What Makes Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165 Stand Out?
The Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165 are more than just a component of a cartridge; they’re a promise of controlled expansion, devastating terminal performance, and repeatable accuracy. Marketed by Hornady as a superb choice for whitetail and other North American game, the SST (Super Shock Tip) boasts a design focused on delivering maximum energy transfer upon impact. Having spent years loading, testing, and hunting with various projectiles, I was eager to see if the SST lived up to its reputation.
I’d been struggling with consistent pass-through shots on deer with another well-known brand of hunting bullets. I needed a bullet that would expand reliably at a variety of ranges, while still retaining enough weight to penetrate deeply enough for a clean kill. The positive reviews and the promise of the Hornady InterLock ring to control expansion drew me to try these.
Unboxing the Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165, I was immediately struck by the sleek profile and the prominent red polymer tip. They felt substantial in hand, and visually, the manufacturing quality seemed top-notch; the boat tail design was clean and the cannelure was perfectly formed. These bullets project a sense of precision, a feeling that speaks volumes about their potential performance.
I had considered the Nosler Ballistic Tip and the Sierra GameKing, both popular choices for similar game. The Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165 won out due to the InterLock ring and the reputation for reliable expansion across a broader velocity range. I was looking for something that would perform consistently whether the shot was at 50 yards or 300.
My first impression was excitement tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism; marketing hype is common, but genuine performance is what truly matters. I was eager to get these loaded and onto the range to see if they could deliver on their promises.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test with the Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165 was at my local shooting range, zeroing my rifle and working up a load. I tested them in my Remington 700 chambered in .308 Winchester. The range offered shooting distances out to 300 yards, which was perfect for evaluating their accuracy and trajectory.
The weather was typical for early fall: cool and slightly breezy, which can affect bullet flight, particularly at longer ranges. After working up a load with a consistent powder charge, the SSTs immediately demonstrated their accuracy potential, grouping consistently under an inch at 100 yards. The bullets were easy to load and seated consistently, thanks to the well-defined cannelure.
I didn’t experience any issues during the initial loading and firing. The bullets fed smoothly from the magazine, and the primers showed consistent ignition. The accuracy was a pleasant surprise, given that I hadn’t spent a great deal of time tweaking the load.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including range sessions and a deer hunting season, the Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165 continued to impress. The accuracy remained consistent, and I observed no significant signs of degradation or performance decline. They were stored in standard ammunition boxes in a cool, dry environment when not in use.
Durability proved to be excellent, as the bullets held up well during handling and loading. There were no signs of the polymer tip deforming or the jacket separating from the core. Cleaning was straightforward, as the copper jacket exhibited minimal fouling in my rifle barrel.
Compared to my previous experience with the competitor’s hunting bullets, the Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165 have been a significant improvement. The SSTs offer more consistent expansion and better weight retention on game, leading to cleaner kills and more confidence in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165
Specifications
The Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165 specifications are as follows:
Caliber: .30 Caliber (.308 diameter). This is a very common caliber, suitable for a wide variety of .30 caliber rifles, including the .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and .300 Winchester Magnum.
Weight: 165 grains. This bullet weight offers a good balance of velocity and ballistic coefficient, making it suitable for medium to large game at moderate ranges.
Construction: Copper jacket with lead core. The copper jacket provides excellent accuracy and consistent expansion, while the lead core delivers the necessary weight for penetration.
Polymer Tip: The hard polymer tip initiates rapid expansion upon impact, increasing the size of the wound cavity.
Secant Ogive, Boattail Profile: This design enhances the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, resulting in a flatter trajectory and reduced wind drift.
Cannelure: The mid-body cannelure provides a secure crimping location, ensuring consistent bullet seating and preventing bullet setback during recoil.
InterLock Ring: Hornady’s exclusive InterLock ring mechanically locks the core and jacket together, promoting controlled expansion and maximum weight retention.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the bullet’s performance on game. The polymer tip and InterLock ring are crucial for controlled expansion and penetration, while the boattail design improves accuracy and reduces bullet drop at longer ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165 perform exceptionally well in their intended role as a hunting bullet. They consistently deliver excellent accuracy, reliable expansion, and sufficient penetration for clean kills on medium to large game. Their accuracy allows for confident shot placement, even at extended ranges.
The main strength of these bullets is their consistent terminal performance, due to the InterLock Ring and Polymer Tip. They expand reliably, even at lower velocities, while still maintaining enough weight to penetrate deeply. One area for potential improvement might be in extremely close-range situations, where some hunters might prefer an even tougher bullet to prevent excessive expansion.
These bullets exceeded my expectations. I achieved excellent accuracy and consistently ethical kills on deer during the hunting season.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165 exhibit excellent build quality, with tight tolerances and consistent dimensions. The materials used are high-quality, and the bullet’s sleek profile contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency. The Boattail Profile helps improve the ballistic coefficient.
The bullets are easy to handle and load, thanks to their consistent dimensions and well-defined cannelure. There is virtually no learning curve associated with using these bullets, making them suitable for reloaders of all experience levels.
Durability & Maintenance
Given that these are bullets, durability primarily refers to their ability to withstand handling and loading without damage. The Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165 are quite durable, and I did not experience any issues with deformation or damage during normal use. Properly stored, these bullets should last indefinitely.
Maintenance is not applicable to bullets, as they are single-use items. However, proper cleaning of the rifle barrel after use is essential to maintain accuracy and prevent fouling.
Accessories and Customization Options
Since these are bullets intended for reloading, the “accessories” are the components of a cartridge: brass cases, primers, and powder. There are no direct accessories for the bullets themselves. Customization comes in the form of selecting the appropriate powder charge to achieve the desired velocity and accuracy.
The Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165 are compatible with a wide range of brass cases, primers, and powders from various manufacturers. This allows reloaders to tailor their ammunition to their specific rifle and hunting needs.
Pros and Cons of Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165
Pros
- Excellent Accuracy: Consistently produce tight groupings in a variety of rifles.
- Reliable Expansion: The Polymer Tip and InterLock Ring ensure consistent expansion across a wide velocity range.
- Good Penetration: Retain sufficient weight for deep penetration on medium to large game.
- Flat Trajectory: The Boattail Profile and Secant Ogive contribute to a flat trajectory and reduced wind drift.
- Easy to Load: The well-defined cannelure simplifies the loading process.
Cons
- May be Too Soft for Close-Range, Large Game: Could experience excessive expansion on very large game at close ranges.
- Not Lead-Free: Contains lead, which may be a concern for some shooters.
Who Should Buy Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165?
The Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165 are perfect for:
- Hunters targeting medium to large game, such as deer, antelope, and hogs, at moderate ranges.
- Reloaders seeking a versatile and accurate hunting bullet.
- Hunters who value consistent terminal performance and ethical kills.
Who should skip this product?
- Hunters pursuing extremely large or dangerous game, such as elk or bear, particularly at close ranges, may benefit from a tougher, more controlled-expansion bullet.
- Hunters who are required to use lead-free ammunition due to regulations or personal preference.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A quality reloading press and dies are essential for loading these bullets.
- A chronograph is helpful for verifying velocity and optimizing load performance.
Conclusion on Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165
The Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165 are an outstanding choice for hunters seeking a versatile, accurate, and reliable hunting bullet. Their consistent terminal performance and excellent accuracy make them a top contender in their class.
At $43.55, the price is justified by the bullet’s exceptional performance and quality. The cost per bullet is reasonable, especially considering the peace of mind they provide in the field.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Hornady SST Rifle Bullets, 30 Caliber, .308, 165 to any hunter looking for a dependable and effective hunting bullet. Load them up, zero your rifle, and head out to the field with confidence knowing that you’re carrying a bullet that will deliver.