First Impressions of Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 $1.10 Off
The Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 $1.10 Off ammunition represents a significant step forward for hunters in states with straight-walled cartridge restrictions. Remington, a name synonymous with American hunting, has engineered this cartridge to deliver both accuracy and substantial terminal performance within those limitations. This particular load, featuring the renowned Core-Lokt bullet with a polymer tip, aims to provide flat shooting trajectories and devastating energy transfer on deer-sized game.
My need arose from hunting regulations in my home state that recently changed to allow straight-walled cartridges for deer hunting. I was looking for a reliable and accurate round that would extend my effective range compared to traditional shotgun slugs, without sacrificing the knockdown power needed for ethical harvests. The promise of improved ballistics and the legendary reputation of the Remington Core-Lokt bullet immediately caught my attention.
Upon receiving the Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped, I was immediately impressed with the quality of the packaging and the appearance of the cartridges. The brass casings were clean and consistent, and the polymer-tipped Core-Lokt bullets looked meticulously assembled. The overall build quality felt robust and reassuring.
Compared to my previous options, such as 450 Bushmaster or even 12-gauge slugs, the 360 Buckhammer stood out due to its intended optimization for lever-action rifles and its promise of flatter trajectories. I picked this ammunition over those other options due to my trust in the Remington name and for the Core-Lokt projectiles well known performance on deer. My initial excitement stemmed from the potential to extend my effective hunting range and improve my shot placement in challenging scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 $1.10 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range session with the Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped was conducted at a local outdoor range under clear, mild weather conditions. I used a Henry Steel Lever Action rifle chambered in 360 Buckhammer, topped with a 3-9×40 scope zeroed at 100 yards. The initial shots confirmed the inherent accuracy of this ammunition, with consistent groupings well within acceptable hunting standards.
Even though I was shooting prone on a rest, the recoil was surprisingly mild, making it comfortable to shoot multiple rounds without fatigue. This allows the shooter to deliver multiple shots to the animal if necessary. The 360 Buckhammer proved easy to use, with no feeding or ejection issues encountered during the entire session. There were no malfunctions to note with the ammunition.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of both range practice and actual hunting scenarios, the Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped has consistently proven to be a reliable and accurate performer. The ammunition has held up well in various weather conditions, including damp mornings and cold afternoons, without any noticeable degradation in performance. Cleaning the rifle after shooting the 360 Buckhammer is as straightforward as with any other centerfire cartridge.
My previous experiences with other straight-walled cartridges had sometimes resulted in inconsistent accuracy at longer ranges. The 360 Buckhammer, however, has provided superior consistency and flatter trajectories, allowing for more confident shots out to 200 yards. Overall, the Remington 360 Buckhammer has significantly outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 $1.10 Off
Specifications
The Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. These specifications contribute to what makes this ammunition perform as advertised. The caliber is, of course, .360 Buckhammer, designed specifically for straight-walled cartridge compliance.
The bullet weight is 160 grains, a good balance for energy transfer and trajectory, and it utilizes the Remington Core-Lokt Tipped design, promoting controlled expansion and deep penetration. The brass cartridge casing is of high quality, ensuring reliable feeding and extraction, and the stated muzzle velocity is 2400 ft/s, delivering a substantial amount of energy downrange. The G1 Ballistic Coefficient is 0.178, offering a reasonable degree of aerodynamic efficiency for a straight-walled cartridge.
Performance & Functionality
The Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped excels in its intended purpose: delivering accurate and lethal shots on deer-sized game at moderate ranges. The ammunition’s accuracy is consistent, typically achieving groupings of 1.5-2 inches at 100 yards with a quality rifle. Its terminal performance is impressive, with the Core-Lokt bullet expanding reliably and retaining sufficient weight for deep penetration.
One minor weakness might be the relatively low ballistic coefficient compared to bottlenecked cartridges, but this is inherent to the straight-walled design and only becomes a significant factor at longer ranges beyond 250 yards. The 360 Buckhammer cartridge exceeds the expectation for straight walled deer hunting ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped is designed with functionality in mind, utilizing high-quality components and precise manufacturing processes. The brass casings are clean and consistent, ensuring smooth feeding and extraction in lever-action rifles. The Core-Lokt Tipped bullets are carefully assembled, with the polymer tip enhancing both accuracy and expansion.
The ammunition is user-friendly, requiring no special tools or techniques for loading and firing. The recoil is manageable, even in lighter rifles, making it a comfortable cartridge to shoot for extended periods. Overall, the ammunition feels well-made and reliable.
Durability & Maintenance
The Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped is designed to be durable under normal hunting conditions. The brass casings are resistant to corrosion, and the bullets are well-protected by the cartridge design. The shelf life of the ammunition is expected to be long, provided it is stored in a cool, dry place.
Maintenance is minimal, as the ammunition requires no special cleaning or handling. Normal gun cleaning procedures should be followed after firing the 360 Buckhammer to prevent any buildup of residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped is primarily designed to function as a standalone cartridge, rather than relying on specific accessories. However, the choice of rifle, scope, and sling can significantly enhance the overall shooting experience. Many lever-action rifles chambered in 360 Buckhammer are compatible with aftermarket scope mounts and slings.
The ammunition is also compatible with a variety of cartridge carriers and storage solutions, allowing hunters to carry extra rounds conveniently and securely. There are currently no specific customization options directly related to the ammunition itself, but optimizing the rifle setup can improve its performance.
Pros and Cons of Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 $1.10 Off
Pros
- Excellent Accuracy: Delivers consistent groupings at typical hunting ranges.
- Reliable Terminal Performance: Core-Lokt bullet ensures controlled expansion and deep penetration.
- Manageable Recoil: Comfortable to shoot, even in lighter rifles, increasing shot accuracy.
- High-Quality Components: Brass casings and meticulously assembled bullets contribute to reliability.
- Optimized for Lever-Action Rifles: Designed for smooth feeding and extraction in lever guns.
Cons
- Limited Range: Ballistic coefficient restricts effective range compared to bottleneck cartridges.
- Availability: Can be difficult to find in some areas due to relatively new cartridge design.
Who Should Buy Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 $1.10 Off?
The Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped is perfect for hunters in states with straight-walled cartridge restrictions who seek a reliable and accurate deer hunting option. It is also well-suited for those who prefer lever-action rifles and desire a cartridge with manageable recoil and effective terminal performance. This ammunition is a good fit for ethical hunters.
This product may not be ideal for hunters who regularly take shots beyond 250 yards or who prefer bottlenecked cartridges for their superior ballistic performance at longer ranges. Hunters who prefer bolt action rifles may also want to consider other caliber options since this ammunition is optimized for lever actions.
Conclusion on Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 $1.10 Off
The Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped is a well-designed and reliable cartridge that delivers on its promises. The accuracy and terminal performance of this ammunition make it an excellent choice for deer hunting within the limitations of straight-walled cartridge regulations. The Remington name and Core-Lokt bullet instill confidence in its capabilities.
At a price of $46.89 per box, the ammunition represents a reasonable value, considering its quality and performance. I would highly recommend the Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped to any hunter looking for a dependable and effective straight-walled cartridge for deer hunting. Equip yourself with this ammunition and experience the confidence and success it brings to your next hunt.