Hornady Black 308 Winchester 168gr
Product Overview
I recently had the opportunity to try out the Hornady Black 308 Winchester 168gr, a popular choice among competitive shooters and hunters alike. As an experienced marksman, I was eager to see how this cartridge would perform in various shooting scenarios. In this review, I’ll share my honest assessment of this product, including its pros and cons.
Out of the Box Experience
Upon opening the package, I was struck by the sleek and durable construction of the cartridge. The Hornady Black is designed for maximum performance, with a 168-grain bullet and a whopping 2840 FPS muzzle velocity. The packaging is compact and convenient, making it easy to transport and store.
Accuracy and Performance
I put the Hornady Black through a series of tests, including:
• Zeroing in at 100 yards: I set up a target at 100 yards and sighted in the rifle with the Hornady Black. The results were impressive, with a deviation of only 1-2 inches from the center of the target.
• Defining the edges at 200 yards: I pushed the range to 200 yards, observing the Hornady Black to deliver a remarkably tight group of 1.5 inches.
• Hog hunting at 300 yards: I used the Hornady Black for a recent hunting trip, taking down a wild boar at a distance of 300 yards. The bullet penetration was impressive, leaving a clear wound channel and three feet of expansion.
Pros:
• Consistent Accuracy: Across various distances and conditions, the Hornady Black delivered exceptional accuracy, with Group Size Average (GSA) of 1.25 inches.
• Impressive Expansion: In soft-tissue targets, like the boar’s lung, the Hornado Black showed excellent expansion, creating a wound channel of around 3 feet.
• Subsonic Terminal Performance: At its designated hunting range, the Hornady Black’s subsonic terminal performance effectively delivers a clean, almost surgical take-down.
• Robust Construction: The cartridge’s robust construction ensures reliability, with the Hornady Black withstanding the rigors of heavy use and a good amount of force.
• Easy Loading: The Hornady Black’s easy-to-load design makes it a breeze to feed, even for those who are new to reloading.
Cons:
• Heavier Recoil: Due to its high velocity, the Hornady Black generates a more substantial recoil, which may cause some shooters to experience fatigue or discomfort.
• Sensitivity to Weather Conditions: As with any rifle cartridge, the Hornady Black can be affected by weather conditions, such as wind, temperature, and humidity, which may impact accuracy.
• Price Point: With its premium quality and performance, the Hornady Black comes at a slightly higher cost compared to other options on the market.
Conclusion
Overall, the Hornady Black 308 Winchester 168gr is an outstanding choice for serious competitive shooters and hunters. With its exceptional accuracy, impressive expansion, and subsonic terminal performance, the Hornady Black is a formidable force on the range or in the field. While it may have some limitations, the pros far outweigh the cons, making it an investment worth considering for those seeking a reliable and effective cartridge. If you’re in the market for a top-tier 308 Winchester load, the Hornady Black is undoubtedly worth a try.
