Hornady InterLock 7mm .284 162 GR Boat Tail Spire Point Bullets: Precision & Performance for Hunters and Reloaders

Are you a dedicated hunter seeking consistent, reliable terminal performance from your rifle ammunition? Do you meticulously handload your cartridges, demanding components that deliver pinpoint accuracy and devastating on-game effectiveness? Look no further than the Hornady InterLock 7mm .284 162 Grain Boat Tail Spire Point bullets. These meticulously engineered projectiles are a cornerstone for serious shooters, offering a potent combination of advanced design and proven performance, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of medium to large game animals. Available at trusted retailers like DEGuns, these bullets provide the foundational accuracy and controlled expansion essential for ethical hunting and superior reloading results.

The Hunter's Edge: Why Choose Hornady InterLock?

For hunters, the moment of truth in the field demands unwavering confidence in your equipment. The Hornady InterLock bullet is specifically designed to maximize energy transfer and create devastating wound channels, ensuring clean, humane kills. What sets the InterLock apart is its unique internal design, a testament to Hornady's commitment to innovation and real-world performance.

What problems does the Hornady InterLock solve for hunters?

• Inconsistent Expansion: Traditional bullets can sometimes fragment prematurely or fail to expand at all, leading to wounded game and ethical concerns. The InterLock's controlled expansion ensures optimal energy transfer within the animal.
• Poor Mass Retention: Many bullets shed significant mass upon impact, reducing penetration and effectiveness. The InterLock's unique locking mechanism helps retain bullet mass, driving it deeper.
• Lack of Accuracy: For handloaders, inconsistent bullet manufacturing can lead to poor accuracy, wasting valuable time and components. Hornady's precision manufacturing ensures uniform bullets for superior groups.
• Limited Versatility: Hunters need a bullet that performs across a range of velocities and for different game sizes. The 162-grain .284 InterLock offers a versatile solution for popular 7mm cartridges.

Unpacking the Technology: How Hornady InterLock Bullets Work

The core of the Hornady InterLock's success lies in its sophisticated, yet elegant, construction. Every element is precisely engineered to contribute to its overall performance, from the moment it leaves the barrel to its terminal impact.

Key Design Features Explained:

• The InterLock Ring: This is the signature technology of the bullet. A raised ring is strategically molded into the jacket's interior. During the bullet's manufacturing process, this ring is physically embedded into the bullet's lead core. The result is a mechanical lock that prevents the core and jacket from separating, even under the most extreme impact velocities. This "locked" construction is critical for maintaining bullet integrity, ensuring mass retention, and promoting deep, predictable penetration.
• Tapered Jacket Thickness: The copper jacket surrounding the lead core is not uniform in thickness. Instead, it is precisely tapered from the base to the nose. This design allows for controlled expansion across a wide range of impact velocities. At higher velocities, where most bullets might over-expand or fragment, the thicker base of the jacket resists excessive deformation. At lower velocities, the thinner nose section is designed to initiate expansion reliably, ensuring consistent performance whether you're shooting at close range or extended distances.
• One-Piece Core: The lead core of the InterLock bullet is a single, monolithic piece. Unlike some designs that use bonded or multi-part cores, the one-piece construction contributes to the bullet's integrity and uniform weight distribution, which is crucial for ballistic consistency and accuracy. The design synergy with the InterLock ring ensures this core stays united with the jacket.
• Cannelure: A cannelure is a circumferential groove pressed into the bullet's jacket. For reloaders, this groove serves a vital purpose: it provides a precise and consistent point for crimping the bullet into the cartridge case. A proper crimp enhances neck tension, which contributes to more uniform powder burn and ultimately, better accuracy. Additionally, the cannelure also works in conjunction with the InterLock ring, further securing the core and jacket, reinforcing the bond during the bullet's journey and upon impact.
• Boat Tail Spire Point Profile: The "Boat Tail" refers to the tapered base of the bullet, which reduces drag and improves the bullet's ballistic coefficient (BC). A higher BC means the bullet retains more velocity and energy downrange, and is less affected by wind drift. The "Spire Point" refers to the sharp, pointed nose, which also contributes to aerodynamic efficiency, helping the bullet cut through the air with minimal resistance and delivering excellent accuracy, especially at longer ranges.

Performance on Game: Medium to Large Game Application

The 162 grain .284 diameter Hornady InterLock bullet is an exceptional choice for hunting medium to large game. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Deer Species: Whitetail, Mule Deer, Blacktail, Axis Deer
• Elk
• Moose
• Bear (Black Bear, Brown Bear - where legally permitted and appropriate caliber)
• African Plains Game: Kudu, Gemsbok, Wildebeest, Zebra, Eland

The bullet's ability to reliably expand while maintaining mass ensures that it creates a wide, deep wound channel, leading to quick and humane incapacitation. Its robust construction means it can penetrate heavy bone and muscle, reaching vital organs even on large, tough-skinned animals.

What kind of ballistic performance can I expect?

With a stated Ballistic Coefficient (BC) of .514 (G1) and a Sectional Density (SD) of .287, the 162-grain Hornady InterLock is a highly efficient projectile.

• Ballistic Coefficient (.514 G1): This impressive BC indicates that the bullet retains its velocity exceptionally well over distance, fights wind drift effectively, and carries significant energy to the target. This translates to flatter trajectories and more predictable impacts at extended ranges, which is a major advantage for open-country hunting.
• Sectional Density (.287): Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass in relation to its diameter. A higher sectional density generally indicates superior penetration potential. The .287 SD of the 162-grain .284 InterLock confirms its capability for deep penetration, making it highly effective on heavy-boned game.

These ballistic characteristics, combined with the controlled expansion of the InterLock design, ensure that you have a powerful and precise tool for taking down big game.

Reloading with Confidence: The Handloader's Preferred Component

For the avid handloader, the Hornady InterLock 7mm .284 162 GR bullet is a top-tier component. Its consistent manufacturing tolerances ensure that each bullet is virtually identical in weight and dimension, leading to highly uniform ammunition. This consistency is paramount for achieving tight groups and reliable performance from your handloads.

Why are these bullets excellent for reloading?

• Dimensional Consistency: Hornady's manufacturing processes ensure that bullet diameter (.284 inches) and weight (162 grains) are held to extremely tight tolerances. This consistency is a critical factor in producing accurate ammunition.
• Easy Seating: The boat tail design facilitates smooth and easy bullet seating during the reloading process, reducing the risk of bullet deformation or case damage.
• Cannelure for Secure Crimping: The integrated cannelure provides a clear and effective point for applying a consistent crimp, enhancing neck tension and ensuring the bullet stays securely seated in the case under recoil.
• Proven Performance: Generations of reloaders have trusted Hornady InterLock bullets to deliver consistent, accurate, and lethal performance in their handloaded cartridges, making them a go-to choice for hunters worldwide.

Whether you're loading for a 7mm Remington Magnum, 7mm-08 Remington, .280 Remington, or other popular 7mm cartridges, the 162-grain Hornady InterLock provides an outstanding foundation for developing highly effective hunting and target loads.

Ensuring Your Success: Final Considerations

When investing in premium reloading components like the Hornady InterLock, you're investing in the success of your hunt and the precision of your shooting. Sourcing these high-quality components from reputable suppliers like DEGuns ensures you receive genuine Hornady products that meet the rigorous standards you expect. Remember to always consult appropriate reloading manuals for load data specific to your firearm and components to ensure safety and optimal performance.

The Hornady InterLock 7mm .284 162 GR Boat Tail Spire Point bullet is more than just a component; it's a commitment to performance. It’s engineered for hunters who demand the best in terminal ballistics and for reloaders who strive for unparalleled accuracy. With its unique InterLock ring, tapered jacket, and aerodynamic profile, this bullet stands as a benchmark for controlled expansion, deep penetration, and consistent accuracy. Trust Hornady and purchase with confidence from DEGuns to equip your next hunting adventure or reloading session with the quality you deserve.

Product Specifications Summary

Feature	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model	InterLock
Caliber	7mm
Bullet Diameter	.284
Weight	162 gr
Bullet Type	Boat Tail Spire Point
Core Material	Lead
Jacket Material	Copper
Application	Medium-Large Game
Coefficient	.514 (G1)
Sectional Density	.287
Rounds Per Box	100
Boxes Per Case	15
SKU	86665
MPN	2845
UPC	090255228458