Let’s Talk About **Hornady Superformance .308 Winchester 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Hornady Superformance .308 Winchester 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition 80983 17% Off promises to deliver enhanced velocity and terminal performance without sacrificing accuracy or increasing felt recoil. As someone who has spent years in the field and on the range, constantly searching for that edge in performance, this ammunition immediately caught my attention.
My quest for the ideal .308 Winchester ammunition stemmed from a need for a versatile round capable of handling both medium and large game effectively, while maintaining consistent accuracy at varying distances. I’ve tried numerous brands and bullet weights, always seeking a balance between knockdown power, trajectory, and manageable recoil for follow-up shots.
The initial unboxing experience was straightforward, with the ammunition neatly packaged in a standard Hornady box. The rounds themselves appeared clean and well-made, displaying the signature Super Shock Tip (SST) bullet design.
Compared to other premium .308 offerings like Federal Gold Medal Match or Barnes VOR-TX, the Hornady Superformance stood out due to its advertised velocity increase. This faster velocity promised a flatter trajectory and increased energy on target, which I found highly appealing. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; I was excited to see if the Superformance moniker held true in real-world scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Hornady Superformance .308 Winchester 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I first tested the Hornady Superformance .308 Winchester 165 Grain SST at my local shooting range, under relatively ideal conditions: clear skies and minimal wind. I shot it out of my trusted Bergara B-14 HMR rifle, a platform known for its accuracy and consistency.
The ammunition performed reliably, with consistent cycling and no malfunctions. I immediately noticed a difference in the point of impact compared to my usual Federal Gold Medal Match, as echoed by another user in the feedback; the Hornady rounds consistently impacted higher at 200 yards, indicating a flatter trajectory and increased velocity.
The initial shooting session revealed that the Superformance ammunition delivered on its promise of increased velocity, but I also needed to assess its terminal performance on game.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over several months, I used the Hornady Superformance ammunition extensively, both at the range for practice and during hunting season. The ammunition proved to be remarkably consistent, maintaining its accuracy and reliability even in colder temperatures.
While I didn’t subject the ammunition to extreme conditions, it performed flawlessly in light rain and temperatures ranging from 30 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Cleaning and maintenance were standard, with no unusual fouling or residue observed in my rifle’s barrel.
In comparison to my previous experiences with Federal Fusion, the Hornady Superformance seemed to offer a noticeable improvement in trajectory and terminal performance on whitetail deer and wild hogs. Several clean, ethical harvests confirmed its effectiveness as a hunting round.
Breaking Down the Features of **Hornady Superformance .308 Winchester 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Specifications
- The Hornady Superformance .308 Winchester 165 Grain SST features a .308 Winchester caliber, making it a versatile choice for medium to large game hunting. The 165-grain bullet weight strikes a balance between manageable recoil and sufficient kinetic energy for ethical kills.
- The bullet type is a Spitzer Boat Tail (SBT), which enhances ballistic coefficient and improves long-range accuracy by reducing drag. This bullet shape is crucial for maintaining velocity and minimizing wind drift at extended distances.
- The brass cartridge case material ensures reliable feeding and extraction in various rifle platforms. Brass is also reloadable, offering an economic benefit for experienced reloaders.
- The advertised muzzle velocity is 2840 ft/s, significantly faster than standard .308 Winchester loads. This high velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory and increased energy on target.
- With a muzzle energy of 2955 ft-lbs, this ammunition delivers substantial knockdown power for ethical harvesting of game animals. This level of energy ensures sufficient penetration and rapid expansion.
- The ammunition is designed for medium and large game hunting applications. This versatility makes it a suitable choice for deer, hogs, and other similarly sized game.
- Each box contains 20 rounds, a standard quantity for hunting ammunition. This allows for sufficient practice and hunting opportunities without requiring frequent restocking.
- It utilizes a centerfire primer style, providing reliable ignition and consistent performance. Centerfire primers are known for their dependability in a wide range of environmental conditions.
- The bullet’s sectional density is 0.248, contributing to its penetration capabilities. Higher sectional density generally translates to better penetration through bone and tissue.
- The G1 Ballistic Coefficient is 0.447, indicating good aerodynamic efficiency for long-range shooting. This higher BC reduces the effects of drag and wind drift on the bullet’s trajectory.
- The bullet is constructed with a copper-jacketed lead core, a common and effective design for hunting projectiles. The copper jacket ensures controlled expansion and prevents excessive fragmentation.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Superformance .308 Winchester 165 Grain SST performs exceptionally well in terms of accuracy, delivering consistent sub-MOA groups from my Bergara rifle. Its increased velocity results in a noticeably flatter trajectory, making it easier to engage targets at longer ranges with minimal holdover.
While felt recoil is slightly higher compared to standard .308 loads, it is still manageable and does not hinder follow-up shots. The ammunition’s reliability is excellent, with no feeding or extraction issues experienced across multiple rifle platforms.
The only potential weakness is its price point, as it is positioned in the premium ammunition category. However, the enhanced performance and terminal ballistics justify the cost for serious hunters and shooters.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady Superformance ammunition is designed with a focus on functionality and performance, rather than purely aesthetic appeal. The copper-jacketed bullet features a streamlined profile and a sharp polymer tip for improved aerodynamics and rapid expansion upon impact.
The ammunition is easy to load and handle, with no sharp edges or burrs on the cartridge cases. The Super Shock Tip (SST) design is a well-proven concept for hunting applications, providing a balance between penetration and expansion.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Superformance .308 Winchester 165 Grain SST is designed for single use and not intended for reloading by inexperienced individuals. However, the high-quality brass cases can be reloaded by experienced reloaders, extending the ammunition’s overall value.
The ammunition requires no special maintenance beyond standard firearm cleaning procedures. The consistent propellant burn minimizes fouling and simplifies cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Superformance .308 Winchester 165 Grain SST is compatible with any .308 Winchester rifle chambered to SAAMI specifications. There are no specific accessories required for its use, but pairing it with a high-quality optic is recommended to maximize its long-range potential.
The ammunition’s performance can be further enhanced by using a ballistic calculator to determine precise holdover and windage adjustments at varying distances.
Pros and Cons of **Hornady Superformance .308 Winchester 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Pros
- Enhanced Velocity: Delivers significantly higher muzzle velocity compared to standard .308 Winchester loads, resulting in a flatter trajectory.
- Excellent Accuracy: Consistently produces sub-MOA groups in compatible rifles, ensuring precise shot placement.
- Reliable Terminal Performance: The SST bullet design provides rapid expansion and deep penetration for ethical kills on medium and large game.
- Consistent Performance: Offers consistent velocities and point of impact across a wide range of environmental conditions.
- High-Quality Components: Utilizes premium brass cases, primers, and propellants for reliable ignition and cycling.
Cons
- Higher Price Point: Priced higher than standard .308 Winchester ammunition, which may be a barrier for some shooters.
- Increased Recoil: Produces slightly more felt recoil compared to lighter bullet weights or reduced-recoil loads.
Who Should Buy **Hornady Superformance .308 Winchester 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Hornady Superformance .308 Winchester 165 Grain SST is perfect for hunters seeking a versatile and accurate ammunition for medium and large game. It’s also well-suited for competitive shooters who require a flat-shooting and reliable round for long-range target engagements.
This ammunition may not be ideal for recoil-sensitive shooters or those primarily engaged in close-range shooting scenarios where maximum velocity is not a primary concern. A lighter bullet weight or reduced-recoil load might be more appropriate in those cases.
A high-quality optic with accurate and repeatable adjustments is a must-have accessory to fully exploit the long-range potential of this ammunition.
Conclusion on **Hornady Superformance .308 Winchester 165 Grain Super Shock Tip Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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In summary, the Hornady Superformance .308 Winchester 165 Grain SST delivers on its promise of enhanced velocity, accuracy, and terminal performance. While the price point is higher than standard .308 loads, the performance gains justify the investment for serious hunters and shooters.
The increased velocity and flatter trajectory make it easier to engage targets at longer ranges with minimal holdover, while the SST bullet design ensures reliable expansion and penetration for ethical kills on game. I personally recommend this ammunition to anyone seeking a high-performance .308 Winchester load for hunting or competitive shooting applications.
If you’re looking to elevate your .308 Winchester’s performance, give the Hornady Superformance 165 Grain SST a try; you won’t be disappointed.