Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 35 Caliber, .358 200 Grain, Round Nose Review

Let’s Talk About Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 35 Caliber, .358 200 Grain, Round Nose

The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 35 Caliber, .358 200 Grain, Round Nose are designed for hunters who demand reliable performance and maximum knock-down power. Manufactured by Hornady, a trusted name in ammunition components, these bullets offer controlled expansion and deep penetration. These are not your match-grade competition bullets; they are built for taking down game.

My need for these bullets stemmed from a desire to reload ammunition for my Marlin 336 in .35 Remington. I wanted a bullet that would provide consistent accuracy at moderate ranges and deliver devastating terminal performance on whitetail deer and black bear. The round nose design and 200-grain weight seemed ideal for the velocities achievable with the .35 Remington cartridge.

Upon unboxing the bullets, I was immediately impressed by their uniformity and clean appearance. Each bullet was pristine, free from blemishes, and consistent in weight and shape, a testament to Hornady’s quality control. The lead round nose was smooth and well-formed, and the copper jacket appeared to be of high quality and uniformly applied.

Compared to other .35 caliber bullets I’ve used in the past, such as Remington Core-Lokt and Speer Hot-Cor, the Hornady InterLock stood out due to its visible InterLock ring. This feature, designed to mechanically lock the core and jacket together, promised enhanced weight retention upon impact, a crucial factor for ethical and effective hunting. I chose these over the others specifically for the InterLock feature.

My first impression was one of excitement. The quality and design of these bullets suggested they would perform exceptionally well in my .35 Remington. I couldn’t wait to load them up and see how they performed at the range and, ultimately, in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 35 Caliber, .358 200 Grain, Round Nose to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 35 Caliber, .358 200 Grain, Round Nose took place at my local shooting range. The range offers distances up to 100 yards, perfect for zeroing my rifle and assessing the bullet’s accuracy potential. I loaded the bullets using a moderate charge of Hodgdon LeverEvolution powder, aiming for a velocity of around 2000 fps.

The day was overcast with a slight drizzle, creating somewhat challenging conditions. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the bullets performed admirably. Accuracy was excellent; I was able to consistently achieve groups of around 1.5 inches at 100 yards, which is more than adequate for my hunting needs.

The bullets loaded smoothly and seated consistently in the cases, indicating uniform dimensions and consistent quality. There were no issues with feeding or extraction in my Marlin 336. After the initial load development, I was quite impressed.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use and numerous range sessions, the Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 35 Caliber, .358 200 Grain, Round Nose have proven to be remarkably consistent and reliable. The accuracy remains excellent, and I have not experienced any malfunctions or issues related to the bullets themselves. Cleaning my rifle after shooting these bullets has been straightforward, with minimal copper fouling in the barrel.

In terms of durability, the bullets have held up well to repeated handling and loading. The copper jackets remain intact, and there are no signs of deformation or damage. Compared to some other bullets I’ve used in the past, these Hornady InterLock bullets exhibit superior consistency and quality.

I also tested the Hornady InterLock on a whitetail deer at approximately 75 yards. The bullet performed exactly as intended, delivering a quick, humane kill with excellent penetration and expansion. The recovered bullet retained a significant amount of weight, demonstrating the effectiveness of the InterLock design in preventing core-jacket separation.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 35 Caliber, .358 200 Grain, Round Nose

Specifications

• Bullet Type: Lead Round Nose (LRN) – The round nose design is known for its reliable feeding in lever-action rifles and its ability to initiate expansion upon impact.
• Bullet Weight: 200 grain – This weight is well-suited for the .35 Remington cartridge and provides a good balance of velocity, energy, and penetration.
• Projectile Caliber: .35 Caliber (.358 diameter) – The .358 diameter is the standard for .35 caliber rifles, ensuring proper fit and sealing in the barrel.
• Sectional Density: 0.223 – This is the ratio of a bullet’s weight to its cross-sectional area; a higher sectional density typically indicates better penetration.
• Bullet Quantity: 100 Bullets – This quantity is suitable for reloaders who want to work up a load or do a lot of target shooting.
• Fabric/Material: Copper – The copper jacket provides strength, helps reduce fouling, and assists in controlled expansion.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the bullet’s performance and suitability for specific applications. The round nose and 200-grain weight are ideal for hunting medium-sized game at moderate ranges, while the InterLock design ensures reliable expansion and weight retention.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 35 Caliber, .358 200 Grain, Round Nose perform their job admirably, delivering excellent accuracy, reliable expansion, and deep penetration. The accuracy is consistently good, and the bullet’s terminal performance is impressive, making it a highly effective hunting bullet.

One of the strengths of these bullets is their ability to expand reliably even at moderate velocities, thanks to the InterLock design and tapered jacket. Another strength is the predictable trajectory and consistent point of impact, which inspires confidence in the shooter. A potential weakness is that the round nose design is not as aerodynamic as spitzer bullets, limiting its effective range in some calibers.

Overall, the Hornady InterLock bullets meet and exceed my expectations. Their accuracy, reliability, and terminal performance make them an excellent choice for hunting.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 35 Caliber, .358 200 Grain, Round Nose have a simple yet effective design. The smooth round nose and copper jacket are well-formed and consistent, reflecting Hornady’s attention to detail. The weight is uniform, contributing to consistent performance.

The bullets are easy to handle and load, and their shape ensures smooth feeding in lever-action rifles. There is no learning curve associated with using these bullets, making them accessible to both experienced and novice reloaders.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 35 Caliber, .358 200 Grain, Round Nose are built to last, with a robust copper jacket and a solid lead core. The InterLock ring enhances the bullet’s structural integrity, preventing core-jacket separation upon impact.

These bullets require minimal maintenance. Proper storage in a cool, dry place will prevent oxidation and ensure consistent performance. The copper jacket helps to reduce fouling in the barrel, simplifying cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 35 Caliber, .358 200 Grain, Round Nose do not come with accessories, as they are components for reloading ammunition. However, the performance of these bullets can be optimized by selecting appropriate reloading dies, powder, and primers.

These bullets are compatible with a wide range of reloading equipment and powders, allowing reloaders to customize their loads to achieve optimal performance in their specific rifles. The .358 diameter is standard, so any reloading equipment designed for this caliber should work well.

Pros and Cons of Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 35 Caliber, .358 200 Grain, Round Nose

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Who Should Buy Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 35 Caliber, .358 200 Grain, Round Nose?

The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 35 Caliber, .358 200 Grain, Round Nose are perfect for hunters who use .35 caliber rifles, particularly those chambered in .35 Remington. They are an excellent choice for hunting whitetail deer, black bear, and other medium-sized game at moderate ranges. Reloaders who value accuracy, reliability, and controlled expansion will appreciate these bullets.

These bullets may not be the best choice for long-range shooting or varmint hunting, where more aerodynamic bullets are preferred. Those who are new to reloading may find the process of developing a load for these bullets challenging.

A must-have accessory for reloading these bullets is a set of high-quality reloading dies. A reliable powder scale and calipers are also essential for ensuring consistent and accurate loads.

Conclusion on Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 35 Caliber, .358 200 Grain, Round Nose

The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 35 Caliber, .358 200 Grain, Round Nose are an exceptional choice for hunters seeking reliable performance and maximum knock-down power in their .35 caliber rifles. Their accuracy, reliability, and controlled expansion make them a highly effective hunting bullet.

The price is justified by the consistent quality and proven performance of these bullets. The InterLock design provides a significant advantage over other bullets in terms of weight retention and terminal performance.

I would personally recommend these bullets to anyone who is looking for a top-performing hunting bullet for their .35 caliber rifle. They have consistently delivered excellent results for me, and I am confident that they will do the same for you. Load them up, head to the range, and get ready to experience the devastating terminal performance of the Hornady InterLock!