Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets, .338 – 1 out of 5 models Review

Let’s Dive into Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets, .338 – 1 out of 5 models

For over 70 years, Hornady has been a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the ammunition and reloading component industry. The Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets, .338 – 1 out of 5 models, exemplifies this dedication, offering reloaders a bullet designed for consistent performance and deadly accuracy. These aren’t your grandpa’s round-nose projectiles; these are meticulously crafted bullets designed to meet the demands of modern hunting and shooting scenarios.

What drew me to these bullets was the need for a reliable, accurate projectile for my .338 Winchester Magnum. I was preparing for an elk hunt in Montana, and I needed a bullet that could deliver consistent performance at varying ranges, ensuring an ethical and effective harvest. Other brands I considered included Nosler AccuBond and Sierra GameKing, but the Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets‘ reputation for controlled expansion and deep penetration, combined with their affordability, ultimately swayed my decision.

Unboxing the bullets, I was immediately impressed by the clean, uniform appearance of each projectile. The bullets were packaged sequentially, reflecting the manufacturing precision described. The advertised aluminum tip felt solid and well-integrated into the overall bullet design.

My initial reaction was one of excitement mixed with anticipation. Would these bullets live up to the hype and deliver the accuracy and terminal performance I needed for my elk hunt? Only range testing would tell.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets, .338 – 1 out of 5 models to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets was at my local shooting range, preparing my loads for the upcoming hunt. The conditions were relatively mild, with a slight crosswind. I was shooting from a bench rest at 100, 200, and 300 yards to establish a baseline for accuracy and velocity.

These bullets loaded smoothly into my .338 Winchester Magnum brass using my standard reloading practices. I noticed consistent seating depths, suggesting good uniformity in bullet dimensions. At 100 yards, I was able to achieve sub-MOA groups, which immediately instilled confidence.

There were no immediate issues, though I did note that the aluminum tips seemed slightly more susceptible to minor dings and scratches during the reloading process compared to polymer-tipped bullets.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of load development and practice at the range, I felt confident in the performance of the Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets. I fine-tuned my load to achieve optimal velocity and accuracy in my rifle. The bullets consistently delivered tight groups and predictable trajectories.

The Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets, .338 – 1 out of 5 models held up very well throughout my testing. I noticed no significant wear or deformation of the bullets, even after multiple loading and unloading cycles. Cleaning my rifle after shooting these bullets was no different than with other jacketed bullets.

Comparing this experience to using other hunting bullets, I found that the Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets provided a good balance of accuracy, terminal performance, and affordability. They outperformed some of the cheaper, bulk-packed bullets I’d used in the past in terms of accuracy and consistency, while being more budget-friendly than some of the premium, bonded-core bullets.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets, .338 – 1 out of 5 models

Specifications

• Caliber: .338
• The bullet weight, boat tail design, and other specifications can vary among the five models of Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets. Refer to the specific model’s data for its exact weight.
• Aluminum Tip Design: Enhances in-flight stability and accuracy.

These specifications are critical for achieving consistent and predictable performance. The caliber is obviously dictated by the rifle chambering. Bullet weight affects trajectory, recoil, and terminal performance, and the aluminum tip ensures a consistent ballistic coefficient (BC).

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets, .338 – 1 out of 5 models performed admirably in my tests, delivering consistent accuracy and reliable expansion. At the range, I was able to consistently achieve sub-MOA groups, indicating excellent inherent accuracy. The bullets proved easy to load and seat consistently, which is crucial for achieving uniform velocities and consistent accuracy.

A slight weakness is the previously mentioned susceptibility of the aluminum tip to minor damage during handling. It did require a more careful approach during reloading. Overall, the Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets exceeded my expectations for a bullet in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets feature a streamlined design with a secant ogive and a boat tail to enhance ballistic efficiency. The build quality is excellent, with a consistent jacket thickness and a cleanly formed aluminum tip. These components contribute to the bullet’s accuracy and reliable expansion.

The bullets are easy to handle during the reloading process and feel well-balanced and consistent in weight and shape. There’s virtually no learning curve for reloaders familiar with standard reloading practices.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets appears to be very good, although this mainly pertains to their structural integrity before firing. Once fired, their performance is terminal. In terms of maintenance, there isn’t much to do beyond carefully handling them during the reloading process to avoid damaging the aluminum tips.

The bullet’s construction should ensure it will last indefinitely if stored properly in a cool, dry place.

Accessories and Customization Options

These are bullets, so the “accessories” are more related to the reloading process. These include:

• Seating Stems: Hornady recommends using their A-Tip seating stem for optimal bullet seating, which may be an additional purchase.
• Reloading Dies: Standard .338 Winchester Magnum reloading dies are compatible with these bullets.

The Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets are compatible with any rifle chambered in .338 Winchester Magnum and can be used with a wide range of powders and primers.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets, .338 – 1 out of 5 models

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Who Should Buy Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets, .338 – 1 out of 5 models?

The Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets are perfect for:

• Hunters seeking a reliable and accurate bullet for medium to large game.
• Reloaders looking for a consistent and affordable projectile.
• Shooters who prioritize accuracy and terminal performance.

These bullets might not be ideal for:

• Hunters who demand absolute maximum ballistic coefficient and are willing to pay a premium for it.
• Reloaders who are extremely rough with their components.

A must-have accessory would be a quality seating stem, preferably the Hornady A-Tip seating stem, to ensure consistent seating depths and prevent damage to the aluminum tip.

Conclusion on Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets, .338 – 1 out of 5 models

In summary, the Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets, .338 – 1 out of 5 models, offers an excellent balance of accuracy, reliability, and affordability. While the aluminum tip requires a bit more care during reloading, the consistent performance and lethal terminal ballistics make it a worthwhile trade-off.

The price of $71.99 for a box of these bullets is justified by their consistent quality and performance. They offer a significant upgrade over cheaper, bulk-packed bullets without the premium price tag of some of the high-end bonded-core options.

I would absolutely recommend the Hornady Interlock Traditional Rifle Bullets to any hunter or reloader looking for a reliable and accurate projectile for their .338 Winchester Magnum. If you’re looking for a bullet that will deliver consistent performance on game without breaking the bank, give these a try. You won’t be disappointed.