Sierra - .22-Caliber Switch-Bullets

The Blitz and standard spitzer give near-identical accuracy.

- Mike Thomas

Except for specialized projects, I have used the Sierra .224-inch, 50-grain Blitz bullet in bolt-action centerfire .22 rifles (from the .222 Remington through the .220 Swift) for at least the last 10 years. Usually, and with minimal load development, the 50-grain Blitz is accurate. Most such rifles have barrels designed for use with target and varmint bullets weighing from about 40 grains up to 55 or 60 grains and have the conventional one-in-14- or one-in-12-inch twist ratios. A very thin, frangible jacket on the 50-grain Blitz enhances its “effect” on varmints, an important factor when used in a cartridge of modest velocity potential, such as the .222 Remington. They are designed for total breakup upon impact.

Because of the thin jacket, Sierra recommends muzzle velocities of no more than 3,600 feet per second (fps) for the Blitz design. Sierra has had reports from some shooters using these bullets at much higher velocities with no problems. The company stands by its recommendation, because some bores, due to roughness or other factors, won’t give satisfactory results with

the Blitz at higher velocities. Additionally, the bullet maker cautions against shooting any Blitz in fast twist barrels (1:7, 1:9, etc.) like those found on many AR-15s. The spitzer version has no such limitations.