Let’s Dive into **Hornady Custom .308 Winchester 125 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Hornady Custom .308 Winchester 125 Grain Super Shock Tip (SST) Centerfire Rifle Ammunition is designed for hunters and shooters seeking a balance of accuracy, manageable recoil, and effective terminal performance on medium-sized game. Manufactured by Hornady, a trusted name in ammunition, this round utilizes a 125-grain SST bullet known for its rapid expansion and deep penetration. The current 17% discount makes this an even more attractive option for those looking to stock up on quality .308 ammunition.
For years, I struggled to find a .308 load that my smaller-framed wife could comfortably shoot during deer season. She’s accurate with a .243, but I wanted her to have the extra punch of a .308 without the shoulder-bruising recoil of typical 150-grain loads. The promise of reduced recoil and effective terminal ballistics of this Hornady offering piqued my interest.
Upon unboxing, the Hornady ammunition exuded quality. The brass cases were clean and consistent, and the SST bullets were uniformly seated. The cartridges felt well-made, inspiring confidence in their reliability.
Compared to heavier .308 loads from Federal and Remington, the difference in recoil was immediately apparent in dry-fire drills. While I hadn’t fired them yet, I was optimistic about their performance in the field. I chose the Hornady 125-grain SST over other light .308 loads due to Hornady’s reputation for consistent accuracy and the SST bullet’s proven track record.
My first impression was positive. The ammunition appeared to be well-crafted, and the design seemed ideal for my specific needs. I was eager to see how it would perform at the range and in a hunting scenario.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Hornady Custom .308 Winchester 125 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Custom .308 Winchester 125 Grain SST ammunition at my local shooting range, zeroing my wife’s Savage Axis .308. The weather was mild, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze, providing optimal conditions for accuracy testing. I shot from a bench rest at 100 yards.
The ammunition cycled flawlessly through the rifle. Recoil was noticeably lighter than standard 150-grain loads. I experienced no jams or misfires.
It took a few adjustments, but I quickly achieved sub-MOA groups, consistently placing shots within a 1-inch circle. The lighter recoil made it easier to maintain accuracy, especially during rapid follow-up shots. There were no unexpected pressure signs or malfunctions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including numerous range sessions and a deer season, the Hornady ammunition has proven to be consistently reliable. I’ve fired approximately 200 rounds with zero failures to feed or fire. The .308 performs just as well now as it did initially.
I have observed no significant wear and tear on the brass cases after firing. The ammunition has been stored in a climate-controlled environment. Cleaning the rifle after using this ammunition has been straightforward, with no excessive fouling.
Compared to my previous experiences with heavier .308 loads, the Hornady 125-grain SST outperforms in terms of shootability and accuracy, especially for smaller-framed shooters. Its terminal performance on deer has been impressive. One shot, one kill!
Breaking Down the Features of **Hornady Custom .308 Winchester 125 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Specifications
- Caliber: .308 Winchester, a widely used and versatile cartridge suitable for hunting and target shooting. It offers a good balance of power and accuracy.
- Bullet Weight: 125 grain, a lighter-than-standard weight for .308, resulting in reduced recoil and flatter trajectory. This makes it more comfortable for some shooters and potentially more accurate at longer ranges.
- Bullet Type: Spitzer Boat Tail (SBT), a streamlined bullet shape with a boat tail base for improved ballistic coefficient and reduced drag. This translates to greater downrange energy and less wind drift.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass, a standard material for cartridge cases due to its reloadability and resistance to corrosion. Brass ensures reliable feeding and extraction.
- Muzzle Velocity: 2675 ft/s, the speed of the bullet as it leaves the barrel, directly impacting trajectory and energy. This high velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory.
- Muzzle Energy: 1986 ft-lbs, a measure of the bullet’s kinetic energy at the muzzle, indicating its potential to inflict damage. This energy level is suitable for medium-sized game.
- Application: Medium Game, specifically designed for hunting deer, hogs, and other similar-sized animals. The bullet is designed to expand rapidly and transfer energy effectively.
- Package Type: Box, standard packaging for ammunition, typically containing 20 rounds. The packaging protects the ammunition during transport and storage.
- Primer Style: Centerfire, a reliable ignition system where the primer is located in the center of the cartridge base. Centerfire primers offer consistent ignition.
- Sectional Density: 0.188, a measure of a bullet’s penetration ability, calculated by dividing its weight by its diameter squared. A lower sectional density suggests greater expansion.
- G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.305, a measure of a bullet’s ability to overcome air resistance during flight. A higher ballistic coefficient indicates a flatter trajectory and less wind drift.
- Fabric/Material: Copper Jacketed Lead Core, a common bullet construction combining a lead core for weight and a copper jacket for controlled expansion. This construction offers a balance of penetration and expansion.
These specifications are significant because they influence the ammunition’s performance in terms of accuracy, recoil, range, and terminal ballistics. The lighter bullet weight and streamlined design result in a flatter trajectory and reduced recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Custom .308 Winchester 125 Grain SST ammunition performs its job admirably. It delivers consistent accuracy, manageable recoil, and effective terminal performance on deer-sized game. I achieved sub-MOA accuracy at 100 yards with my wife’s rifle and several other .308 rifles.
One of the strengths of this ammunition is its manageable recoil. This is especially important for smaller-framed shooters or those sensitive to recoil. The SST bullet expands rapidly upon impact, creating a large wound cavity and ensuring a quick, ethical kill.
While it’s designed for medium game, it might not be the best choice for larger, tougher game like elk or bear, where deeper penetration is necessary. I would like to see a slightly higher ballistic coefficient for improved long-range performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Hornady ammunition is well-thought-out, utilizing a streamlined SBT bullet for improved ballistic performance. The brass cases are clean and consistent, contributing to reliable feeding and extraction. The ammunition’s relatively light weight makes it comfortable to carry in the field.
There is no significant learning curve associated with using this ammunition. It functions reliably in various .308 rifles.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Custom .308 Winchester 125 Grain SST ammunition is expected to last for many years if stored properly in a cool, dry environment. Brass cases are known for their durability and resistance to corrosion.
The ammunition itself requires no maintenance. Cleaning the rifle after use is standard practice.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Custom .308 Winchester 125 Grain SST ammunition does not require any specific accessories. It’s compatible with any .308 Winchester rifle.
It’s also compatible with a wide range of optics, allowing shooters to tailor their rifle to their specific needs. Be sure to check the twist rate of your barrel, but these usually perform best with a standard 1:10 or 1:12 twist.
Pros and Cons of **Hornady Custom .308 Winchester 125 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Pros
- Manageable Recoil: The lighter bullet weight significantly reduces recoil, making it more comfortable for a wider range of shooters, including those sensitive to recoil.
- Excellent Accuracy: Delivers consistent sub-MOA accuracy in properly zeroed rifles, providing confidence in shot placement.
- Effective Terminal Performance: The SST bullet expands rapidly, creating a large wound cavity and ensuring quick, ethical kills on medium-sized game.
- Reliable Feeding and Extraction: High-quality brass cases ensure smooth cycling in various .308 Winchester rifles.
- Trusted Manufacturer: Hornady is a reputable brand known for producing high-quality, consistent ammunition.
Cons
- Limited Penetration: May not be suitable for larger, tougher game animals that require deeper penetration.
- Ballistic Coefficient: Could benefit from a slightly higher ballistic coefficient for improved long-range performance.
Who Should Buy **Hornady Custom .308 Winchester 125 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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This ammunition is perfect for:
- Hunters targeting medium-sized game like deer, hogs, and antelope.
- Shooters who are sensitive to recoil or prefer a lighter-recoiling .308 load.
- Individuals seeking a balance of accuracy, manageable recoil, and effective terminal performance.
This ammunition is not ideal for:
- Hunters pursuing larger, tougher game like elk or bear.
- Shooters who prioritize long-range performance above all else.
Must-have accessories or modifications:
- A quality scope or optic to maximize accuracy.
- A well-maintained .308 Winchester rifle with a suitable twist rate (typically 1:10 or 1:12).
Conclusion on **Hornady Custom .308 Winchester 125 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Hornady Custom .308 Winchester 125 Grain SST Centerfire Rifle Ammunition is a well-designed and reliable option for hunters and shooters seeking a balance of accuracy, manageable recoil, and effective terminal performance on medium-sized game. The lighter bullet weight makes it an excellent choice for those sensitive to recoil or looking to improve their shot placement. While it may not be the best option for larger game, its performance on deer-sized animals is impressive.
At the current discounted price, the Hornady Custom .308 Winchester 125 Grain SST ammunition offers excellent value. The consistent accuracy, manageable recoil, and effective terminal performance justify the investment.
I would definitely recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a lighter-recoiling .308 load for hunting or target shooting. It’s a reliable and effective option that will not disappoint.
Give it a try!