Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308 220 Grain, Round Nose Review

Let’s Talk About Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308 220 Grain, Round Nose

The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308 220 Grain, Round Nose are designed for hunters who prioritize deep penetration and controlled expansion. These bullets, manufactured by Hornady, offer a classic round nose profile combined with the InterLock ring for reliable performance on game. These bullets aim to be the ideal choice for those seeking a balance of traditional design and modern bullet technology in their .30 caliber rifles.

As a seasoned hunter with over a decade of experience, I was seeking a reliable .308 bullet for hunting larger game, specifically deer and potentially black bear, in thick wooded areas where shots are typically close range. I needed a bullet that would maintain its integrity upon impact and penetrate deeply, even if it encountered bone. I was drawn to these particular bullets due to their heavier weight and round nose design, which theoretically aids in straight-line penetration through brush and heavy muscle.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was that these Hornady bullets looked precisely as expected. The lead round nose was clean and consistent across all bullets, and the copper jacket appeared well-formed and free of imperfections. The weight felt substantial, giving me confidence in their potential for deep penetration.

I considered other popular .308 bullets like the Nosler Partition and the Barnes TSX. However, the Nosler Partition is often more expensive, and the Barnes TSX, being a monolithic bullet, sometimes exhibits inconsistent expansion at lower velocities, which is a concern in dense cover. The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308 220 Grain, Round Nose, seemed like a good middle ground in terms of price and anticipated performance.

I was cautiously optimistic. I was excited to try a heavier round nose bullet in my .308, but I also knew that round nose bullets can sometimes suffer in terms of ballistic coefficient and long-range accuracy. My hope was that the Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308 220 Grain, Round Nose would prove accurate enough for my hunting needs while delivering the desired terminal performance on game.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308 220 Grain, Round Nose to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at a local shooting range, specifically at 100 yards. I primarily focused on group sizes and velocity consistency. The weather conditions were mild, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight crosswind, which I consider typical for an early fall hunting season.

The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308 220 Grain, Round Nose performed surprisingly well despite the heavier weight. They did require a slightly different powder charge than I was accustomed to with lighter bullets. I was pleasantly surprised by the consistent groups I was able to achieve, approximately 1.25 inches at 100 yards from my Remington 700 with a factory barrel.

The loading process proved straightforward. The cannelure provided a clear point for crimping, and the bullets seated easily in the cases. I did experience a slight increase in recoil due to the heavier bullet weight and increased powder charge.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions, I achieved consistent sub-1.5-inch groups at 100 yards with the Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308 220 Grain, Round Nose. The bullets have proven reliable and consistently accurate in my rifle. I have found no noticeable signs of wear or deformation on the bullets themselves after storage and repeated handling.

The biggest test came during deer season. I harvested a mature whitetail buck at approximately 75 yards in heavy cover. The bullet performed admirably, penetrating through thick muscle and bone.

The deer dropped within 20 yards, demonstrating the bullet’s effectiveness. Examination of the wound channel showed substantial tissue damage and significant expansion, confirming the Hornady InterLock design’s efficacy. These Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308 220 Grain, Round Nose, have certainly exceeded my expectations for close-range hunting in dense environments.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308 220 Grain, Round Nose

Specifications

The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308 220 Grain, Round Nose boasts the following key specifications:

• Bullet Type: Lead Round Nose (LRN). This classic design promotes smooth feeding and reliable expansion at lower velocities.
• Bullet Weight: 220 grain. The heavier weight contributes to increased momentum and deeper penetration, especially beneficial for larger game.
• Projectile Caliber: .30 Caliber (.308 diameter). This is a common and versatile caliber suitable for a wide range of hunting applications.
• Sectional Density: 0.331. The high sectional density indicates good penetration potential, even through tough hide and bone.
• Bullet Quantity: 100 bullets per box. This allows for plenty of practice and hunting rounds.
• Fabric/Material: Copper jacket with a lead core. This is a standard construction for controlled expansion and reliable performance.
• InterLock Ring: The raised InterLock ring is embedded in the bullet’s core. This feature ensures the core and jacket remain locked in one piece during expansion to retain mass and energy.
• Cannelure: Provides accurate and consistent crimping. It also works with the InterLock ring to ensure the core and jacket remain locked during expansion.
• Tapered Jacket: Jacket thickness is precisely controlled for expansion at all velocities. This ensures consistent performance across various ranges and impact velocities.
• Inner Grooves: Strategically weaken the upper section of the jacket. These grooves ensure consistent, controlled expansion, even at longer ranges.
• One-Piece Core: The one-piece core does not separate like two-piece divided cores. The InterLock retains more mass and energy for deep penetration and large, consistent wound channels.

These specifications combine to create a bullet designed for deep penetration and controlled expansion. The round nose design and heavy weight offer a significant advantage when hunting larger game in dense environments.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308 220 Grain, Round Nose perform admirably in close-range hunting scenarios. The accuracy is adequate for shots within 200 yards, although not ideal for long-range precision shooting. The primary strength of these bullets lies in their terminal performance.

These bullets consistently expand upon impact and retain a significant amount of weight, resulting in deep penetration and large wound channels. I have personally witnessed the effectiveness of these bullets on whitetail deer. I can confirm the quick and humane kills they provide.

The round nose design may not offer the flattest trajectory, but the trade-off is worth it for the increased penetration in heavy cover. The bullet’s consistency is its greatest asset. It reliably performs as intended in each and every hunting scenario.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308 220 Grain, Round Nose follow a classic bullet design. The round nose profile and copper jacket are aesthetically pleasing and functional. The bullet’s weight feels substantial in hand, instilling confidence in its penetration capabilities.

The bullets are easy to handle and seat during reloading. The cannelure provides a positive crimping point, ensuring consistent bullet seating depth. There’s no real learning curve associated with using these bullets. They are a straightforward and reliable choice.

Durability & Maintenance

Given that these are bullets, durability is primarily a concern during storage and handling before loading. The copper jacket provides excellent protection against corrosion and deformation. As long as the bullets are stored in a cool, dry place, they should last indefinitely.

Maintenance is not applicable in the traditional sense. However, proper cleaning of the rifle bore after use is always recommended to prevent copper fouling. Routine bore cleaning will maximize accuracy and extend the life of your rifle barrel, regardless of the specific bullet used.

Accessories and Customization Options

These are bullets for reloading, so the primary customization option revolves around selecting the appropriate powder charge and primer for your rifle and desired performance. While there are no “accessories” for the bullets themselves, selecting high-quality brass casings is essential for consistent reloading.

These bullets are compatible with any .308 Winchester or .30-06 Springfield rifle chambered for .308 diameter bullets. They can be used with a wide range of reloading presses and dies. It is important to consult a reloading manual for safe and accurate load data before using these bullets.

Pros and Cons of Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308 220 Grain, Round Nose