Hornady Custom .358 Winchester 200 gr InterLock Spire Point Ammunition: Precision Performance for Discerning Hunters

For serious hunters and shooting enthusiasts, selecting the right ammunition is paramount to success in the field. The Hornady Custom .358 Winchester 200 grain InterLock Spire Point, identified by UPC 090255913187, stands as a premier choice engineered to deliver exceptional performance on medium to large-sized game. This ammunition is not just a collection of components; it's a meticulously crafted solution designed to provide consistent accuracy, reliable terminal ballistics, and the confidence needed for ethical harvests.

Understanding the .358 Winchester Cartridge: A Hunter's Favorite

The .358 Winchester, introduced by Winchester in 1955, is a compelling cartridge for hunters who appreciate potent knockdown power in a compact package. Essentially a .308 Winchester case necked up to accept a .358-inch diameter bullet, it leverages the inherent accuracy and efficiency of the .308 platform while offering a significant increase in bullet diameter and weight. This often translates to enhanced energy transfer and a larger wound channel, particularly at moderate hunting ranges.

• Optimal Range Performance: While not a long-range magnum, the .358 Winchester excels within typical hunting distances, often out to 250-300 yards, especially when paired with a 200-grain bullet. Its trajectory is relatively flat for a heavy bullet, making it practical for a wide variety of hunting scenarios.
• Brush-Busting Capability: The larger diameter and heavier bullet weight of the .358 Winchester provide a distinct advantage in dense brush or timber. While no bullet is truly "brush-busting" in the sense of deflecting less, a heavier, larger diameter bullet tends to retain more energy and maintain a straighter path through light obstructions compared to lighter, faster projectiles. This makes it an excellent choice for hunting in forested areas or thick cover where shots might be taken quickly and at closer ranges.
• Versatility Across Game: From whitetail deer and black bear to elk and moose at closer ranges, the .358 Winchester with a 200-grain bullet offers ample power for ethical takedowns. Its substantial energy transfer is key to its effectiveness, ensuring quick, humane kills when shot placement is accurate.
• Firearm Compatibility: The .358 Winchester is often chambered in classic lever-action rifles like the Browning BLR and Savage Model 99, as well as various bolt-action platforms. This broad compatibility makes it accessible to a wide range of firearm owners who value traditional hunting rifles.

Why Choose Hornady Custom Ammunition? A Benchmark for Quality and Consistency

Hornady has long been an industry leader in ammunition manufacturing, and their Custom line exemplifies their commitment to quality, precision, and performance. The "Custom" designation isn't just a name; it signifies a level of meticulous attention to detail in every stage of production.

• Hand-Inspected Components: Each round of Hornady Custom ammunition undergoes rigorous quality checks. From the brass casing to the primers, propellants, and bullets, every component is carefully selected and inspected to ensure uniformity and reliability.
• Proprietary Powders: Hornady utilizes carefully selected propellants, matched precisely to each load, to ensure consistent velocity, optimal pressure, and clean burning. This attention to powder selection is critical for achieving predictable ballistic performance from shot to shot.
• Stringent Quality Control: Unlike some mass-produced ammunition, Hornady Custom undergoes additional scrutiny. This includes precise loading tolerances, ensuring that every cartridge mirrors the ballistic performance of the last, which translates directly to enhanced accuracy and predictability in the field.
• Designed for Real-World Hunting: Hornady Custom ammunition isn't just about laboratory precision; it's about real-world effectiveness. It's built to perform reliably under challenging hunting conditions, from varying temperatures to diverse terrains. This commitment to practical performance makes it a trusted choice for serious hunters.

The Science Behind Hornady's InterLock Spire Point Bullet

At the heart of this particular Hornady Custom load is the 200-grain InterLock Spire Point bullet. This bullet design is one of Hornady's most iconic and time-tested, renowned for its balance of accuracy, reliable expansion, and deep penetration.

• The InterLock Ring: The defining feature of the InterLock bullet is its unique InterLock ring. This raised ring is molded into the core of the bullet, mechanically locking the core and jacket together. This critical design element prevents core-jacket separation upon impact, even at high velocities or when encountering tough game. The benefit to the hunter is consistently controlled expansion and maximum weight retention, ensuring that the bullet delivers its energy effectively deep within the animal.
• Spire Point Design: The "Spire Point" shape refers to the aerodynamic, pointed tip of the bullet. This design enhances the bullet's ballistic coefficient, allowing it to maintain velocity more efficiently and resist wind drift better than traditional round-nose or flat-nose designs. While the .358 Winchester is often used at closer ranges, the spire point still contributes to flatter trajectories and more predictable performance at extended distances.
• Controlled Expansion: The lead alloy core and tapered jacket of the InterLock Spire Point are engineered to provide controlled, predictable expansion. Upon impact, the bullet mushrooms out to a larger diameter, creating a devastating wound channel, but without fragmenting excessively. This balance ensures rapid energy dump and deep penetration to reach vital organs, leading to humane and efficient harvests.
• Versatility in Performance: Whether you're targeting thin-skinned deer or thicker-skinned black bears, the InterLock Spire Point's construction is designed to perform consistently. It's robust enough to hold together on larger game yet expands readily on smaller animals, making it a truly versatile hunting projectile.

Ideal Hunting Applications for .358 Win 200 gr SP

The Hornady Custom .358 Winchester 200 grain InterLock Spire Point ammunition is an outstanding choice for a variety of hunting scenarios and game species.

• Deer Hunting: For whitetail, mule deer, and blacktail deer, the 200-grain InterLock Spire Point offers significant knockdown power. The bullet’s controlled expansion ensures a large exit wound, aiding in tracking, and its energy transfer is more than sufficient for quick, ethical kills. It excels particularly in timbered areas or dense cover where shots are often taken at closer ranges.
• Black Bear Hunting: Black bears, with their tough hide and dense musculature, require a bullet capable of deep penetration and reliable expansion. The 200-grain .358 Winchester InterLock bullet is perfectly suited for this task, driving deep into the vitals and delivering substantial hydrostatic shock.
• Elk and Moose (at Moderate Ranges): While often considered a medium game cartridge, the .358 Winchester can be effectively used for elk and even moose at closer to moderate ranges (typically under 150-200 yards), especially with the robust 200-grain InterLock bullet. Its ability to penetrate deeply and transfer energy efficiently makes it a viable option for those who prefer classic, powerful cartridges for larger North American game.
• Hogs/Wild Boar: For the notoriously tough wild boar, the .358 Winchester offers excellent performance. Its heavy bullet and potent energy are ideal for stopping these resilient animals, particularly in areas where quick stops are necessary for safety.

Key Performance Metrics and Benefits

Understanding the specific ballistic figures helps underscore the effectiveness of this ammunition.

• Muzzle Velocity (2475 fps): This velocity provides a good balance of speed for decent trajectory and robust impact energy without excessive recoil for the cartridge. It's fast enough to provide a relatively flat trajectory out to typical hunting distances.
• Muzzle Energy (2720 ft lbs): This figure represents the raw power of the cartridge at the muzzle. 2720 ft lbs is a substantial amount of energy, indicating the bullet's capacity to deliver a devastating blow and ensure rapid, humane incapacitation of game animals. This energy level is more than adequate for medium to large game.
• Bullet Weight (200 gr): A 200-grain bullet for the .358 Winchester is a sweet spot. It offers excellent sectional density, which aids in penetration, and a good balance with the cartridge's powder capacity for efficient burning and manageable recoil.
• Casing Material (Brass): Hornady uses high-quality brass casings for its Custom ammunition. Brass is the preferred material for reloaders due to its durability and ability to withstand multiple firings, and for factory ammunition, it ensures reliable feeding, extraction, and consistent internal ballistics.
• Rounds Per Box (20): Standard packaging for rifle ammunition, providing enough rounds for sighting in, practice, and a hunting trip.
• Boxes Per Case (10): Indicates a larger volume purchase option for those who buy in bulk for multiple hunting seasons or extensive practice.

Making the Right Ammunition Choice

Choosing the correct ammunition is a critical decision for any hunter. When considering the Hornady Custom .358 Winchester 200 gr InterLock Spire Point (UPC 090255913187), hunters are investing in:

• Proven Reliability: Hornady's long-standing reputation and the proven track record of the InterLock bullet design.
• Ethical Performance: Ammunition engineered for quick, clean, and humane kills, which is the ultimate goal of any ethical hunter.
• Consistent Accuracy: The meticulous manufacturing processes ensure that each round performs predictably, building confidence in every shot.
• Versatility: Capable performance across a wide range of popular North American game species and hunting environments.

This ammunition is particularly well-suited for hunters who:

• Utilize .358 Winchester rifles, including popular lever-action models.
• Hunt in dense cover, timber, or areas requiring powerful, close-to-moderate range performance.
• Target medium to large game such as deer, black bear, and at appropriate ranges, elk.
• Demand premium quality and consistent performance from their ammunition for critical hunting moments.

When planning your next hunt, consider the undeniable advantages offered by this meticulously crafted ammunition. Its combination of a powerful cartridge, a renowned bullet design, and Hornady's commitment to quality makes it an exceptional choice for those who demand the best.

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Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model	Custom
Caliber	.358 Win
Bullet Type	InterLock Spire Point
Bullet Weight	200 gr
Muzzle Velocity	2475 fps
Muzzle Energy	2720 ft lbs
Casing Material	Brass
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	10
Game Type	Medium
Application	Hunting
SKU	91318
UPC	090255913187