Fiocchi Hyperformance 30-06 Springfield 180 Grain SST

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Fiocchi Hyperformance 30-06 Springfield 180 Grain SST (Box)
FeatureDetail
Primary UseBig game hunting (deer, elk, moose, hogs)
Bullet TypeHornady Super Shock Tip (SST) — polymer-tipped lead-core bonded-style hunting bullet
Bullet Weight180 grain
Case MaterialBrass
Primer TypeBoxer (centerfire)
Packaging20 rounds per box
Typical Price$37.99/box — $1.90/round
Closest CompetitorsFederal 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

SpecValueSource
Muzzle Velocity (fps)Not publishedManufacturer
Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs)Not publishedManufacturer
Bullet Weight180 grManufacturer
Bullet TypeHornady SST (Super Shock Tip)Manufacturer
BC G1Not published
BC G7Not published
Manufacturer SKUNot published
UPCNot published
ReloadableYesManufacturer (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).

YardsVelocity (fps)Energy (ft-lbs)Trajectory (in)
0~2,700~2,914-1.5
100~2,503~2,5040.0 ← 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

LoadWeightBulletBC G1Muzzle VelocityPrice/boxNotes
Hornady Precision Hunter 30-06178 grELD-X0.5522,750 fps~$45–$52Higher BC; better for longer range; premium option
Federal Premium Vital-Shok 30-06180 grTrophy Bonded Tip~0.4402,700 fps~$48–$55Fully bonded bullet; better core retention on heavy bone
Winchester Expedition Big Game 30-06180 grNosler Accubond CT~0.5072,700 fps~$46–$52Bonded construction; similar velocity profile
Remington Core-Lokt 30-06180 grCore-Lokt PSP~0.3832,700 fps~$26–$32Budget alternative; proven deer load; lower BC
Nosler Trophy Grade 30-06180 grPartition~0.4742,700 fps~$52–$60Premium partition design; exceptional penetration on large game
PPU Standard 30-06180 grSP~0.3602,700 fps~$22–$28Lowest 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)

The Fiocchi Hyperformance 30-06 Springfield 180 Grain SST rounds are specifically designed for hunters, providing unmatched accuracy and expansion for taking down big game such as hogs, deer, elk, and moose with confidence.

Affiliate links. These do not influence ratings, data, or any editorial content on this page.

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.

 

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