Hornady Buckshots Review

Let’s Talk About Hornady Buckshots

When it comes to shotguns, the ammunition is just as crucial as the firearm itself. That’s why I decided to test and review the Hornady Buckshots, a well-known name in the ammunition industry. Hornady is renowned for its commitment to quality and precision. Their buckshot offerings aim to deliver consistent patterns and reliable performance. This review delves into my experiences, observations, and findings after extensive testing and use of the Hornady Buckshots.

I was looking for buckshot that offered tight groupings and consistent performance for home defense and wild hog hunting. My primary concern was finding ammunition that would reliably cycle through my shotgun and deliver devastating stopping power when needed. Unboxing the Hornady Buckshots, I was immediately impressed by the uniformity and clean appearance of the pellets. The 5 lb. box felt substantial, and the lead alloy had a noticeable sheen, suggesting a high-quality product.

Compared to other buckshot brands I’ve used, like Winchester and Remington, the Hornady offering promised a tighter roundness tolerance. Hornady claims a tolerance of +.001in versus the industry standard of +.006in. This precision led me to believe that the patterns would be noticeably tighter. My initial thought was excitement – could this be the buckshot that finally delivered the consistent performance I was after?

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Buckshots to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Hornady Buckshots was at my local shooting range, specifically targeting paper targets at 25 yards. I used my 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, a reliable workhorse that I trust in any situation. The range provided a controlled environment to evaluate the buckshot’s patterns and overall performance.

The performance in dry conditions was promising, with noticeably tighter groupings compared to standard buckshot rounds I’d used previously. I also tested it during a light drizzle to simulate less-than-ideal conditions. The Hornady Buckshots performed admirably, maintaining consistent patterns even with slightly wet conditions. It was easy to load the shells into the magazine tube. I didn’t need to exert excessive force. The recoil felt manageable, similar to other buckshot loads. After the first use, I was impressed, but cautious, knowing that one range session isn’t enough to draw definitive conclusions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of continued use in various scenarios, including hog hunting and further range testing, the Hornady Buckshots have proven to be remarkably consistent. I’ve fired hundreds of rounds, and I’ve experienced no failures to feed, extract, or ignite. This speaks volumes about the quality control and reliability of Hornady‘s manufacturing process.

The buckshot has held up well, with no signs of deformation or degradation, even after being stored in my gear bag for extended periods. Maintenance is straightforward: after each shooting session, I clean my shotgun as usual, paying close attention to removing any lead residue. Compared to some cheaper buckshot brands that can leave significant fouling, the Hornady Buckshots seem to burn cleaner. This makes the cleaning process less tedious. It definitely outperformed my previous experiences with bargain-basement buckshot loads.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Buckshots

Specifications

The Hornady Buckshots come in three primary variations:

• 000 Buckshot/64000 – .350 Diameter: This is the largest buckshot size offered by Hornady. It is ideal for situations requiring maximum stopping power at moderate ranges.
• 00 Buckshot/6400 – .330 Diameter: A popular choice for both home defense and hunting. 00 buckshot offers a good balance of pellet count and individual pellet size.
• #4 Buckshot/6414 – .240 Diameter: This smaller buckshot size is often favored for varmint hunting or situations where reduced penetration is desired.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the buckshot’s range, pattern density, and terminal performance. The fact that Hornady uses a strict roundness tolerance of +.001in, compared to the industry standard of +.006in, ensures that the pellets fly straighter. This consistency translates to tighter patterns and more hits on target. The 5 lb box is convenient for stocking up. It allows for easy storage and transport.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Buckshots consistently perform their job exceptionally well, delivering tight, reliable patterns at various ranges. The accuracy is commendable, with the majority of pellets staying within a reasonably tight group at 25 yards. The reliability is unquestionable, with no malfunctions experienced throughout my testing. Overall, Hornady Buckshots significantly exceeded my expectations.

The main strength lies in their consistency and tight patterns. A potential weakness could be the price point, as they are generally more expensive than some other buckshot brands.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady Buckshots themselves are simple in design, focusing on functionality and consistency. The lead alloy is hardened with antimony to prevent deformation upon firing. The weight of the shells is standard for buckshot loads, contributing to manageable recoil.

The clean design and consistent dimensions make them easy to handle and load. There is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

Given that these are individual shotshells, durability primarily refers to the integrity of the pellets themselves. The hardened lead alloy is designed to resist deformation. This helps to maintain consistent flight characteristics.

Maintenance primarily involves cleaning the firearm after use. As mentioned earlier, the Hornady Buckshots seem to burn relatively clean, reducing cleaning time and effort.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Buckshots themselves don’t require any specific accessories. However, the type of shotgun used can significantly impact performance. Using a shotgun with interchangeable chokes allows for fine-tuning the buckshot patterns at different ranges.

The buckshot is compatible with any standard 12-gauge shotgun. Aftermarket accessories such as recoil pads can help to mitigate felt recoil, especially when firing multiple rounds in quick succession.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Buckshots

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Who Should Buy Hornady Buckshots?

Hornady Buckshots are perfect for:

• Home Defenders: Individuals seeking reliable and devastating stopping power for home defense scenarios.
• Hunters: Hunters targeting medium to large game, such as deer or wild hogs, at close to moderate ranges.
• Tactical Shooters: Law enforcement or security personnel requiring consistent and accurate buckshot for tactical applications.

Individuals on a very tight budget or those who only need buckshot for occasional recreational shooting might find cheaper alternatives sufficient. There are no must-have accessories. A quality shotgun and proper shooting technique are sufficient to maximize performance.

Conclusion on Hornady Buckshots

In summary, the Hornady Buckshots are a premium ammunition choice that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. The higher price is justified by the consistent patterns, clean burning, and overall quality. After extensive testing, I can confidently say that I would personally recommend Hornady Buckshots to anyone seeking top-tier buckshot for home defense, hunting, or tactical purposes.

If you’re serious about your shotgun ammunition and demand the best, invest in Hornady Buckshots. You won’t be disappointed.