Ammo Reports Team
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Big game hunting (deer, elk, black bear) |
| Bullet Type | SST (Super Shock Tip), non-bonded InterLock construction |
| Bullet Weight | 180 grain |
| Case Material | Brass (Long Action cartridge) |
| Primer Type | Boxer (Large Rifle Primer) |
| Packaging | 20 rounds per box |
| Typical Price | $44.99/box — $2.25/round |
| Closest Competitors | Federal Premium Vital-Shok .30-06 180gr Trophy Bonded Tip, Winchester Expedition Big Game .30-06 180gr Nosler AccuBond, Remington Core-Lokt Ultra Bonded .30-06 180gr |
Official Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hornady | Hornady product data and 2026 catalog |
| Cartridge | 30-06 Springfield | Hornady product data and 2026 catalog |
| Product Line | Superformance | Hornady product data and 2026 catalog |
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | 2,820 | Hornady product data and 2026 catalog |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 3,178 | Hornady product data and 2026 catalog |
| Bullet Weight | 180 gr | Hornady product data and 2026 catalog |
| Bullet Type | SST (Super Shock Tip), non-bonded InterLock construction | Hornady product data and 2026 catalog |
| BC G1 | 0.480 | Hornady product data and 2026 catalog |
| BC G7 | — | Not found in verified official manufacturer sources |
| Manufacturer SKU | 81183 | Hornady product data and 2026 catalog |
| UPC | — | Not found in verified official manufacturer sources |
| Reloadable | Yes | Brass case, Boxer primer |
| Case Material | Brass | Case construction |
| Primer | Boxer (Large Rifle Primer) | Primer configuration; factory primer model not verified |
| Test Barrel | 24 inches | Hornady product data and 2026 catalog |
Source labels refer to manufacturer publications; unpublished parameters remain unfilled.
Ballistics Table
Official manufacturer data. Hornady product data and 2026 catalog. 200-yard zero.
| Distance (yards) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2820 | 3178 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2630 | 2765 | 1.8 |
| 200 | 2448 | 2396 | 0.0 |
| 300 | 2274 | 2066 | -7.6 |
| 400 | 2106 | 1772 | -21.9 |
| 500 | 1946 | 1513 | -44.1 |
Calculated reference table – not manufacturer data. 0-700 yards in 100-yard steps. G1 point-mass model; factory muzzle velocity 2820 fps, G1 BC 0.480, 200-yard zero, assumed sight height 1.5 inches, sea level, 59°F, 29.92 inHg, 0% humidity, no wind and level fire. These assumptions are not a claim about factory test conditions. Calculated energy and trajectory are separate estimates; the distance covered does not establish an effective hunting range.
| Distance (yards) | Calculated velocity (fps) | Calculated energy (ft-lbs) | Calculated trajectory (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2820 | 3178 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2627 | 2757 | 1.8 |
| 200 | 2441 | 2382 | 0.0 |
| 300 | 2264 | 2048 | -7.6 |
| 400 | 2093 | 1751 | -22.0 |
| 500 | 1931 | 1490 | -44.4 |
| 600 | 1776 | 1261 | -76.1 |
| 700 | 1631 | 1063 | -118.9 |
The SST Bullet and Superformance System
The Super Shock Tip (SST) bullet is one of Hornady’s core hunting projectiles and warrants explanation because it combines features often found separately in competing designs. The red polymer tip serves two purposes: it initiates rapid, consistent expansion at a wide range of impact velocities, and it protects the bullet’s profile during feeding in box magazines. The tip drives rearward into the lead core on impact, triggering expansion from the inside out rather than relying solely on hydraulic pressure from the wound channel.
Beneath the tip, the bullet uses an InterLock ring — a mechanical feature machined into the jacket that physically interlocks with the lead core. This is distinct from chemical bonding used in premium bonded bullets like the Federal Trophy Bonded Tip or Nosler AccuBond. The InterLock system is designed to resist core-jacket separation at higher impact velocities, though it is generally considered less robust than true bonded construction at close range or when hitting bone directly. For most hunting scenarios at moderate distances, this distinction is academic; at close range on large, heavy-boned game like bull elk or moose, a fully bonded bullet may provide more reliable deep penetration.
The Superformance propellant is a Hornady-proprietary powder blend that generates higher velocities than standard powders without a corresponding increase in peak pressure, felt recoil, or muzzle blast. The result is a factory load that runs approximately 100–200 fps faster than conventional .30-06 loads at the same bullet weight — a meaningful advantage that flattens trajectory and increases downrange energy retention.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- Whitetail and mule deer at ranges from close timber shots to 300+ yards
- Elk hunting at moderate ranges where shots are expected within 300 yards
- Black bear hunting where rapid expansion and adequate penetration are both priorities
- Hunters who want a single versatile load for mixed-species western hunts
- Shooters whose rifles run well with higher-velocity loads and who want to maximize the .30-06’s performance envelope
- Cold-weather hunting where propellant temperature sensitivity in conventional loads is a concern
Not the right tool for:
- Very close-range shots on large, heavy-boned game (bull elk, moose) where a fully bonded bullet would provide more reliable penetration through shoulder bone
- Jurisdictions with lead-free ammunition requirements — the SST uses a lead core
- Benchrest or precision long-range target shooting — this is a hunting load, not a match load
- Hunters who prefer minimal pelt damage on medium game at close range, where the SST’s rapid expansion can produce significant tissue disruption
Reliability Notes
No structured submissions yet.
Based on manufacturer claims and open-source information: Hornady states the Superformance line achieves consistent velocity across temperature ranges, which is a specific engineering goal of the propellant system rather than a general marketing claim. Third-party testing published in hunting and firearms media has generally confirmed velocity figures close to Hornady’s published 2,820 fps from 24-inch barrels, with some variation noted in shorter barrels as expected. The SST bullet has a documented history of reliable expansion across a wide velocity window, which is relevant for .30-06 hunters taking shots at varying distances. No active recalls or safety notices are associated with this load as of the time of publication. All notes here come from manufacturer claims and open sources, not structured submission data.
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Adv. Velocity | Price/box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Premium Vital-Shok .30-06 180gr Trophy Bonded Tip | 180 gr | Trophy Bonded Tip | 0.480 | 2,700 fps | ~$52–$58 | Fully bonded; better on heavy bone; premium tier |
| Winchester Expedition Big Game .30-06 180gr Nosler AccuBond | 180 gr | Nosler AccuBond | 0.507 | 2,750 fps | ~$55–$62 | Bonded; higher BC; premium tier |
| Remington Core-Lokt .30-06 180gr SP | 180 gr | Core-Lokt Soft Point | 0.383 | 2,700 fps | ~$28–$34 | Budget alternative; proven design; lower BC |
| Nosler Trophy Grade .30-06 180gr AccuBond | 180 gr | AccuBond | 0.507 | 2,700 fps | ~$58–$65 | Premium bonded; highest BC in this group |
| Barnes VOR-TX .30-06 180gr TTSX | 180 gr | TTSX (lead-free) | 0.398 | 2,750 fps | ~$55–$62 | Lead-free; all-copper; required in some jurisdictions |
| Hornady American Whitetail .30-06 180gr SP | 180 gr | InterLock SP | 0.452 | 2,700 fps | ~$28–$35 | Budget alternative; same brand; no Superformance propellant |
Price Reality
- Typical retail range: $42–$52 per 20-round box depending on retailer and market conditions
- Per-round cost: Approximately $2.10–$2.60 per round at typical retail
- Case pricing: Not universally available in case quantities; when found, case pricing (typically 200 rounds) may offer modest savings of 5–10%
- Versus Remington Core-Lokt 180gr: The Core-Lokt runs $28–$34/box — roughly $15–$18 less per box. That gap buys a higher-velocity load with a more aerodynamic bullet in the Superformance, but hunters on a budget who shoot at typical woods ranges may find the Core-Lokt adequate
- Versus Federal Trophy Bonded Tip 180gr: The Federal load runs $52–$58/box and uses a fully bonded bullet. Hunters targeting large, tough game may find the premium worthwhile; the Superformance is the better value for most deer hunting scenarios
- Fair price benchmark: Paying more than $55 for a single box of the Superformance 180gr SST represents the upper edge of reasonable retail pricing. Prices above $60/box should prompt comparison shopping
Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.
Where to Buy
Hornady Superformance .30-06 Springfield 180 Grain SST
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FAQ
Does the SST bullet hold together well enough for elk hunting, or should I choose a bonded bullet instead?
The SST’s InterLock system provides meaningful core-jacket retention compared to a plain cup-and-core bullet, but it is not a chemically bonded design. For broadside lung shots on elk at 150–300 yards, the SST performs reliably and produces rapid, lethal energy transfer. For shots involving heavy shoulder bone at close range — under 100 yards — a fully bonded bullet like the Nosler AccuBond or Federal Trophy Bonded Tip will typically provide deeper, straighter penetration. Most elk hunters who use the Superformance SST report clean kills when shot placement is sound; the limitation becomes relevant primarily when shot angle or range forces a marginal hit on bone.
How much faster is the Superformance load compared to standard 30-06 180gr loads?
Hornady’s stated advantage is 100–200 fps over conventional ammunition at the same bullet weight. Standard .30-06 180gr loads from major manufacturers typically run 2,700 fps from a 24-inch barrel; the Superformance is rated at 2,820 fps — a difference of 120 fps in this case. That translates to roughly 4–5% more velocity, which produces measurably flatter trajectory and approximately 9–10% more muzzle energy. At 300 yards, that velocity advantage compresses somewhat due to aerodynamic drag, but the Superformance still carries a meaningful energy advantage over standard-velocity loads at extended range.
Is this load suitable for hunting in states or provinces with lead-free ammunition requirements?
This load contains lead and does not meet a nonlead projectile requirement. California requires certified nonlead ammunition when taking wildlife with a firearm statewide, effective July 1, 2019. Verify the exact product against the current CDFW certification list and applicable hunting regulations.
Will the Superformance load damage meat more than a standard 30-06 load due to its higher velocity?
Higher velocity does increase the potential for hydrostatic shock and temporary wound channel size, which can affect meat near the impact site. In practice, the 120 fps difference between the Superformance and a standard 180gr .30-06 load is unlikely to produce a noticeable difference in meat damage compared to shot placement errors, which are a far larger variable. Hunters who are concerned about meat preservation should focus on shot placement — lung shots well behind the shoulder minimize edible meat loss regardless of bullet velocity. The SST’s rapid expansion does produce a pronounced wound channel, which is by design for quick kills rather than for minimal meat damage.
Can I use this load in a 30-06 rifle with a 22-inch barrel without problems?
The published test barrel is 24 inches. Hornady publishes 2,820 fps muzzle velocity, 3,178 ft-lbs muzzle energy and a 0.480 G1 BC for 81183. Actual velocity can differ with the rifle and conditions; a fixed velocity loss per inch is not a verified specification. Follow the firearm manufacturer’s ammunition requirements.
