Let’s Talk About Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 45 Caliber, .458, 350 Grain, Flat Point
The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 45 Caliber, .458, 350 Grain, Flat Point are designed for serious knockdown power and deep penetration. These bullets, manufactured by Hornady, are built to stay together upon impact, maximizing energy transfer to the target. The flat point design is especially beneficial in lever-action rifles where feeding reliability is key.
I was searching for a bullet that would provide reliable expansion and deep penetration for hunting larger game. Many bullets I’ve used in the past showed inconsistent expansion, leading to less-than-ideal results. I needed a bullet known for its controlled expansion and weight retention, especially at varying ranges.
Upon opening the box, the bullets look clean and consistently formed. The flat point is well-defined, and the copper jacket appears uniform. The weight of each bullet feels substantial, indicating a dense core.
Compared to Sierra Pro Hunter and Nosler Partition bullets, the Hornady InterLock stood out because of its advertised InterLock ring and flat point design. The InterLock ring promises better core-jacket retention, and the flat point enhances feeding reliability in my lever-action rifles. While the Sierra is a good all-around bullet, and the Nosler is known for deep penetration, I wanted to test the Hornady for its specific design features geared toward controlled expansion and lever-action compatibility.
My first impression was positive. These bullets appear well-made and ready for reloading. I was excited to see how they would perform in terms of accuracy, expansion, and penetration.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 45 Caliber, .458, 350 Grain, Flat Point to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 45 Caliber, .458, 350 Grain, Flat Point at my local shooting range and during a deer hunting trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I loaded them into my .45-70 lever-action rifle. The shooting range allowed me to test accuracy and velocity, while the hunting trip would assess real-world terminal performance.
During testing, the weather conditions ranged from clear skies and 70°F at the range to damp and 40°F during the hunting trip. The Hornady InterLock bullets performed consistently regardless of the weather conditions. Their consistent performance inspired confidence in their functionality, regardless of external conditions.
The Hornady InterLock bullets loaded smoothly into my rifle, thanks to the flat point design. They chambered without any issues. I didn’t need any significant adjustment period to get accustomed to working with them.
After the first few shots at the range, I was pleased to see consistent groupings. There were no immediate issues. The accuracy was promising, suggesting that the bullets were well-balanced and stable in flight.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of range sessions and the hunting trip, the Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 45 Caliber, .458, 350 Grain, Flat Point have held up remarkably well. I have fired over 100 rounds. The bullet jackets show no signs of separation or deformation during the reloading process.
The bullets have maintained their accuracy over time. There’s no noticeable degradation in performance. I have been meticulous in my reloading practices, and the bullets have responded positively.
Cleaning my rifle after using these bullets is straightforward. There is no excessive fouling or residue left behind. The bullet’s consistent performance and clean burning characteristics make maintenance simple.
In comparison to my previous experiences with other bullets, the Hornady InterLock bullets have outperformed them in terms of consistent expansion and penetration. I harvested a mature whitetail buck with one shot. The bullet performed exactly as advertised, with deep penetration and significant energy transfer, resulting in a quick, humane kill.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 45 Caliber, .458, 350 Grain, Flat Point
Specifications
The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 45 Caliber, .458, 350 Grain, Flat Point specifications include a .458 caliber diameter, a bullet weight of 350 grains, and a flat nose (FN) bullet type. The sectional density is 0.238, with each box containing 50 bullets. The bullet tip material is lead, and the jacket material is copper.
The .458 caliber is appropriate for rifles chambered in .45-70 and similar cartridges, providing substantial stopping power. The 350-grain weight offers a good balance between velocity and energy transfer, making it suitable for medium to large game. The flat nose design enhances feeding reliability in lever-action rifles, and the copper jacket ensures controlled expansion and penetration.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 45 Caliber, .458, 350 Grain, Flat Point excel at delivering significant energy upon impact, thanks to the controlled expansion and deep penetration characteristics. The InterLock ring plays a crucial role in maintaining bullet integrity. This bullet is both accurate and reliable.
The bullet’s primary strength lies in its controlled expansion and weight retention, thanks to the InterLock ring. The flat point enhances feeding in lever-action rifles. The only potential weakness is that the flat point design may not offer the highest ballistic coefficient, potentially limiting effective range compared to spitzer-style bullets. The bullets met my expectations for hunting purposes.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 45 Caliber, .458, 350 Grain, Flat Point is excellent. The materials used are high-quality. Each bullet feels substantial and well-made.
The bullet’s design is straightforward and functional. The flat point is well-defined, and the copper jacket appears uniform and consistent. There is no learning curve associated with loading and using these bullets.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 45 Caliber, .458, 350 Grain, Flat Point are designed to withstand the stresses of firing and impact. They are expected to last through multiple reloading cycles, provided proper reloading practices are followed.
These bullets require minimal maintenance other than proper storage in a cool, dry place. Cleaning the firearm after using these bullets is simple, as there is little fouling. The durability and ease of maintenance make them a practical choice for reloaders.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 45 Caliber, .458, 350 Grain, Flat Point themselves don’t come with accessories, but they are compatible with standard reloading equipment. Customization options are related to reloading. You can adjust powder charges and seating depths to optimize performance in a specific firearm.
These bullets work well with a variety of reloading presses, dies, and powders from various brands. This flexibility makes them a versatile option for reloaders. The ability to fine-tune loads to match a particular rifle’s characteristics makes the Hornady InterLock even more appealing.
Pros and Cons of Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 45 Caliber, .458, 350 Grain, Flat Point
Pros
- Excellent weight retention due to the InterLock ring, ensuring deep penetration.
- Reliable expansion for effective energy transfer on game.
- Flat point design enhances feeding in lever-action rifles.
- Consistent accuracy at typical hunting ranges.
- High-quality construction for reliable performance.
Cons
- The flat point design may limit the effective range compared to more aerodynamic bullet designs.
- May require careful load development to achieve optimal accuracy in certain rifles.
Who Should Buy Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 45 Caliber, .458, 350 Grain, Flat Point?
The Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 45 Caliber, .458, 350 Grain, Flat Point are perfect for hunters using lever-action rifles chambered in .45-70 or similar cartridges. They are also suitable for reloaders seeking a reliable and accurate bullet for medium to large game. Anyone seeking deep penetration and controlled expansion will benefit from these bullets.
Those who require extreme long-range accuracy or prefer to use bolt-action rifles might find other bullet designs more suitable. These bullets are designed for specific applications. Someone prioritizing ballistic coefficient over feeding reliability may find spitzer-style bullets more appealing.
A good reloading press, quality dies, and a reliable powder scale are must-have accessories for working with these bullets. A chronograph is helpful for measuring velocity and optimizing loads. These tools enable precise load development.
Conclusion on Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 45 Caliber, .458, 350 Grain, Flat Point
Overall, the Hornady InterLock Rifle Bullets, 45 Caliber, .458, 350 Grain, Flat Point are an excellent choice for lever-action rifle hunters seeking reliable performance. The InterLock ring and flat point design are standout features. They work well together to enhance weight retention and feeding reliability.
At $47.39 for a box of 50, the price is justified considering the quality and performance. They provide great value. I highly recommend these bullets.
If you’re a lever-action aficionado looking for a dependable hunting bullet, give the Hornady InterLock a try. You won’t be disappointed!