Hornady’s American Gunner: A Solid Choice for Hunters and Shooters Alike
As an avid shooter, I was excited to get my hands on Hornady’s American Gunner line of ammunition for my trusty rifle, a Remington 700 in 30-06 Springfield. With a reputation for producing high-quality and reliable ammunition, I was eager to put the American Gunner 155gr BTHP through its paces. In this review, I’ll delve into my experience with this product, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, and share my overall impression of this exciting new line of cartridges.
Perfomance
Before diving into the specifics, I must say that the American Gunner 155gr BTHP performed admirably in my rifle. The accuracy was impressive, with an average group size of 1.25 MOA at 100 yards, which is competitive with many other premium loads on the market. This was a major plus, as I was looking for a reliable and accurate load for my hunting excursions.
Ballistics
Here are the ballistic details for the 155gr BTHP cartridge:
- Muzzle Velocity: 2,745 fps (830 m/s)
- Muzzle Energy: 2,545 ft-lbs (3,460 J)
- Effective Range: 500-750 yards (457-686 meters)
These numbers are in line with what you’d expect from a high-performance hunting cartridge like the American Gunner. For those familiar with Hornady’s Ballistics, these numbers are on par with their other premium loads.
Reliability and Functionality
Throughout my testing, the American Gunner 155gr BTHP functioned flawlessly, with no misfires or malfunctions. The primer ignition was consistent, and the cartridge ejected cleanly with each shot. I didn’t experience any issues with leading, fouling, or other common problems that can affect a cartridge’s performance.
Handling and Packaging
The packaging of the American Gunner 155gr BTHP was impressive, with a neat and compact box that stored the 50-rounds securely. The ammuntion itself arrived in a particularly crisp and clean condition, with no signs of damage or wear. The Hornady logo and branding are always a nice touch, adding a sense of quality and attention to detail.
The Verdict: Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of my experience with the Hornady American Gunner 155gr BTHP:
Pros:
- Accurate and reliable: The American Gunner 155gr BTHP delivered consistent and impressive accuracy, making it an excellent choice for hunting and target shooting.
- Robust construction: The cartridge’s construction and materials seemed robust, with a consistent feel and no signs of weakness or poor quality.
- Competitive pricing: Compared to similar premium loads on the market, the American Gunner’s pricing is very competitive.
- Hornady’s reputation: As a trusted brand, Hornady’s reputation for producing high-quality ammunition speaks for itself.
Cons:
- Limited availability: At the time of writing, the American Gunner 155gr BTHP was only available for certain calibers, including the 308 Winchester. Wider availability would be a welcome addition to the lineup.
- Limited varmint control options: While the 155gr BTHP is a solid hunting load, it may not offer the same level of varmint control as some other, specifically designed cartridges.
- Higher sensitivity: Some shooters may find the American Gunner 155gr BTHP too sensitive, with a higher likelihood of jamming or misfeeds in older weapons.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my experience with Hornady’s American Gunner 155gr BTHP has been overwhelmingly positive. With its impressive accuracy, robust construction, and competitive pricing, this cartridge is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and effective hunting load. While there are some minor caveats, such as limited availability and sensitivity, the American Gunner 155gr BTHP is a solid addition to any shooter’s arsenal. If you’re in the market for a high-quality, reliable, and effective 308 Winchester load, the American Gunner 155gr BTHP is definitely worth considering.
