What Makes Hornady Superformance 7mm-08 Remington 139 grain – 1 out of 2 models Stand Out?
The Hornady Superformance 7mm-08 Remington 139 grain ammunition is designed to deliver exceptional velocity and flat trajectories, a combination highly sought after by hunters and target shooters alike. Manufactured by Hornady, a company renowned for its innovation and quality, this particular load features their Super Shock Tip (SST) bullet, known for its rapid expansion and deep penetration. This promises devastating terminal performance on game animals. It stands out in a market saturated with various 7mm-08 options.
I was searching for an ammunition that would extend my effective range on whitetail deer in open fields. I needed something accurate, with reliable expansion at longer distances, and with enough kinetic energy to ensure a quick, ethical kill. I was tired of guessing holdover and potentially wounding animals.
Unboxing the Hornady Superformance 7mm-08 Remington 139 grain was satisfying. The brass cases gleamed, and the SST tips were perfectly formed, indicating meticulous quality control. The weight felt consistent cartridge to cartridge, inspiring confidence in its consistency.
I considered the Federal Premium Vital-Shok 7mm-08 Remington 140 grain Nosler AccuBond and the Remington Core-Lokt 7mm-08 Remington 140 grain. While both are excellent hunting rounds, I chose the Hornady Superformance for its advertised velocity gains. I was willing to gamble on the Superformance claim that it could push the bullet faster and flatter, giving me the edge I needed for longer shots.
My initial impression was excitement tempered with a bit of skepticism. Claims of “super performance” always need to be validated in the field. If it lived up to the hype, this could become my go-to deer hunting load.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Superformance 7mm-08 Remington 139 grain – 1 out of 2 models to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Superformance 7mm-08 Remington 139 grain at my local shooting range, which offers distances out to 300 yards. The weather was clear and cool, around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. My rifle is a bolt-action with a 22-inch barrel and a 3-9×40 scope.
The ammunition performed admirably, producing consistent groupings of just under 1 inch at 100 yards. Recoil was slightly more noticeable than with standard 7mm-08 loads, but manageable. I chronographed the rounds and was pleased to see an average velocity close to Hornady’s advertised specs, a significant increase over my previous ammunition.
There were no malfunctions of any kind. The cartridges fed smoothly, extracted cleanly, and the primers showed no signs of overpressure. The only surprise was the slightly louder report compared to standard loads, a side effect of the faster burning propellant.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a successful deer hunting season, the Hornady Superformance 7mm-08 Remington 139 grain has proven to be exceptionally reliable. There are no signs of degradation or performance loss. The brass cases still look new, even after multiple firings (for reloading purposes).
The ammunition has remained consistent in various weather conditions, from hot summer days at the range to cold, damp mornings in the deer stand. I’ve stored some rounds in my truck for extended periods, and they still perform flawlessly. Maintenance is non-existent. Simply keep the ammunition clean and dry.
Compared to my previous experience with other 7mm-08 loads, the Hornady Superformance clearly outperforms them in terms of velocity and trajectory. The flatter trajectory has significantly reduced the amount of holdover required at longer distances. I have experienced cleaner kills with less tracking required.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Superformance 7mm-08 Remington 139 grain – 1 out of 2 models
Specifications
- Caliber: 7mm-08 Remington. This is a popular and versatile caliber suitable for medium-sized game.
- Bullet Weight: 139 grain. This weight provides a good balance of velocity, trajectory, and terminal performance for deer-sized game.
- Bullet Type: Super Shock Tip (SST). The SST is designed for rapid expansion and deep penetration, ensuring a quick and ethical kill.
- Case Type: Brass. Brass cases are reloadable, extending the life and value of the ammunition.
- Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 2,950 fps (feet per second). This high velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory and increased energy on target.
- Application: Hunting. This ammunition is specifically designed for hunting medium-sized game.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the ammunition’s performance in the field. The high velocity and SST bullet combine to deliver devastating terminal performance, while the reloadable brass cases offer added value for handloaders.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Superformance 7mm-08 Remington 139 grain performs its job exceptionally well. Accuracy is excellent, with consistent groupings at various distances. Reliability is unquestionable. It has fed, fired, and extracted flawlessly in my rifle.
The ammunition’s strengths lie in its flat trajectory and terminal performance. The increased velocity allows for longer shots with less holdover. The SST bullet expands rapidly and penetrates deeply, delivering a massive energy transfer to the target. A minor improvement would be to slightly reduce the report to minimize recoil anticipation.
The ammunition meets and exceeds my expectations. I am very happy with its accuracy, reliability, and killing power.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Hornady Superformance 7mm-08 Remington 139 grain ammunition is straightforward and functional. The brass cases are well-formed, and the SST bullet is aerodynamically efficient. The weight feels balanced in hand, and the cartridges load smoothly into the magazine.
There is no learning curve associated with using this ammunition. It performs exactly as expected and feels like quality manufactured ammunition.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Superformance 7mm-08 Remington 139 grain ammunition is expected to last for many years if stored properly. Brass is highly resistant to corrosion, and the SST bullet is well-protected within the cartridge. Maintenance is minimal. Keep the ammunition clean and dry, and it will be ready to perform when needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ammunition itself doesn’t require any accessories. But pairing it with a high-quality optic can maximize its potential. Using a ballistic calculator to determine holdover at various distances is also recommended.
The ammunition is compatible with any 7mm-08 Remington rifle chambered to SAAMI specifications. It will work well with most aftermarket triggers and stocks.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Superformance 7mm-08 Remington 139 grain – 1 out of 2 models
Pros
- Extremely flat trajectory extends effective range.
- Excellent accuracy provides consistent groupings.
- Devastating terminal performance ensures quick, ethical kills.
- Reliable feeding and extraction prevents malfunctions.
- Reloadable brass cases offer added value for handloaders.
Cons
- Recoil is slightly more noticeable than standard 7mm-08 loads.
- Slightly louder report might cause flinching in some shooters.
Who Should Buy Hornady Superformance 7mm-08 Remington 139 grain – 1 out of 2 models?
Perfect for: Hunters seeking to extend their effective range on medium-sized game like deer and antelope will benefit the most from the Hornady Superformance 7mm-08 Remington 139 grain. Also, target shooters who appreciate flat trajectories and consistent accuracy at longer distances will appreciate this ammunition.
Who should skip this product? Shooters sensitive to recoil might want to consider a standard 7mm-08 load with a lighter bullet. Those who primarily hunt in thick brush where long shots are not possible may not need the added velocity and trajectory benefits.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality scope with accurate turrets is essential for maximizing the potential of this ammunition at longer ranges. A quality rangefinder will also greatly improve shot placement and make it easier to compensate for longer distances.
Conclusion on Hornady Superformance 7mm-08 Remington 139 grain – 1 out of 2 models
The Hornady Superformance 7mm-08 Remington 139 grain ammunition is a high-performance load designed to deliver exceptional velocity, flat trajectories, and devastating terminal performance. The price is justified by its superior accuracy and lethality compared to standard 7mm-08 loads.
I would personally recommend this ammunition to any hunter or target shooter looking to extend their effective range and improve their accuracy. This is a reliable, accurate, and powerful load that will not disappoint.
Take your shooting to the next level! Try the Hornady Superformance 7mm-08 Remington 139 grain and experience the difference for yourself.