Introduction
Discover the Hornady InterLock, a classic cup-and-core bullet designed for hunters who value reliable performance and controlled expansion. Introduced by Hornady Manufacturing in 1977, based in Grand Island, Nebraska, the InterLock features a pioneering InterLock ring that mechanically locks the core and jacket for consistent results.
Renowned for its InterLock ring and exposed lead tip, the InterLock delivers balanced expansion and deep penetration, making it a trusted choice for ethical hunters targeting big game. Its versatile design ensures dependable performance across varied hunting scenarios, from dense forests to open ranges.
- Caliber Range: Available from .224 to .375 inches, supporting cartridges like .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, and .300 Winchester Magnum.
- Weight Options: Spans 55 to 220 grains, with popular variants like 55-grain .224, 100-grain .243, 129-grain .264, and 180-grain .308.
- Hunting Focus: Optimized for controlled expansion and penetration, ideal for medium to large game like deer, elk, and bear.
Technical Characteristics
The Hornady InterLock is built for hunters demanding reliability and precision. Its cup-and-core construction and innovative features make it a staple in the field.
- Cup-and-Core Design: Features a lead core with gilding metal jacket, ensuring 70-90% weight retention with no core-jacket separation, even through bone.
- InterLock Ring: Mechanically locks core and jacket for controlled expansion at velocities as low as 1,800 fps, achieving 1.5-2x diameter expansion.
- Secant Ogive Profile: Enhances ballistic efficiency and reduces drag for flat trajectories.
- Velocity and Range: Optimized for muzzle velocities of 2,000-3,200 fps, effective to 400+ yards with good stability.
- Exposed Lead Tip: Provides rapid initiation of expansion while maintaining accuracy.
Reloading requires precision, using standard dies and SAAMI-compliant COAL to manage pressures. Maintain case neck tension (0.002-0.004″) for optimal accuracy, as the InterLock’s design suits rugged hunts but demands careful load development.
Ballistics and Performance
With G1 BCs ranging from 0.229 to 0.495, the InterLock offers solid long-range stability and wind resistance, supported by high sectional density for deep penetration. Field tests show a 129-grain 6.5mm InterLock achieving 0.5-0.8 MOA at 300 yards with ES/SD under 15 fps from a 1:8 twist barrel. The 100-grain .243 is ideal for deer, while the 180-grain .308 excels for elk, retaining energy to 400 yards.
The Expert Ballistics Table below lists key InterLock variants from Hornady specifications, sorted by diameter then weight. BCs are G1; verify on Hornady’s site for updates.
| Diameter (inches) | Weight (grains) | Ballistic Coefficient (BC) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.224 | 55 | 0.235 | 0.157 |
| 0.243 | 100 | 0.405 | 0.242 |
| 0.264 | 129 | 0.445 | 0.264 |
| 0.277 | 150 | 0.462 | 0.279 |
| 0.284 | 154 | 0.433 | 0.273 |
| 0.308 | 150 | 0.338 | 0.226 |
| 0.308 | 165 | 0.387 | 0.248 |
| 0.308 | 180 | 0.452 | 0.271 |
| 0.338 | 200 | 0.414 | 0.250 |
| 0.375 | 220 | 0.495 | 0.223 |
Groups of 0.5-0.8 MOA achievable; excels to 400 yards with proper shot placement.
Comparison Bullets
The InterLock competes with Sierra GameKing (soft-point), Nosler Partition (dual-core), and Remington Core-Lokt (soft-point). Its BCs (0.229-0.495) match GameKing (0.200-0.500) and surpass Core-Lokt (0.150-0.400) by 10-15%. The InterLock expands consistently like Partition at 1,800 fps but penetrates 5-10% less through bone. Against GameKing 165gr .308, the InterLock 165gr drops similarly at 300 yards; versus Partition 180gr .308, it costs 20% less with comparable accuracy. Advantages: affordable, reliable expansion. Drawbacks: older design, less weight retention than bonded bullets.
| Bullet | Diameter Range (inches) | Weight Range (grains) | BC Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady InterLock | 0.224-0.375 | 55-220 | 0.229-0.495 | InterLock ring, cup-and-core |
| Sierra GameKing | 0.224-0.375 | 55-300 | 0.200-0.500 | Soft-point, precision |
| Nosler Partition | 0.224-0.375 | 60-300 | 0.200-0.500 | Dual-core, deep penetration |
| Remington Core-Lokt | 0.224-0.375 | 55-300 | 0.150-0.400 | Soft-point, affordable |
Field reports show InterLock matching GameKing in accuracy but trailing Partition in heavy bone penetration by 5-10%.
Applications and Practical Aspects
Ideal for hunting:
- 55-100gr .224-.243 for deer and antelope;
- 129-150gr .264-.277 for mid-range elk or bear;
- 154-180gr .284-.308 for moose or large game;
- 200-220gr .338-.375 for big game.
Delivers 0.5-0.8 MOA in tuned rifles, ideal for ethical kills.
Reloading
- Load Data: Refer to Hornady’s reloading manual or website for InterLock-specific data, as the cup-and-core design generates standard pressures.
- Starting Charges: Begin 5-10% below maximum loads for comparable bullets to avoid over-pressure; increase gradually while checking for pressure signs.
- Seating Consistency: Ensure precise seating depths (0.010-0.050″ off lands) to maximize accuracy, as the InterLock’s bearing surface is sensitive to inconsistencies.
- Crimp Application: Apply a light to medium crimp on the cannelure for secure bullet retention, particularly in semi-auto or high-recoil rifles, ensuring reliable feeding.
- Barrel Twist Compatibility: Match barrel twist rate to InterLock weight (e.g., 1:12 for 55gr .224, 1:10 for 180gr .308) for proper stabilization and optimal accuracy.
- Velocity Check: Chronograph to confirm velocities above 1,800 fps for reliable expansion, targeting extreme spreads under 15 fps.
- Storage: Store in sealed containers to protect from moisture; suitable for all hunting applications per design.
Conclusion
Hornady InterLock is a timeless hunting bullet, offering controlled expansion and dependable penetration at an affordable price. Its classic design and proven performance make it a strong choice for hunters pursuing medium to large game. Visit official website.
