Unlocking Peak Performance: The Definitive Guide to Remington Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded .223 Remington 62 Grain Ammunition

Are you searching for an ammunition choice that delivers uncompromising performance for your .223 Remington rifle? Whether your focus is ethical hunting, reliable self-defense, or precision shooting that demands superior terminal ballistics, the Remington Ammunition Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded .223 Remington 62 Grain Pointed Soft Point (PSP) stands as a formidable contender. This in-depth guide will explore why this specific load, often identified by its product code R223R8, has earned its reputation as a preferred choice among discerning shooters.

Why Choose Remington Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded 62 Grain .223 Remington Ammunition?

For many, the central question revolves around reliability and effectiveness. What makes this ammunition a standout option, especially when compared to the vast array of .223 Remington loads available on the market? The answer lies in its meticulous design, combining a legendary bullet concept with modern bonding technology.

Who is this ammunition for?

• Hunters seeking an ethical and effective .223 hunting round: If you're targeting medium-sized game like deer, wild hogs, or even larger coyotes where controlled expansion and deep penetration are critical, this 62-grain Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded PSP round is engineered to deliver. It addresses the common concern about whether a .223 Remington can humanely take deer, by providing superior bullet construction designed for the task.
• Individuals prioritizing reliable self-defense or home protection: The ability of this bonded projectile to maintain its integrity, penetrate common barriers, and still expand effectively upon impact makes it a robust option for personal defense scenarios where predictable performance is paramount.
• Tactical shooters or law enforcement requiring barrier-blind performance: For situations demanding a bullet that can punch through light barriers like auto glass or drywall while retaining energy and expanding on the target, the bonded construction of the Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded shines.
• Precision shooters who value consistent ballistic performance: The uniform construction and rigorous quality control inherent in Remington ammunition production contribute to reliable accuracy, shot after shot.

What problems does this ammunition solve?

• Inadequate penetration or over-expansion: Unlike some conventional bullets that might fragment too quickly or fail to penetrate deeply enough on larger game, the Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded's bonded core ensures high weight retention, leading to deeper penetration and reliable energy transfer.
• Poor performance after encountering barriers: Many bullets deform or break apart when striking intermediate barriers. The Ultra Bonded technology helps the bullet stay intact, allowing it to continue performing as intended once it reaches the target.
• Unreliable terminal ballistics: The Pointed Soft Point (PSP) design combined with the bonded core guarantees controlled expansion, creating a wide wound channel while avoiding the common pitfalls of inconsistent bullet performance. This means more predictable and devastating effects on the intended target.
• Searching for a versatile .223 round: This ammunition bridges the gap between dedicated hunting rounds and duty-grade defensive rounds, offering a blend of attributes suitable for a broad spectrum of applications.

The Science Behind the Success: Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded Technology

At the heart of the Remington Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded performance is a sophisticated bullet design that builds upon the iconic Core-Lokt heritage. What exactly does "Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded Pointed Soft Point" mean for your shooting experience?

1. Core-Lokt Design Philosophy: For over 80 years, the original Core-Lokt has been known as "The Deadliest Mushroom in the Woods." The principle involves a lead core mechanically locked to a progressively tapered copper jacket. This design promotes reliable, controlled expansion.

2. Ultra Bonded Enhancement: This is where the "Ultra Bonded" designation comes into play, signifying a significant advancement. Unlike traditional bullets where the core can separate from the jacket on impact, the Ultra Bonded process permanently fuses the lead core to the copper jacket. This bonding is critical because it ensures maximum weight retention, often retaining 95% or more of its original weight even after significant impact and expansion. This high weight retention translates directly to:

• Deeper Penetration: The bullet maintains its mass, allowing it to drive through tissue, bone, or even light barriers with greater efficiency.
• Consistent Expansion: The bonded design prevents fragmentation or "jacket shedding," ensuring that the bullet expands uniformly into a large, mushroom shape, creating a wide and devastating wound channel.
• Superior Barrier Performance: When faced with obstacles like auto glass, wood, or drywall, the bonded bullet holds together, minimizing deviation and ensuring it still performs effectively on the intended target.

3. Pointed Soft Point (PSP): The PSP bullet profile features a polymer tip or a precisely formed soft lead tip that enhances ballistic coefficient for flatter trajectories over longer distances. The exposed lead tip facilitates immediate and consistent expansion upon impact, even at lower velocities, making it highly effective across various engagement ranges.

Real-World Applications and Performance Expectations

Understanding the technical aspects is one thing; seeing how this translates into practical use is another.

Hunting Medium Game (Deer, Hogs):
Is .223 Remington 62 grain suitable for deer? With the Remington Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded, the answer is a resounding yes, assuming proper shot placement and within reasonable ranges. The 62-grain weight offers a good balance of velocity and energy for the .223 platform. The bonded core and controlled expansion are vital here. When a hunter takes a shot, they need a bullet that will penetrate deeply enough to reach vital organs and create a devastating wound channel to ensure a quick and humane harvest. The Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded consistently delivers on this promise, making it a favorite for deer and hog hunters in areas where .223 is a legal and appropriate caliber. Its ability to retain weight means less energy is lost to fragmentation, maximizing energy transfer within the target.

Self-Defense and Home Protection:
For personal defense, reliability and barrier performance are paramount. The R223R8 Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded provides a unique advantage. In a home defense scenario, there's always the possibility of encountering unexpected barriers like furniture, drywall, or even light doors. A conventional bullet might break up or deflect, compromising its effectiveness. The bonded construction of this 62-grain round ensures that it can traverse these common household barriers with minimal deviation, still delivering controlled expansion and stopping power upon reaching an assailant. This provides an additional layer of confidence in critical situations.

Tactical and Law Enforcement Use:
Law enforcement agencies and tactical units often face unpredictable environments where intermediate barriers are common. The demand for "barrier-blind" ammunition is high. The Remington Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded 62 grain .223 Remington fits this requirement perfectly. Its ability to punch through glass, thin metal, and other obstacles while maintaining trajectory and terminal performance makes it a highly effective and versatile duty round. This means officers can trust their ammunition to perform reliably, regardless of whether a target is behind a car door or a window.

Target Shooting and Training:
While primarily designed for hunting and defense, the consistent ballistics and inherent accuracy of Remington Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded make it a solid choice for training purposes, especially for those who want to practice with ammunition that mirrors the performance characteristics of their hunting or defensive load. This helps shooters maintain proficiency with their specific rifle and ammunition combination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Remington Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded .223 Rem 62 Grain

Here are some common questions prospective buyers and current users often ask about this exceptional ammunition:

Q: What is the effective range of the Remington Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded 62 grain .223 Remington for hunting?
A: While .223 Remington is a versatile cartridge, for ethical hunting of medium game like deer or hogs, the effective range for the 62-grain Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded is generally considered to be within 200-250 yards. Beyond this, energy and bullet velocity may drop below what is required for optimal expansion and humane kills, depending on shot placement and specific game size. Always consult local hunting regulations and practice to understand your rifle's and your personal capabilities.

Q: How does the "bonded" technology differ from standard bullets?
A: In standard bullets, the lead core is simply pressed into the copper jacket. On impact, especially at higher velocities or against tough targets, the jacket can separate from the core, leading to fragmentation and reduced penetration. Bonded bullets, like the Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded, have their lead core chemically or thermally fused to the copper jacket. This permanent bond prevents separation, ensuring the bullet retains nearly all its weight, expands predictably, and penetrates deeply.

Q: Is 62 grain a good bullet weight for .223 Remington?
A: Yes, 62 grains is an excellent and highly versatile bullet weight for the .223 Remington cartridge. It strikes a balance between the lighter 55-grain bullets (known for high velocity) and heavier 69-77 grain bullets (known for better long-range ballistic coefficients). The 62-grain offers good velocity, significant energy transfer, and often stabilizes well in a wide range of rifle twist rates (commonly 1:9 or 1:7). For the Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded, this weight provides sufficient mass for deep penetration on medium game.

Q: What kind of expansion can I expect from the Pointed Soft Point (PSP) design?
A: The PSP design is engineered for rapid, controlled expansion. Upon striking the target, the exposed lead tip initiates immediate expansion, causing the bullet to mushroom into a larger diameter. Thanks to the Ultra Bonded core, this expansion is highly consistent, and the bullet maintains its integrity without fragmenting excessively. This creates a wide, devastating wound channel, maximizing energy transfer within the target.

Q: Can this ammunition be used for varmint hunting?
A: While it can certainly be used for varmints, the Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded's primary design focus is on controlled expansion and deep penetration, which is ideal for medium game or defensive scenarios. For smaller varmints where explosive fragmentation is often desired to minimize ricochets or maximize immediate incapacitation, lighter, frangible, or V-Max style bullets might be considered. However, for larger varmints like coyotes or bobcats, the 62-grain bonded bullet offers excellent terminal performance.

Trusting Your Ammunition: The Remington Legacy

Remington Ammunition has a storied history spanning over 200 years, consistently innovating and producing some of the most trusted ammunition in the world. The Core-Lokt line itself has been a gold standard for hunters for decades. The Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded .223 Remington 62 Grain PSP (R223R8) is a testament to this legacy, combining time-tested principles with modern advancements to deliver a highly effective and reliable product.

When you load your magazine with Remington Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded, you're not just chambering a round; you're chambering decades of engineering excellence, rigorous testing, and a commitment to performance that serious shooters demand. Its ability to deliver controlled expansion, deep penetration, and superior barrier performance makes it an ideal choice for a multitude of demanding applications, from the deer stand to critical defense situations.

For those looking to acquire this exceptional ammunition, the Remington Ammunition R223R8 Core-Lokt .223 Rem 62 gr Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded PSP is readily available through reputable retailers like DEGuns. When reliability and performance cannot be compromised, this ammunition stands ready to exceed expectations.

Product Specifications: Remington Ammunition R223R8 Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded .223 Remington 62 Grain PSP

Feature	Description
Manufacturer	Remington Ammunition
Product Code	R223R8
Caliber	.223 Remington
Bullet Weight	62 Grain
Bullet Type	Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded Pointed Soft Point (PSP)
Rounds per Box	20
Boxes per Case	10
UPC	047700465201

Remi - Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded (R223R8) is a premium .223 Remington cartridge featuring a 62-grain Pointed Soft Point (PSP) bullet, renowned for its controlled expansion, high weight retention, and superior barrier performance. It's packaged in boxes of 20 rounds, with 10 boxes per case, making it ideal for both individual users and bulk purchasers. This ammunition is a product of Remington, a brand with a deep heritage in ammunition manufacturing, trusted by hunters, law enforcement, and competitive shooters worldwide.

Attribute	Detail
Manufacturer	Remington Ammunition
Product Code	R223R8
Caliber	.223 Remington
Bullet Weight	62 Grain
Bullet Type	Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded Pointed Soft Point (PSP)
Rounds per Box	20
Boxes per Case	10
UPC	047700465201