First Impressions of Remington 360 Buckhammer 200 Grain Soft Point Core-Lokt Centerfire Rifle Ammunition R27743 $1.30 Off
The Remington 360 Buckhammer 200 Grain Soft Point Core-Lokt Centerfire Rifle Ammunition R27743 $1.30 Off is a relatively new cartridge designed to bridge the gap between shotgun slugs and traditional centerfire rifle rounds in states with straight-wall cartridge restrictions for deer hunting. Developed by Remington, this ammunition promises rifle-like accuracy and extended range compared to shotguns, all while adhering to legal requirements in specific jurisdictions. It’s an exciting development for hunters like myself who appreciate the precision and reach of a rifle, even when regulations limit our choices.
My motivation for acquiring this ammunition stemmed from a new hunting opportunity in Ohio, a state that mandates straight-walled cartridges for deer hunting with rifles. Previously, I’d relied on a shotgun, which felt limiting in terms of effective range and precision. The promise of the 360 Buckhammer to deliver flatter trajectories and greater accuracy was undeniably appealing.
Upon receiving the ammunition, the packaging was standard Remington, sturdy and functional. The rounds themselves looked clean and well-made, with the iconic Core-Lokt soft point bullet visible. The weight felt substantial, instilling confidence in its potential stopping power.
Compared to my usual .30-30 Winchester, the 360 Buckhammer is a different beast altogether. The .30-30 boasts a flatter trajectory and greater effective range, but it’s not legal in straight-wall states. Compared to a 12-gauge shotgun slug, the 360 Buckhammer offered a significant advantage in terms of manageable recoil and potential accuracy at distances beyond 100 yards.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The concept was sound, and the Remington name carries weight, but I needed to see how it performed in my rifle. A tangible improvement in range and accuracy over shotgun slugs would justify the investment.
Real-World Testing: Putting Remington 360 Buckhammer 200 Grain Soft Point Core-Lokt Centerfire Rifle Ammunition R27743 $1.30 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Remington 360 Buckhammer 200 Grain Soft Point Core-Lokt Centerfire Rifle Ammunition R27743 $1.30 Off took place at my local shooting range, under typical late-summer conditions: warm with a slight breeze. I was using a Henry Single Shot rifle chambered in 360 Buckhammer. I set up targets at 50, 100, and 150 yards to assess the ammunition’s accuracy and trajectory.
The first few shots were surprisingly pleasant. Recoil was significantly less than a 12-gauge slug, making follow-up shots easier. The ammunition cycled smoothly through the Henry Single Shot. At 50 yards, the rounds were grouping within an inch, inspiring confidence.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of dedicated range time and a full deer season using the Remington 360 Buckhammer 200 Grain Soft Point Core-Lokt Centerfire Rifle Ammunition R27743 $1.30 Off, I can confidently speak to its reliability. I fired approximately 100 rounds, experiencing no malfunctions or failures to feed. The brass casings ejected cleanly, indicating consistent performance.
Durability-wise, there is little to assess, as the ammunition is a consumable product. I found no signs of corrosion or degradation when stored properly in a cool, dry environment. Compared to my experiences with some budget ammunition brands, the Remington 360 Buckhammer consistently delivered reliable ignition and consistent velocities.
Breaking Down the Features of Remington 360 Buckhammer 200 Grain Soft Point Core-Lokt Centerfire Rifle Ammunition R27743 $1.30 Off
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Remington
- Caliber: .360 Buckhammer
- Bullet Weight: 200 grain
- Bullet Type: Soft Point (SP) Core-Lokt
- Number of Rounds: 20
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass
- Muzzle Velocity: 2200 ft/s
- Muzzle Energy: 2149 ft-lbs
- Primer Style: Centerfire
- G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.181
- Application: Target/Hunting
- Package Type: Box
- Lead Free: No
These specifications are critical for understanding the ammunition’s capabilities. The 200-grain soft point bullet is designed for controlled expansion upon impact, delivering maximum energy transfer to the target. The muzzle velocity of 2200 ft/s is crucial for achieving a relatively flat trajectory out to 150-200 yards, which is essential for ethical deer hunting.
Performance & Functionality
The Remington 360 Buckhammer 200 Grain Soft Point Core-Lokt Centerfire Rifle Ammunition R27743 $1.30 Off performs admirably within its intended range. Accuracy is excellent out to 150 yards, consistently producing sub-2-inch groups from my rifle. The recoil is manageable, allowing for quick follow-up shots.
A minor drawback is the relatively low ballistic coefficient, which causes the bullet to drop significantly beyond 150 yards. This requires careful range estimation and holdover adjustment for longer shots. Overall, it meets expectations as a reliable and accurate straight-wall cartridge for deer hunting.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition is designed for optimal performance in rifles chambered in 360 Buckhammer. The brass casing ensures smooth feeding and extraction. The Core-Lokt bullet design is a proven performer, known for its consistent expansion and deep penetration.
The ammunition is user-friendly. No special tools or techniques are required for loading or firing.
Durability & Maintenance
The ammunition itself is designed for single use. Proper storage in a cool, dry environment is crucial to prevent corrosion and maintain optimal performance. As a pre-assembled cartridge, maintenance is not applicable.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no specific accessories or customization options directly related to the Remington 360 Buckhammer 200 Grain Soft Point Core-Lokt Centerfire Rifle Ammunition R27743 $1.30 Off itself. However, pairing this ammunition with a high-quality optic specifically calibrated for the 360 Buckhammer can significantly enhance accuracy and effective range. Other accessories to consider include a reliable rangefinder and ballistic calculator to compensate for bullet drop at longer distances.
Pros and Cons of Remington 360 Buckhammer 200 Grain Soft Point Core-Lokt Centerfire Rifle Ammunition R27743 $1.30 Off
Pros
- Excellent Accuracy: Consistently delivers sub-2-inch groups at 100 yards, providing confidence in shot placement.
- Manageable Recoil: Significantly less recoil than shotgun slugs, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and increased shooting comfort.
- Proven Core-Lokt Bullet Design: Offers consistent expansion and deep penetration, ensuring effective energy transfer on game.
- Reliable Performance: Consistent ignition and smooth feeding in 360 Buckhammer rifles.
- Legal for Straight-Wall Cartridge Restrictions: Opens up hunting opportunities in states with specific cartridge regulations.
Cons
- Limited Range: Significant bullet drop beyond 150 yards due to the low ballistic coefficient.
- Higher Price Point: More expensive than traditional shotgun slugs or some other straight-wall cartridges.
Who Should Buy Remington 360 Buckhammer 200 Grain Soft Point Core-Lokt Centerfire Rifle Ammunition R27743 $1.30 Off?
- Perfect for: Hunters in states with straight-wall cartridge restrictions looking for increased accuracy and range compared to shotgun slugs. Deer hunters seeking a reliable and effective cartridge for medium-sized game.
- Who should skip this product? Hunters who primarily hunt in areas where traditional centerfire rifle cartridges are permitted. Shooters seeking long-range performance beyond 200 yards.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality optic with accurate range estimation capabilities. A ballistic calculator to compensate for bullet drop at longer distances.
Conclusion on Remington 360 Buckhammer 200 Grain Soft Point Core-Lokt Centerfire Rifle Ammunition R27743 $1.30 Off
The Remington 360 Buckhammer 200 Grain Soft Point Core-Lokt Centerfire Rifle Ammunition R27743 $1.30 Off is a well-designed and effective cartridge for hunters operating under straight-wall cartridge restrictions. Its accuracy, manageable recoil, and reliable performance make it a significant upgrade over traditional shotgun slugs. While its range is limited compared to traditional centerfire rifle rounds, it excels within its intended purpose.
The price is justifiable for the performance and increased hunting opportunities it provides. I would personally recommend this ammunition to any hunter facing straight-wall cartridge regulations who wants to maximize their accuracy and effective range. If you’re ready to step up your game in the field, give the Remington 360 Buckhammer a try – you won’t be disappointed.