First Impressions of **Remington Core-Lokt .300 AAC Blackout 120 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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The Remington Core-Lokt .300 AAC Blackout 120 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition promises a lead-free hunting option, leveraging the trusted Core-Lokt design. I’ve always respected Remington’s heritage, and the .300 Blackout has become a favorite for its versatility in both AR platforms and short-barreled rifles. With the shift towards lead-free ammunition gaining momentum, I was eager to see if this offering could maintain the Core-Lokt reputation for dependable expansion and accuracy.
For years, I’ve relied on traditional lead-core bullets for hunting, but the growing concerns about lead contamination pushed me to explore lead-free alternatives. My primary focus was finding a .300 Blackout round suitable for deer hunting within 150 yards, delivering consistent terminal performance. I needed something that would expand reliably, retain adequate weight, and provide ethical one-shot kills, even at the .300 Blackout’s moderate velocities.
The packaging was standard Remington, a simple cardboard box holding the 20 rounds. The brass casings appeared clean and well-formed, and the copper hollow points looked precisely manufactured. Compared to other .300 Blackout offerings, such as the Barnes Vor-Tx or the Hornady Outfitter, the Remington Core-Lokt Copper stood out for its attempt to replicate the classic Core-Lokt performance in a lead-free package. I’d used both the Barnes and Hornady rounds previously and wanted to see how the Remington stacked up, especially given its relatively more affordable price point.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. While I’ve always appreciated the price point for the brand, Remington has had it’s ups and downs over the years. The promise of lead-free performance combined with the Core-Lokt name piqued my interest, but I needed to see it perform on the range and, ultimately, in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Remington Core-Lokt .300 AAC Blackout 120 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I tested the Remington Core-Lokt Copper at my local shooting range, using a 16-inch AR-15 chambered in .300 Blackout with a 1:8 twist rate. The weather was clear and mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight crosswind. I shot from a bench rest at distances of 50 and 100 yards to evaluate accuracy and consistency.
The Remington ammunition cycled flawlessly through my AR-15, with no malfunctions or failures to feed. The recoil was manageable, typical of .300 Blackout rounds in this weight range. However, the initial group sizes at 100 yards were somewhat disappointing, averaging around 2.5-3 inches, which was noticeably larger than the sub-MOA performance I typically achieve with other premium .300 Blackout loads.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 200 rounds fired, the Remington Core-Lokt Copper continued to function reliably in my AR-15. However, the accuracy remained inconsistent, with occasional flyers opening up the groups. I did notice that the rounds seemed more sensitive to variations in barrel temperature, with group sizes expanding as the barrel heated up.
After a month of use, there were no signs of abnormal wear and tear on my rifle or the ammunition itself. Cleaning my AR-15 after shooting the Remington rounds was straightforward, with no excessive copper fouling in the barrel. While the accuracy wasn’t stellar, the reliability was undeniable.
Compared to my previous experiences with Barnes Vor-Tx, the Remington rounds were less accurate in my rifle, but also significantly less expensive. The Hornady Outfitter rounds offered better accuracy and similar terminal performance in my testing, but at a higher cost. For target practice or plinking, the Remington would be a more economical choice, but for serious hunting, I’d still lean towards the more premium options.
Breaking Down the Features of **Remington Core-Lokt .300 AAC Blackout 120 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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Specifications
The Remington Core-Lokt .300 AAC Blackout 120 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition boasts several key specifications. The caliber is, of course, .300 AAC Blackout, designed for versatility in AR-15 platforms and short-barreled rifles. Each round features a 120-grain copper hollow point (CHP) bullet, intended for rapid expansion upon impact.
The cases are made of brass, a standard material for rifle ammunition, known for its reloadability and consistent performance. The muzzle velocity is listed at 2100 ft/s, generating a muzzle energy of 1175 ft-lbs. The ammunition is lead-free, aligning with environmental regulations and appealing to hunters seeking non-toxic alternatives.
These specifications are crucial for understanding the ammunition’s intended purpose and performance characteristics. The 120-grain bullet weight provides a good balance of velocity and energy for hunting applications. The copper hollow point design is intended to ensure reliable expansion, even at the .300 Blackout’s moderate velocities. The lead-free construction makes it suitable for use in areas with lead restrictions and appeals to environmentally conscious shooters.
Performance & Functionality
The Remington Core-Lokt .300 AAC Blackout 120 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition functions reliably in semi-automatic rifles, with consistent feeding and extraction. However, as I mentioned earlier, the accuracy can be somewhat inconsistent, with group sizes varying depending on the rifle and shooting conditions. The expansion of the copper hollow point is generally reliable in ballistic gel testing and on smaller game, but its performance on larger game, like deer, may be less consistent than traditional lead-core bullets.
The ammunition’s strength lies in its reliable function and lead-free construction, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The primary weakness is the inconsistent accuracy, which may limit its effectiveness for long-range shooting or hunting situations where precise shot placement is critical. While it meets the basic expectations for a .300 Blackout hunting round, it doesn’t necessarily exceed them in terms of accuracy or terminal performance on larger game.
Design & Ergonomics
The Remington Core-Lokt Copper ammunition is designed with functionality in mind, prioritizing reliable feeding and consistent expansion. The brass casings are well-formed and easy to handle, and the copper hollow points are precisely manufactured. The weight of the rounds is standard for .300 Blackout ammunition, making them comfortable to load and carry in magazines.
The ammunition is user-friendly, with no special loading or handling requirements. There is minimal learning curve associated with using the Remington Core-Lokt Copper, making it suitable for both experienced and novice shooters. Its compatibility with standard AR-15 magazines and rifles makes it easy to integrate into existing .300 Blackout platforms.
Durability & Maintenance
The Remington Core-Lokt .300 AAC Blackout 120 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition is expected to have a long shelf life when stored properly in a cool, dry place. The brass casings are durable and can be reloaded multiple times, extending the value of the ammunition. Minimal maintenance is required, other than ensuring the rounds are clean and free from corrosion.
Cleaning the rifle after shooting the Remington Core-Lokt Copper is straightforward, with no excessive fouling or residue. The copper bullets may leave some deposits in the barrel, but these are easily removed with standard cleaning solvents and brushes. Overall, the Remington ammunition is designed to be durable and require minimal maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Remington Core-Lokt .300 AAC Blackout 120 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition does not come with any specific accessories. However, it is compatible with a wide range of .300 Blackout rifles, magazines, and accessories. The ammunition can be used with various optics, including scopes, red dot sights, and holographic sights, depending on the intended application.
While the ammunition itself cannot be customized, shooters can adjust their rifle’s settings, such as the gas block or buffer weight, to optimize performance with the Remington Core-Lokt Copper rounds. The ammunition is compatible with aftermarket triggers, muzzle devices, and other accessories commonly used in .300 Blackout rifles.
Pros and Cons of **Remington Core-Lokt .300 AAC Blackout 120 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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Pros
- Reliable Feeding & Extraction: The ammunition cycles flawlessly in AR-15 platforms, ensuring consistent performance.
- Lead-Free Construction: Appeals to environmentally conscious shooters and meets regulations in lead-restricted areas.
- Copper Hollow Point Design: Promotes reliable expansion, even at the .300 Blackout’s moderate velocities.
- Affordable Price Point: Offers a more economical alternative to premium lead-free .300 Blackout options.
- Suitable for Hunting Smaller Game: Offers effective terminal performance on varmints and smaller game species.
Cons
- Inconsistent Accuracy: Group sizes can vary depending on the rifle and shooting conditions.
- Questionable Performance on Larger Game: Expansion and penetration on deer-sized game may be less reliable than lead-core bullets.
Who Should Buy **Remington Core-Lokt .300 AAC Blackout 120 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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The Remington Core-Lokt .300 AAC Blackout 120 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition is perfect for shooters looking for a reliable and affordable lead-free option for target practice, plinking, or hunting smaller game. It is particularly well-suited for hunters in areas with lead restrictions or those who prefer to use non-toxic ammunition. Those who prioritize high-volume shooting and training over pinpoint accuracy will also find it a cost-effective choice.
Hunters targeting larger game, such as deer or hogs, at longer ranges should skip this product. Competitive shooters seeking maximum accuracy and consistency would be better served by premium .300 Blackout ammunition from brands like Barnes or Hornady. Those who demand guaranteed one-shot stops on big game may also find the terminal performance of the Remington Core-Lokt Copper to be less reliable than traditional lead-core bullets.
A must-have accessory for optimizing the performance of this ammunition is a high-quality optic. Experimenting with different bullet weights and brands to determine what your rifle prefers will also improve success, but is not really an “accessory” in the traditional sense.
Conclusion on **Remington Core-Lokt .300 AAC Blackout 120 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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The Remington Core-Lokt .300 AAC Blackout 120 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition offers a decent compromise between affordability and performance in the lead-free .300 Blackout market. While it may not deliver the same level of accuracy or terminal performance as premium options, it provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for target practice, plinking, and hunting smaller game. The price is definitely justified considering the lead-free aspect and reliable cycling.
I would recommend this ammunition to shooters looking for a budget-friendly lead-free .300 Blackout option, but with the caveat that accuracy and terminal performance may be less consistent than with premium brands. If you’re seeking pinpoint accuracy for long-range shooting or guaranteed one-shot stops on big game, I’d suggest investing in higher-end ammunition. However, for general-purpose shooting and hunting smaller game in lead-restricted areas, the Remington Core-Lokt Copper is a viable option. It’s worth picking up a box or two to test in your own rifle and see if it meets your specific needs and expectations.