Hollow Point 185 grain SWC bullets

Are these more accurate at 50 yards than the regular solid nose 185 swc bullets? Are the noses longer or is there a longer bearing surface?

In my experience, the Zero and Star 185gr LSWC bullets are more accurate at 50 yards than any other cast bullet.  They have the same shape as a flat base 200gr H&G 68.

The noses are the same length as the 185, but it has the longer bearing surface.

Are they as accurate as a regular 200 grain H&G 68 style bullets at 50 yards? If they are about equal, is there a reason to choose one (hp 185 vs 200 grn) over the other for the long line? If they are about the same in accuracy at 50 yards, is there a bullet choice that would allow for minimal sight changes from 50 to 25 with your average BE load (3.8-4.0 grains BE)? 
Thank you.

The Zero 185gr LSWCHPs are more accurate than cast 200gr H&G68s, and here's Rob Kovach's analysis on why:
-Zeros bullets are swaged. This means no voids and very good consistency from round to round.
-Even though the bullets are the same general shape, more mass is on the outside perimeter of the bullet.  I believe this helps with stabilization.
-The Zero has a flat base while most cast bullets are beveled base.  Rumor has it that flat base has an advantage in accuracy.

Other advantages:
-Less recoil in the 185gr due to lower mass.

Disadvantages:
-flatter trajectory means it's harder to get a zero that is the same from short to long line with the 185.

You will still need to do load testing to find the best charge for your barrel.  Should be in the 3.8-4.1gr BE range.

Your last question about "about the same in accuracy at 50 yards" is important.  If you ever shoot a shot outside the black, the accuracy of the 185gr and the 200gr is "about the same".  I find that I don't have a significant sight change from 50 to 25 with my cast 200gr bullets, but I do have a 3-4 click adjustment with 185s.

My 200gr bullets are cheaper than the 185s, so I keep using them.  Plus I still make enough mistakes that I won't see a big improvement by upgrading my bullets.

I find 200gn Zero L-SWCs to be the most accurate and the most consistently accurate over many different powders and powder charges. Second most accurate has been Precision Bullets swaged 200gn coated L-SWC.
Then, my own cast RCBS 45-201-SW, followed by H&G #68.
185gn bullets, button nose or HP have not been as accurate.

It really isn't accurate to say any bullet is better than another until you ransom test in your gun. In Rob's gun that might be true for him but not for you.There is much proof a good 200 lswc is every bit as accurate or more so than any other lead bullet, and in my guns they are more accurate than the zero 185 lswcs. That said we are only talking very small difference's, .5'' difference at 50 yards really makes no difference but how the load feels when you shoot it can be very different.  the only true test is to test your gun with your loads, find the one that's accurate and feels good to shoot and practice.

I am also referencing testing that was done by others in my area.  A few years ago, some shooters were experimenting with the Zero 185gr swaged LSWCHP and did extensive testing with several guns in my club and several more guns at Beloit's club.  All found that there was an advantage to using the Zero 185gr LSWCHP over the 200gr Cast LSWC--at least in THOSE GUNS TESTED.

The moral of this story is, those are both good bullets!  Work up some loads and see what works best for you!

noylj wrote:Second most accurate has been Precision Bullets swaged 200gn coated L-SWC.

I can't find any info on the Precision Bullets website that says they're swaged. They do talk about "being restruck in a carbide die after coating". Is this why you're calling them swaged?

First page website says staged bullets.

>First page website says staged bullets.


typo: swaged.


From Precision:
Precision Bullets are swaged with certified 6/2 lead alloy. We then apply our unique dry-lube formula. This process completely encases the precision lead core. What does this mean for you? Safe for indoor ranges. No leading in the barrel. Fire more rounds downrange between cleanings. Load twice as long and twice as much before cleaning your dies. Less smoke since no messy wax lubricants are used.