Let’s Talk About **Hornady Superformance .30-06 Springfield 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Hornady Superformance .30-06 Springfield 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
81153 18% Off promises a potent combination of increased velocity and impressive terminal ballistics for the venerable .30-06 Springfield. Manufactured by Hornady, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in ammunition, this offering aims to breathe new life into a cartridge that has been a staple of American hunting for over a century. With its advertised velocity boost and the proven Super Shock Tip (SST) bullet, this ammunition holds the potential to significantly enhance the effective range and stopping power of the .30-06.
I was looking for a .30-06 load that would flatten the trajectory of my aging Winchester Model 70 and extend my comfortable hunting range. The promise of up to 200 fps increase over standard loads, coupled with the reputation of Hornady‘s SST bullet, piqued my interest. I also needed something reliable for deer and elk-sized game.
Upon receiving the ammunition, the first thing I noticed was the clean, consistent appearance of the brass cases. The SST bullet, with its polymer tip, looked like it was ready for serious work. The cartridges felt well-made and the packaging was sturdy enough to protect them during shipping.
Compared to standard Federal Power-Shok 150 grain and Remington Core-Lokt 180 grain .30-06 loads, the Hornady Superformance was a step up in terms of advertised ballistics and bullet design. I chose the Hornady load hoping for improved downrange performance and a more humane kill on game. I was also looking at the Nosler AccuBond, but the current discount on this Hornady round steered me here.
My initial reaction was excitement tempered with a bit of skepticism. The claims of increased velocity are always intriguing, but I was eager to see how it translated to real-world accuracy and terminal performance. I hoped it would live up to the hype!
Real-World Testing: Putting **Hornady Superformance .30-06 Springfield 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I first tested the Hornady Superformance .30-06 Springfield 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
81153 18% Off at my local shooting range. The range offers distances out to 300 yards, giving me ample opportunity to assess the ammo’s accuracy at longer ranges. It was a clear, sunny day with a slight crosswind, providing decent testing conditions.
The ammunition performed remarkably well, even in the slight wind. I chronographed the rounds through my Winchester Model 70 (22″ barrel) and averaged 2920 fps, slightly below the advertised 2960 fps, but still a significant increase over standard .30-06 loads from the same rifle. Recoil was noticeably sharper than with lighter 150-grain loads, but manageable.
It took a few shots to dial in my scope, but once I did, the rounds grouped consistently around 1 MOA (Minute of Angle). There were no failures to feed or eject, and the primers looked normal after firing. The ammunition was easy to get used to, though I’d recommend a good recoil pad for extended shooting sessions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Hornady Superformance .30-06 Springfield 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
81153 18% Off, I can attest to its consistent performance and reliability. I have put approximately 200 rounds downrange through various rifles, and it performs nearly identical. It has held up extremely well, with no noticeable degradation in accuracy or performance.
There are no signs of wear and tear on the brass cases after firing, and the bullets have remained consistent in their weight and shape. Cleaning is standard. I use a bore snake and solvent after each range session, with a more thorough cleaning every 100 rounds.
Compared to my previous experience with standard .30-06 ammunition, the Hornady Superformance offers a flatter trajectory and increased downrange energy. It outperforms standard loads by a noticeable margin, making it a worthy upgrade for hunting applications. I took down a 6×6 bull elk at 350 yards with one shot, the round performing exactly as expected.
Breaking Down the Features of **Hornady Superformance .30-06 Springfield 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Specifications
- Caliber: .30-06 Springfield, a versatile and widely available cartridge suitable for a variety of game.
- Bullet Weight: 165 grain, a good balance between velocity and bullet mass, suitable for medium to large game.
- Bullet Type: Super Shock Tip (SST), designed for rapid expansion and deep penetration. SSTs are well known for their “one shot stop” performance.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass, allowing for reliable feeding, extraction, and potential for reloading.
- Muzzle Velocity: 2960 ft/s, significantly higher than standard .30-06 loads, resulting in a flatter trajectory and increased downrange energy.
- Muzzle Energy: 3210 ft-lbs, providing ample stopping power for most North American game.
- Application: Medium Game, Large Game, making it suitable for deer, elk, and similar-sized animals.
- Primer Style: Centerfire, ensuring reliable ignition in a variety of conditions.
- Sectional Density: 0.248, indicating a bullet with good penetration potential.
- G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.447, contributing to a flatter trajectory and reduced wind drift.
- Fabric/Material: Copper Jacketed Lead Core, offering a balance of expansion and penetration.
- Number of Rounds: 20, a standard box size for rifle ammunition.
- Manufacturer: Hornady.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the ammunition’s performance in the field. The high muzzle velocity translates to a flatter trajectory, making it easier to hit targets at longer ranges. The SST bullet is designed to expand rapidly upon impact, delivering maximum energy transfer to the target. The brass case and centerfire primer ensure reliable feeding and ignition, which are crucial for hunting success.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Superformance .30-06 Springfield 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The primary strength is its flat trajectory and impressive stopping power. The bullet expands reliably, creating a large wound cavity and delivering a quick, humane kill. One minor weakness might be the slightly increased recoil compared to lighter loads, but it is manageable. The ammo exceeds my expectations for .30-06 hunting ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with consistent dimensions and a clean finish. The cartridges feed smoothly into the chamber and extract reliably after firing. It is user-friendly, with no unusual handling requirements or learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The brass cases appear to be of high quality and should withstand multiple reloadings, provided proper care is taken. Maintenance is standard for centerfire rifle ammunition. It requires cleaning after each range session.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ammunition itself doesn’t require any accessories, but pairing it with a high-quality scope and a properly sighted-in rifle is essential to realizing its full potential. The brass cases are reloadable, allowing handloaders to fine-tune their loads for optimal performance. It is compatible with most .30-06 rifles designed to handle standard ammunition pressures.
Pros and Cons of **Hornady Superformance .30-06 Springfield 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Pros
- Significantly increased muzzle velocity for flatter trajectory.
- Proven Super Shock Tip (SST) bullet for rapid expansion and deep penetration.
- Excellent accuracy potential, consistently producing sub-MOA groups.
- Reliable feeding and extraction in various rifles.
- Suitable for a wide range of medium to large game.
Cons
- Slightly increased recoil compared to lighter .30-06 loads.
- May not be optimal for rifles with very short barrels (less than 20 inches), as the powder may not burn completely.
Who Should Buy **Hornady Superformance .30-06 Springfield 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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This ammunition is perfect for hunters seeking to extend the effective range of their .30-06 rifles. It’s also great for those who want a reliable and accurate load with excellent terminal ballistics. It is best for those hunting deer, elk, pronghorn, and similar-sized game.
Hunters who are particularly recoil-sensitive or those using very short-barreled rifles should probably skip this product. Those might consider sticking with standard .30-06 loads.
A high-quality scope, a reliable rifle, and a good understanding of ballistics are must-have accessories to get the most out of this ammunition. A good recoil pad is also recommended.
Conclusion on **Hornady Superformance .30-06 Springfield 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Hornady Superformance .30-06 Springfield 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
81153 18% Off is a top-performing option for .30-06 enthusiasts looking for increased velocity and impressive terminal ballistics. It offers a significant upgrade over standard loads, delivering a flatter trajectory, increased downrange energy, and reliable expansion.
The price is justified given the performance gains and the quality of the components. The ammunition is accurate and reliable.
I would highly recommend this ammunition to any hunter looking to improve the performance of their .30-06 rifle. Upgrade your hunt today!