First Impressions of Hornady Traditional & FMJ Bullets .30 cal .308in 150 gr FMJ-BT CANN
For any seasoned shooter, the name Hornady resonates with quality and consistency. I recently acquired a can of the Hornady Traditional & FMJ Bullets .30 cal .308in 150 gr FMJ-BT CANN to feed my trusty .308 Winchester rifle, primarily for range practice and general plinking. These bullets promise reliable performance and match-grade accuracy, all while being full metal jacketed, which is ideal for volume shooting without excessive barrel wear.
I needed a consistent and affordable .308 projectile for high-volume range sessions. I’d been using some surplus ammunition, but the inconsistent velocities were impacting my accuracy and enjoyment of the range time. The promise of the Hornady name and reputation for quality drew me to these FMJ bullets.
The bullets arrived in a sturdy, resealable can. The visual inspection revealed clean, consistently shaped bullets, with no noticeable deformities or blemishes. They felt substantial, a good sign of consistent construction.
I was considering other FMJ options from Sierra and Nosler, but the price point of the Hornady bullets, combined with their reputation for excellent quality control, made them the winner. Other options seemed either significantly more expensive for marginal gains or lacked the established Hornady track record. My choice was clear.
Initial impressions are very positive. The quality seems excellent, promising a consistent shooting experience. I’m excited to get these to the range and see if they live up to the Hornady name.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Traditional & FMJ Bullets .30 cal .308in 150 gr FMJ-BT CANN to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Traditional & FMJ Bullets .30 cal .308in 150 gr FMJ-BT CANN at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was mild and sunny, perfect conditions for load development and accuracy testing. I used my .308 Winchester bolt-action rifle, equipped with a 20-inch barrel and a 3-9×40 scope.
The bullets loaded smoothly into my reloads, showing no issues with case neck tension or seating depth. Chronographing the first few rounds revealed consistent velocities with a relatively small standard deviation. The on-paper accuracy at 100 yards was impressive for FMJ bullets, producing consistent 1.5-2 inch groups.
I encountered no issues during the first use. There were no misfires or failures to extract. The bullets performed exactly as expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, these Hornady FMJ bullets have proven to be extremely reliable. I’ve fired hundreds of rounds, and I have experienced zero malfunctions attributed to the bullets themselves. The consistent performance has made them a staple in my reloading bench.
The bullets show no signs of degradation over time, even after being stored in their original can for extended periods. Cleaning my rifle after shooting these bullets is no different than with any other FMJ ammunition. There’s minimal copper fouling, suggesting a well-made jacket.
These bullets have exceeded my expectations for consistent performance and accuracy at their price point. They are superior to the surplus ammunition I was using previously in both consistency and cleanliness. I would certainly purchase them again.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Traditional & FMJ Bullets .30 cal .308in 150 gr FMJ-BT CANN
Specifications
Caliber: .308 Caliber. This is a standard caliber for rifles like the .308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, and others chambered for .308 diameter projectiles.
Bullet Weight: 150 Grain. 150 grain is a common weight for .308 bullets, offering a good balance of velocity and trajectory for various applications.
Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ). FMJ bullets are known for their reliable feeding in semi-automatic firearms and reduced barrel fouling compared to lead bullets.
Bullet Style: Boat Tail (BT). The boat tail design improves ballistic coefficient, resulting in flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift.
Quantity: 100 Bullets (per can). This amount makes it suitable for reloading in moderate quantities and for range practice.
These specifications contribute directly to the bullet’s performance. The Hornady FMJ design ensures smooth feeding and consistent velocities, while the boat tail enhances accuracy at longer ranges. The 150-grain weight provides a balance suitable for various .308 applications.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Traditional & FMJ Bullets .30 cal .308in 150 gr FMJ-BT CANN perform admirably for their intended purpose: range practice and general shooting. Accuracy is good for FMJ bullets, typically producing 1.5-2 inch groups at 100 yards with a suitable rifle and load. The boat tail design helps maintain velocity and reduce wind drift, improving long-range performance.
The bullet’s strengths lie in its consistency and reliability. The manufacturing quality ensures uniform bullet weight and dimensions, leading to more predictable results. There isn’t much to improve upon when considering the design and intended use case for these FMJ bullets.
These bullets meet my expectations perfectly. They provide a consistent and affordable way to practice with my .308 rifle without sacrificing accuracy. The added bonus is that they help keep the barrel clean.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is a classic full metal jacket boat tail. The Hornady bullets are well-formed with clean lines and a consistent copper jacket. They feel substantial and well-made in hand, indicating quality construction.
These bullets are incredibly easy to use for reloading. The consistent dimensions make them easy to seat in cases, and they work well with a variety of reloading dies. There’s essentially no learning curve involved.
Durability & Maintenance
As components of ammunition, the durability is more about storage than in-use wear. Properly stored in a cool, dry environment, these bullets should last for many years without degradation. Cleaning a rifle after using these bullets is straightforward.
Accessories and Customization Options
These bullets are primarily components for handloading, and as such, don’t have dedicated accessories. The “customization” comes from experimenting with different powder charges, primers, and seating depths to achieve optimal accuracy in a particular rifle. These bullets are compatible with standard .308 reloading dies and equipment.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Traditional & FMJ Bullets .30 cal .308in 150 gr FMJ-BT CANN
Pros
- Consistent Performance: The bullets exhibit uniform weight and dimensions, leading to predictable results and tight groupings.
- Reliable Feeding: The FMJ design ensures smooth feeding in semi-automatic rifles, minimizing malfunctions.
- Good Accuracy for FMJ: The boat tail design contributes to improved ballistic coefficient and reduced wind drift, enhancing accuracy at longer ranges.
- Affordable: These bullets offer excellent value for their price, making them ideal for high-volume shooting.
- Clean Burning: They produce relatively little copper fouling, making barrel cleaning easier.
Cons
- May not be suitable for hunting larger game due to the FMJ design’s potential for over-penetration without expansion.
- Not match-grade accuracy (but excellent for FMJ).
Who Should Buy Hornady Traditional & FMJ Bullets .30 cal .308in 150 gr FMJ-BT CANN?
These Hornady FMJ bullets are perfect for reloaders who want reliable and consistent performance for range practice, target shooting, and general plinking with their .308 caliber rifles. They are also a great option for shooters who own semi-automatic .308 rifles, where reliable feeding is crucial. Anyone looking for an affordable and accurate FMJ bullet for high-volume shooting will find these a great choice.
Hunters seeking ethical and effective projectiles for medium to large game should explore expanding bullets designed for hunting. Competitive shooters seeking the ultimate in accuracy may prefer match-grade bullets with tighter tolerances and specialized designs.
The bullets are great as-is, but experimenting with different powder charges and seating depths will help fine-tune accuracy for a specific rifle. A quality reloading manual and chronograph are helpful tools for load development.
Conclusion on Hornady Traditional & FMJ Bullets .30 cal .308in 150 gr FMJ-BT CANN
The Hornady Traditional & FMJ Bullets .30 cal .308in 150 gr FMJ-BT CANN are an excellent choice for reloaders seeking reliable, consistent, and affordable projectiles for range practice and general shooting. These bullets deliver good accuracy for FMJ rounds, exhibit reliable feeding in semi-automatic rifles, and burn relatively clean. The price is definitely justified.
I would absolutely recommend these bullets to anyone looking for a quality FMJ option for their .308 rifle. If you are a reloader and you prioritize consistent performance, good accuracy for an FMJ, and value for the money, then give these Hornady bullets a try. You won’t be disappointed.