In rifle cartridges, these bullets are highly recommended when good expansion and deep penetration in medium and heavy game are required at short to medium ranges. These bullets give pinpoint accuracy because of their short lengths for their weights. This short length for a given weight allows a rifle barrel to stabilize a considerably heavier roundnose bullet than would be possible with a Spitzer-pointed bullet of the same weight, which would be considerably longer. If the shots are fast and at short ranges or the game is big and dangerous, these are the bullets to choose. The 220 grain #2180 is the real heavyweight and is suitable for the largest North American game and many African species.
In handguns, these bullets should be considered nonexpanding in game at normal handgun velocities. They may prove useful in situations where a heavy bullet is needed but twist rate is marginally slow, such as Handgun Silhouettes where momentum is more important than expansion. The shorter length for a given weight of each of these bullets, compared to longer Spitzer-shaped bullets of the same weights, may provide superior stability and accuracy in some handguns.
The #2180 was introduced in 1961.
Diameter (inches)
0.308
Weight (grains)
220 Gr.
Sectional Density
0.331
Ballistic Coefficients and Velocity Ranges
.310 @ 2600 fps and above .335 between 2600 and 2200 fps .378 between 2200 and 1600 fps .410 @ 1600 fps and below
Box Count
100 Bullets
This is not loaded ammunition