Pulsar
Member
my a-bolt loves them in 30-06
well under an inch at 100yds
taken elk,deer,antelope 150gr rem core-lokt
well under an inch at 100yds
taken elk,deer,antelope 150gr rem core-lokt
Opinion of Remington Core-lokt ammo
- Thread starter Redneck with a 40
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ojibweindian
Member
1.5" at 100 yards is pretty good for a factory gun with factory ammo.
Ben Shepherd
Member
As has been hammered on by everyone else:
If that rifle is 100% out of the box factory, and just factory ammo, 1.5"@100 is actually very good. You most likely won't find any off-the-shelf ammo that will beat it without spending a lot of money.
As far as on game preformance, I like them. They usually go through-n-through on mulies regardless of the angle with a golf ball sized exit hole. Yes, you have to be more careful with placement than with the more explosive silvertips, bronze points, etc., but the bonus is I can take the slightly off angle shot, and still get deep enough without wreckinhg a lot of meat. I've seen several shot with silvertips, and to be fair almost all were bang-flops. But man was there a ton of needlessly bloodshot, wrecked meat every time. I suppose if I was hunting trophies that'd be fine, but I hunt meat.
As a bonus, my Rem 700 in 30-06 has found one particular lot # of 165 core-lockts that will consistently do 1 hole at 100, and stay right at or under 1/2" at 200 consistently.
If punching paper accurately is your thing, and you don't handload, just save some time and try some off-the-shelf 168 grain match ammo.
If that rifle is 100% out of the box factory, and just factory ammo, 1.5"@100 is actually very good. You most likely won't find any off-the-shelf ammo that will beat it without spending a lot of money.
As far as on game preformance, I like them. They usually go through-n-through on mulies regardless of the angle with a golf ball sized exit hole. Yes, you have to be more careful with placement than with the more explosive silvertips, bronze points, etc., but the bonus is I can take the slightly off angle shot, and still get deep enough without wreckinhg a lot of meat. I've seen several shot with silvertips, and to be fair almost all were bang-flops. But man was there a ton of needlessly bloodshot, wrecked meat every time. I suppose if I was hunting trophies that'd be fine, but I hunt meat.
As a bonus, my Rem 700 in 30-06 has found one particular lot # of 165 core-lockts that will consistently do 1 hole at 100, and stay right at or under 1/2" at 200 consistently.
If punching paper accurately is your thing, and you don't handload, just save some time and try some off-the-shelf 168 grain match ammo.
Olympus
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It must be an A-bolt thing. Mine eats them like candy and so does my dad's. I've actually been impressed with their performance on deer as well. Neither of us have shot one that didn't run more than 30 yards. They may not be the "coolest" or have a sweet ballistic tip or nickel plated case, but they're a workhorse...that's for sure.
MinnMooney
Member
Most Nat. championship Bench Rest shooters would be extremely happy to get their hands on your hunting rifle. You could fetch several thousand for it.
I sometimes think people expect more from a factory rifle than is reasonable. We read stories of guns that shoot 1/2 MOA 5-shot groups at 1 mile and if our factory Remwinsav in 8.5mm won't match those groups then we're not happy.
In reality, MOST factory .308 rifles are above average if they shoot 1.5" 3-shot groups at 100 yards. Sometimes we get lucky and one will shoot sub-MOA groups and that's the rifle you'll hear about. No one brags about their 2 MOA rifle.
The lung area of most deer will be approximately the size of a basketball. Draw a circle the size of a basketball and then draw a 1.5" circle in the center of it. That will bring into focus just how small that group is compared to the kill area of a deer.
Don't get hung up on sub-MOA groups for a normal factory hunting rifle. Groups that small are not necessary for deer and you'll kill as many as the guy with the one hole rifle IF you do your part.
To address the Core-Lokt issue, it was for many years Remington's top of the line bullet. That means it was very good and I'd be surprised if it's any less effective today.
In reality, MOST factory .308 rifles are above average if they shoot 1.5" 3-shot groups at 100 yards. Sometimes we get lucky and one will shoot sub-MOA groups and that's the rifle you'll hear about. No one brags about their 2 MOA rifle.
The lung area of most deer will be approximately the size of a basketball. Draw a circle the size of a basketball and then draw a 1.5" circle in the center of it. That will bring into focus just how small that group is compared to the kill area of a deer.
Don't get hung up on sub-MOA groups for a normal factory hunting rifle. Groups that small are not necessary for deer and you'll kill as many as the guy with the one hole rifle IF you do your part.
To address the Core-Lokt issue, it was for many years Remington's top of the line bullet. That means it was very good and I'd be surprised if it's any less effective today.
Ben Shepherd
Member
MinnMooney-
Just so I'm clear here, and folks aren't figuring I'm telling an errornet tall tale:
It's a slightly ragged hole about the size of a 40 cal SWC, not one single .30 cal hole. But with that particular ammo, it's consistantly like that. It's been duplicated on several different occasions at two different ranges with three different shooters. The rifle has had the action bedded as well.
I'd duplicate it more often, but as you can imagine, I'm not exactly wanting to burn that particular ammo up.
It's got a beautilful stock, and was a Christmas present from my dad a few years ago. As such, it has no price tag short of enough I could retire on a couple thousand acres in the mountains somewhere off the proceeds. Dad would be OK with that I imagine.
Just so I'm clear here, and folks aren't figuring I'm telling an errornet tall tale:
It's a slightly ragged hole about the size of a 40 cal SWC, not one single .30 cal hole. But with that particular ammo, it's consistantly like that. It's been duplicated on several different occasions at two different ranges with three different shooters. The rifle has had the action bedded as well.
I'd duplicate it more often, but as you can imagine, I'm not exactly wanting to burn that particular ammo up.
It's got a beautilful stock, and was a Christmas present from my dad a few years ago. As such, it has no price tag short of enough I could retire on a couple thousand acres in the mountains somewhere off the proceeds. Dad would be OK with that I imagine.
Ben Shepherd
Member
Redneck, in all seriousness have you considered handloading?
Reason I ask is in all honestly in my circle of family and friends there isn't one 30 caliber gun that won't do an honest 1"@100 with a scope and a handload tuned to that gun. A couple had to have barrels replaced to get there, but still, off a rest/bench, a quality bolt action with a good barrel and scope should do an inch with ammo it likes in most cases.
Most of these rifles fall between 1.5" and 3" with factory ammo. But feed them a load built for them, and it's an inch or better most times. And when it's not, it can be traced to weather conditions or shooter error usually.
Reason I ask is in all honestly in my circle of family and friends there isn't one 30 caliber gun that won't do an honest 1"@100 with a scope and a handload tuned to that gun. A couple had to have barrels replaced to get there, but still, off a rest/bench, a quality bolt action with a good barrel and scope should do an inch with ammo it likes in most cases.
Most of these rifles fall between 1.5" and 3" with factory ammo. But feed them a load built for them, and it's an inch or better most times. And when it's not, it can be traced to weather conditions or shooter error usually.
Redneck with a 40
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Just for clarification, my rifle is a Remington 700 SPS Tactical, heavy barrel. It should be more accurate than the run of the mill hunting rifle. I'll give the Remington ammo a few more tries, based on what I'm reading here. Also, my skill level is not high right now, my hold probably leaves a little to be desired.
I do have the components and equipment to start handloading, just have to get it set up. I've got a couple hundred peices of Remington brass and about 400 Sierra 168 gr match bullets.
I'll give the Remmy's another shot this weekend, we'll see how it goes. Maybe I can get them down to an inch, then I'd be happy.
The Federal 150 gr FMJ's I ordered are boat-tail'd, would that make them more accurate?
I do have the components and equipment to start handloading, just have to get it set up. I've got a couple hundred peices of Remington brass and about 400 Sierra 168 gr match bullets.
I'll give the Remmy's another shot this weekend, we'll see how it goes. Maybe I can get them down to an inch, then I'd be happy.
The Federal 150 gr FMJ's I ordered are boat-tail'd, would that make them more accurate?
Redneck with a 40
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Turns out the stuff I ordered is Lake City FMJ, with the Federal name on it, good ammo?
It kills, but the performance as far as accuracy for me is well below what I expect. Even out of a hunting rifle.
I hand load 30-30 for my hunting loads, and get clover leafs all touching with Winchester Power Points, and the Power Points kill as good on deer as any. So why would I sacrifice accuracy when the performance is the same and/or better?
I hand load 30-30 for my hunting loads, and get clover leafs all touching with Winchester Power Points, and the Power Points kill as good on deer as any. So why would I sacrifice accuracy when the performance is the same and/or better?
mtlucas0311
Member
I recently asked a similar question for service rifle, the consensus was that lake city ammo is good to reload but not the federal. look for Winchester for good brass, and LC ammo has to have the primer crimp removed to be reloaded. In all honesty, don't go hunting with ball ammo. Take advantage of all the R&D manufacturers do to produce a good HUNTING round. Use the proper tool for the job. They should be just fine to practice at the range though (re-zero with the hunting ammo before you go hunting though). If that rifle doesn't ever shoot less than 1.5" (especially since you admit to less than optimal skill) don't be unhappy. It's still shooting VERY well for a stock rifle, it's not a rifle accurized by a gunsmith, heavy barrel or not.
Redneck with a 40
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I'm actually not looking to hunt, I'm just looking for quality, paper punching ammo. Hopefully the Lake City FMJ turns out ok. I'm just a long range target shooter.
mtlucas0311
Member
Sorry, I made a poor assumption when you asked about core-lokt ammo. If you have reloading gear, like I think you mentioned, the absolute best (and by far the cheapest) way to go is buy a bunch of lake city/Winchester brass, remove the crimp and load your own. I found a site that sells it with the crimp removed for a little more, might be worth it. The service rifle guys told me to get lake city or Winchester, and to stay away from the rest (they don't last nearly as long). I'm sure if you posted a "what loads" post you'd have plenty of guys that could direct you to a load that works in their 700P, it's a pretty popular rifle.
Deer Hunter
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Too expensive for me. I use Serbian Monarch ammo nowadays for hunting.
Ben Shepherd
Member
You're about ready. Practice with that LC ammo for familiarization, then load the empty LC brass with the 168 match-kings. Magic should ensue I expect.
panrobercik
Member
Rem Core Lokt 180gr in 303 British is the most accurate factory ammo from my Enfield Jungle Carbine. This was between Winchester and Prvi Partisan . It is a very hot load too, kicks like a mule.
I have a Savage 16fxp3 in 223. I considered it a piece of junk until I started reloading. I suggest you start reloading if you want a top natch accuracy.
I have a Savage 16fxp3 in 223. I considered it a piece of junk until I started reloading. I suggest you start reloading if you want a top natch accuracy.
Olympus
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Has anyone noticed that the price has increased on it a bit? It used to be about the cheapest commercial ammo. Now it's not so cheap anymore. I went to buy some .308 and figured I'd just buy the Rem since it was probably the cheapest they had at Cabelas. I noticed it wasn't that cheap. I was able to pick up a box of Hornday Custom with SST bullets for a few dollars cheaper than the Remmy. Didn't think I would have seen that.
22-rimfire
Member
Remington Core Lokt ammo in the common hunting calibers is frequently placed on sale prior to hunting season. You just need to stock up a bit when the price is right.
I have no problems with Core Lokt Remington ammunition in my Remington Model 700 270win. I don't do a lot of target shooting with it however as it is pretty much for hunting and I shoot only enough to be comfortable with the rifle and ammo combination. 1-1.5" groups at 100 yds is okay with me and it usually does better. But I am not all hung up about accuracy only effectivenes for hunting deer sized game.
I have no problems with Core Lokt Remington ammunition in my Remington Model 700 270win. I don't do a lot of target shooting with it however as it is pretty much for hunting and I shoot only enough to be comfortable with the rifle and ammo combination. 1-1.5" groups at 100 yds is okay with me and it usually does better. But I am not all hung up about accuracy only effectivenes for hunting deer sized game.
BENELLIMONTE
member
One of the most underated "big game" bullets on the market today. I shoot Noslers, Barnes, Speers and Remingtons. All have their pro VS cons. But all perform well to the specific game and task they were designed for.
T.R.
Member
My Remington .308 carbine has always shot well with core-lockt ammo.
TR
Todd1700
Member
Yep, I agree. 1.5 inch groups with factory ammo is by no means bad.
And I have never had a problem with core-lokts killing deer or hogs. I still use them for hunting in one of my rifles.
Weird. I have a little A-bolt 7mm-08 that shoots 140 grain core-lokts very well and I've killed a lot of deer with it.
ranger335v
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"...it was dirty, 5 patches solid black after 17 rounds. I won't be buying any more of this stuff. What say you?"
One, I'd say if you don't use ammo that leaves powder fouling/soot you will be quite limited in what you can shoot.
Next, considering that a 1 1/2" group means you may miss the aim point by 3/4", at most, thats quite good. Most of the 1/2" groups you read about on the net are likely to be true - once in great while! Hoping for any significant improvement from any ammo at all from a factory barrel - trigger - stock, while shooting hunting bullets will likely lead to disappointment.
I have a few younger friends who read a lot of magazines. They only shoot premiums from Nosler, Barnes, etc. My deer die just as rapidly from the holes I punch with bulk Core-Loks from Midway. Two reasons; deer really ain't all that tuff and Core-Loks are very good bullets, for a LOT less cost!
One, I'd say if you don't use ammo that leaves powder fouling/soot you will be quite limited in what you can shoot.
Next, considering that a 1 1/2" group means you may miss the aim point by 3/4", at most, thats quite good. Most of the 1/2" groups you read about on the net are likely to be true - once in great while! Hoping for any significant improvement from any ammo at all from a factory barrel - trigger - stock, while shooting hunting bullets will likely lead to disappointment.
I have a few younger friends who read a lot of magazines. They only shoot premiums from Nosler, Barnes, etc. My deer die just as rapidly from the holes I punch with bulk Core-Loks from Midway. Two reasons; deer really ain't all that tuff and Core-Loks are very good bullets, for a LOT less cost!
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