Fiocchi Hyperformance 30-06 Springfield 180 Grain SST
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Big game hunting (deer, elk, moose, hogs) |
| Bullet Type | Hornady Super Shock Tip (SST) — polymer-tipped lead-core bonded-style hunting bullet |
| Bullet Weight | 180 grain |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer (centerfire) |
| Packaging | 20 rounds per box |
| Typical Price | $37.99/box — $1.90/round |
| Closest Competitors | Federal Premium Vital-Shok 30-06 180gr Trophy Bonded Tip, Hornady Precision Hunter 30-06 178gr ELD-X, Winchester Expedition Big Game 30-06 180gr Accubond CT |
Official Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | Not published | Manufacturer |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | Not published | Manufacturer |
| Bullet Weight | 180 gr | Manufacturer |
| Bullet Type | Hornady SST (Super Shock Tip) | Manufacturer |
| BC G1 | Not published | — |
| BC G7 | Not published | — |
| Manufacturer SKU | Not published | — |
| UPC | Not published | — |
| Reloadable | Yes | Manufacturer (brass case, Boxer primer) |
Note: Fiocchi does not publish muzzle velocity or energy for this specific load in widely available product listings. The ballistics table below uses calculated estimates based on published data for comparable 180gr SST loads in 30-06 Springfield from a 24-inch test barrel. Community-submitted chronograph readings are needed to fill this gap with measured data.
Note: The Hornady SST bullet has a published G1 BC of approximately 0.480 for the 180gr .30-caliber projectile when loaded independently — however, this value has not been confirmed by Fiocchi for this specific factory load and is therefore not listed above. It is used only as the basis for the calculated ballistics table below.
Ballistics Table
Calculated estimate. Real-world results vary by barrel length, temperature, altitude, and lot. Community submissions will provide measured muzzle velocity for comparison.
Assumptions: 2,700 fps muzzle velocity (industry-typical for 180gr 30-06 from a 24″ barrel), G1 BC 0.480, sight height 1.5″ above bore, 100-yard zero, standard atmosphere (59°F, sea level).
| Yards | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ~2,700 | ~2,914 | -1.5 |
| 100 | ~2,503 | ~2,504 | 0.0 ← zero |
| 200 | ~2,313 | ~2,138 | +3.5 |
| 300 | ~2,131 | ~1,815 | -3.8 |
| 400 | ~1,958 | ~1,532 | -17.8 |
| 500 | ~1,793 | ~1,284 | -44.5 |
Key takeaway: At a 100-yard zero, this 180 grain SST load stays within roughly ±4 inches of point of aim out to approximately 300 yards, making it a practical choice for most North American big game hunting distances without hold-over adjustment. Energy remains above 1,500 ft-lbs past 400 yards, which is generally considered sufficient for elk-class animals by most hunting standards. Beyond 400 yards, wind drift and trajectory drop become significant factors that demand careful range estimation. This load is best suited to shots inside 350 yards for ethical hunting use.
The Hornady SST Bullet in a Fiocchi Case
The Super Shock Tip (SST) is a Hornady-designed projectile built around a red polymer tip that initiates rapid, controlled expansion on impact. The tip drives rearward into the lead core, triggering the InterLock ring — a mechanical feature that locks the jacket and core together to resist separation under high-velocity impact. This design is intended to deliver controlled mushrooming across a wide range of impact velocities, which matters in a cartridge like the 30-06 Springfield that may be used at distances ranging from 50 yards to beyond 300 yards.
The Fiocchi Hyperformance line sources premium component bullets from established manufacturers and loads them in Fiocchi’s Italian-made brass cases. The result is a factory load that pairs a proven hunting projectile with Fiocchi’s quality control standards. It is worth noting that the SST is not a bonded bullet in the traditional sense — the InterLock ring provides mechanical retention rather than chemical bonding, which is a relevant consideration for hunters evaluating performance on heavy-boned animals at close range.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- Whitetail and mule deer hunting at distances from 50 to 350 yards
- Elk hunting in open terrain where shots under 300 yards are expected
- Moose and black bear where deep penetration combined with controlled expansion is desired
- Feral hog hunting where rapid energy transfer is beneficial
- Hunters using bolt-action 30-06 rifles who want a proven hunting bullet without handloading
Not the right tool for:
- Shots on heavy-boned elk or bison at very close range (under 75 yards) where a fully bonded bullet may offer better core retention at high impact velocity
- Long-range precision shooting beyond 400 yards where a higher-BC projectile such as the ELD-X would perform more consistently
- Jurisdictions with lead-free ammunition requirements — this is a lead-core bullet and is not legal in California deer hunting zones or other lead-restricted areas
- Varmint or target shooting — the 180gr weight and hunting construction make this a poor value for those applications
Reliability Notes
No structured submissions yet.
Based on manufacturer claims and open-source product descriptions, the following points are noted — these come from marketing materials and are not independently verified structured data:
- Fiocchi states the Hyperformance line is loaded to consistent, accurate standards with tight quality control on powder charges and seating depth
- The Hornady SST bullet is described by Fiocchi as providing superior weight retention for deep penetration into large game — a claim consistent with Hornady’s own published data on the SST projectile in independent testing
- Brass cases are described as reloadable, which is consistent with Fiocchi’s standard practice of using Boxer-primed brass in this product line
- No active recalls or safety notices have been identified for this load at the time of writing
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Muzzle Velocity | Price/box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady Precision Hunter 30-06 | 178 gr | ELD-X | 0.552 | 2,750 fps | ~$45–$52 | Higher BC; better for longer range; premium option |
| Federal Premium Vital-Shok 30-06 | 180 gr | Trophy Bonded Tip | ~0.440 | 2,700 fps | ~$48–$55 | Fully bonded bullet; better core retention on heavy bone |
| Winchester Expedition Big Game 30-06 | 180 gr | Nosler Accubond CT | ~0.507 | 2,700 fps | ~$46–$52 | Bonded construction; similar velocity profile |
| Remington Core-Lokt 30-06 | 180 gr | Core-Lokt PSP | ~0.383 | 2,700 fps | ~$26–$32 | Budget alternative; proven deer load; lower BC |
| Nosler Trophy Grade 30-06 | 180 gr | Partition | ~0.474 | 2,700 fps | ~$52–$60 | Premium partition design; exceptional penetration on large game |
| PPU Standard 30-06 | 180 gr | SP | ~0.360 | 2,700 fps | ~$22–$28 | Lowest cost option; basic soft point; no polymer tip |
Notes: The Hornady Precision Hunter load uses the ELD-X, which shares some design lineage with the SST but features a Heat Shield tip for better long-range BC consistency. The Remington Core-Lokt and PPU loads represent the budget tier — functional for deer hunting but without the tip-initiated expansion of the SST. No competitor loads in this comparison have active recalls at the time of writing.
Price Reality
- Typical retail range: $35–$42 per box of 20 at time of writing; case pricing (typically 10 boxes/200 rounds) not widely listed for this specific load
- Per-round cost: approximately $1.75–$2.10 depending on retailer and timing
- The Remington Core-Lokt 180gr in 30-06 runs approximately $1.30–$1.60/round — a meaningful savings for high-volume practice, though without the SST’s polymer tip and expansion characteristics
- The Hornady Precision Hunter 178gr ELD-X in 30-06 runs approximately $2.25–$2.60/round, offering a higher BC and heat-stable tip at a roughly 20–35% premium
- Federal Premium Vital-Shok Trophy Bonded Tip runs approximately $2.40–$2.75/round — a premium over the Fiocchi for a fully bonded bullet
- At $37.99 MSRP, this load sits in the mid-tier hunting ammunition segment. Paying above $44/box for this specific load should be considered above fair market value based on current data.
Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.
Where to Buy
Fiocchi Hyperformance 30-06 Springfield 180 Grain SST (Box)
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FAQ
Does the Fiocchi Hyperformance 180gr SST use a bonded bullet?
The Hornady SST is not a chemically bonded bullet. It uses Hornady’s InterLock ring — a mechanical feature that interlocks the jacket and lead core to resist separation during penetration. This provides good weight retention under most hunting conditions but is not equivalent to fully bonded designs like the Nosler Partition or Trophy Bonded Tip. For most deer and elk hunting at moderate distances, this distinction is unlikely to matter. Hunters pursuing very large, heavily boned animals at close range may prefer a fully bonded alternative.
How does this load compare to the Hornady Precision Hunter 30-06 178gr ELD-X?
Both loads use Hornady-designed projectiles, but the ELD-X in the Precision Hunter line features a Heat Shield tip that resists aerodynamic heating at long range, maintaining a more consistent BC in flight. The ELD-X also has a higher published G1 BC (0.552 vs. approximately 0.480 for the SST), making it a better choice for shots beyond 300 yards. The Fiocchi SST load is typically $8–$15 cheaper per box, making it a reasonable choice for hunters who take most shots inside 300 yards and want to save on cost.
Is this ammunition legal for deer hunting in California?
No. California’s Ridley’s Law (AB 711) requires the use of non-lead ammunition for all hunting statewide. The Fiocchi Hyperformance 180gr SST uses a lead-core bullet and is not compliant with California’s lead-free hunting regulations. Hunters in California should look at copper or copper-alloy alternatives such as the Barnes TTSX or similar lead-free factory loads in 30-06 Springfield.
What game is this load realistically suited for in 30-06?
The 180 grain bullet weight in 30-06 Springfield is specifically chosen for larger North American game. It is well-matched to elk, moose, black bear, and large-bodied mule deer. For whitetail deer in the eastern U.S. where shots are typically under 150 yards, a lighter bullet in the 150–165gr range would offer a flatter trajectory, but the 180gr SST remains a capable and ethical choice. The SST’s expansion characteristics are designed to perform across a range of impact velocities, which gives this load flexibility from close-range timber shots to open-country distances.
Why doesn’t Fiocchi publish muzzle velocity for this load?
This is a known gap in Fiocchi’s product data presentation for the Hyperformance line. Many of Fiocchi’s hunting loads lack published ballistic specifications on their primary product pages, unlike competitors who routinely publish velocity, energy, and BC data. This does not reflect a quality issue with the ammunition itself, but it does make direct comparison more difficult. Until Fiocchi publishes this data or community-submitted chronograph readings are available, the ballistics table on this page is based on calculated estimates using industry-standard assumptions for this bullet weight and cartridge combination.


