the 19 cal in HP and I was just wondering which to buy.

BHAVIN

I have shot Calhoun 22 cal bullets for years. I really like them. The standard HP's are pretty accurate more so than the Double HP'S. I like the DHP for the expansion but the standard HP will shoot a better group in my experience. I don't know how accurate the Poly Tip Calhouns will be but my guess is they will be very good. I think you will have to try both to find which is better in your gun. You picked a good bullet company though.

tsr1965

quote:Originally posted by 5mmgunguy
No this has nothing to do with the 17HMR. It is in reference to the 19 Badger. James Calhoon is coming out with a plastic tip 19 cal bullet. He still makes the 19 cal in HP and I was just wondering which to buy.


With any bullet, poly tipped, hollow point, or soft point, it depends on bullet construction. A good example is the Nosler Ballistic Tip. In the larger diameters, 243 and up, they make t distinctly different styles. One with a thin fragile jacket, and softer core, and usually lighter in the weight range for that caliber. These are for very explosive use on thin skinned varmints. The heavier bullets have a thicker tapered jacket for better controlled expansion. I will tell you from experience, that poly tip, on impact, is driven back into the core, and does help initiate expansion.

JustC

for meat work,..I'll take a NBT anyday over a HP,...and for accuracy work as well (under 500yds). The match pills fly better at longer distances.

and, I have taken MANY deer with sierra matchkings.