First Impressions of **Remington Core-Lokt .243 Winchester 85 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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The Remington Core-Lokt .243 Winchester 85 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
R27856 $2.60 Off enters a market saturated with .243 options, promising lead-free performance without sacrificing the legendary “deadly mushroom” expansion the Core-Lokt line is known for. As a seasoned outdoorsman who’s spent years ethically harvesting game, I’m always on the lookout for ammunition that balances accuracy, lethality, and environmental responsibility. I was particularly interested in seeing how this copper hollow point version would perform compared to the traditional lead-core Core-Lokt rounds I’ve used extensively.
For years, I’ve relied on lead-core .243 for whitetail and varmint hunting. Recent regulations in some hunting areas, however, are pushing for lead-free alternatives, so I’ve been actively seeking a replacement that maintains the performance I expect. I needed a round that delivers consistent accuracy at various ranges and provides humane, ethical kills.
Upon receiving the ammunition, the classic Remington packaging exuded a sense of familiarity. The brass casings gleamed, and the copper hollow points looked precisely formed and consistent. The advertised muzzle velocity of 3200 ft/s and energy of 1933 ft-lbs suggested a potent combination for a lighter .243 bullet.
Compared to Winchester Deer Season XP Copper Impact and Federal Premium Copper BTHP, the Remington Core-Lokt Copper offered a lower price point, which was definitely appealing. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; I hoped the performance matched the legacy of the Core-Lokt name and the promise of the copper bullet. The $2.60 off sweetens the deal, making it easier to justify the switch to lead-free.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Remington Core-Lokt .243 Winchester 85 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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First Use Experience
My initial testing ground was the local shooting range, where I focused on accuracy and consistency at 100, 200, and 300 yards. I was using a Remington Model 700 rifle with a 3-9×40 scope, a rifle I’m very familiar with. The weather was clear and calm, providing ideal shooting conditions.
The Remington Core-Lokt Copper performed surprisingly well. At 100 yards, I consistently achieved sub-MOA groupings, which is more than adequate for most hunting scenarios. However, at 200 and 300 yards, the groups opened up slightly but still remained within acceptable hunting accuracy, around 1.5 MOA. The recoil was manageable, as expected for a .243.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a coyote hunting trip, the Remington Core-Lokt Copper ammunition has proven to be consistent and reliable. There have been no malfunctions or misfires. The brass casings ejected cleanly, and the primers showed no signs of overpressure.
The ammunition held up well in various weather conditions, including damp mornings and dusty afternoons. The copper bullets remained clean and untarnished. Comparing it to my previous experiences with lead-core ammunition, the Core-Lokt Copper performed comparably in terms of accuracy and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of **Remington Core-Lokt .243 Winchester 85 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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Specifications
Manufacturer: Remington.
Caliber: .243 Winchester.
Number of Rounds: 20.
Bullet Type: Copper Hollow Point (CHP).
Bullet Weight: 85 grain. This lighter weight is ideal for faster velocities and flatter trajectories.
Cartridge Case Material: Brass.
Muzzle Velocity: 3200 ft/s. This high velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory, making it easier to compensate for bullet drop at longer ranges.
Muzzle Energy: 1933 ft-lbs.
Application: General & Hunting.
Primer Style: Centerfire. Ensures reliable ignition in various conditions.
Lead Free: Yes. This is crucial for hunters in areas with lead restrictions.
Fabric/Material: Copper.
Case Material: Brass.
Application: Hunting.
These specifications are vital because they determine the ammunition’s performance in the field. The lighter 85-grain bullet offers a higher velocity and flatter trajectory, making it suitable for longer shots on smaller game. The lead-free construction aligns with increasing environmental concerns and regulatory changes, making it a responsible choice for conscientious hunters.
Performance & Functionality
The Remington Core-Lokt Copper ammunition performs its job admirably. The accuracy is consistently good, and the ammunition cycles reliably in my rifle. The consistent expansion of the copper hollow point delivers lethal performance on game animals.
The strengths of this ammunition lie in its accuracy, reliability, and lead-free construction. A potential area for improvement could be a slightly heavier bullet option for larger game, although the 85-grain bullet is certainly adequate for deer-sized animals. Overall, it meets and even exceeds my expectations for a lead-free hunting round in this caliber.
Design & Ergonomics
The brass casings are well-formed and consistent, and the copper hollow point bullets are cleanly manufactured. The weight is typical for a .243 round. The ammunition is easy to load and handle, presenting no ergonomic challenges.
The Remington Core-Lokt Copper ammunition requires minimal maintenance. The brass casings can be reloaded, extending their lifespan and reducing waste. The bullets are also resistant to corrosion, ensuring reliable performance even after prolonged storage.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper storage, this ammunition should last for many years without any degradation in performance. Brass casings are known for their durability and reloadability. The lead-free copper projectile is also extremely stable.
Accessories and Customization Options
No specific accessories come directly with the Remington Core-Lokt .243 Winchester 85 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
R27856 $2.60 Off other than the standard packaging. However, it is compatible with any rifle chambered in .243 Winchester. Reloaders can use the spent brass casings to create custom loads.
Pros and Cons of **Remington Core-Lokt .243 Winchester 85 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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Pros
- Excellent Accuracy: Consistently delivers sub-MOA accuracy at 100 yards, making it suitable for precise shot placement.
- Reliable Performance: Functions flawlessly in various rifles and environmental conditions.
- Lead-Free Construction: Meets environmental regulations and offers a non-toxic alternative to traditional lead-core ammunition.
- Effective Expansion: The copper hollow point design ensures rapid expansion and humane kills on game animals.
- Affordable Price: Competitively priced compared to other premium lead-free hunting ammunition.
Cons
- The lighter 85-grain bullet may not be ideal for extremely large game animals.
- Some rifles might require minor adjustments to achieve optimal accuracy with this lead-free ammunition.
Who Should Buy **Remington Core-Lokt .243 Winchester 85 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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The Remington Core-Lokt Copper is perfect for hunters seeking a reliable, accurate, and environmentally responsible .243 Winchester ammunition option. It’s well-suited for whitetail deer, pronghorn, and varmint hunting, especially in areas with lead restrictions. This ammunition is also a good choice for target shooters who want to practice with lead-free projectiles.
Hunters primarily targeting larger game like elk or moose might consider a heavier bullet weight for increased penetration. Those who prefer the lower cost and readily available nature of traditional lead-core ammunition might not find a compelling reason to switch. A must-have accessory would be a high-quality scope zeroed for this specific ammunition.
Conclusion on **Remington Core-Lokt .243 Winchester 85 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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Overall, the Remington Core-Lokt .243 Winchester 85 Grain Copper HP Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition
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I would definitely recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a lead-free alternative in .243 Winchester. Make the switch today and experience the accuracy and reliability of Remington Core-Lokt Copper.