Winchester Super-X .30-06 Springfield 180 Grain Power-Point
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Big game hunting (deer, elk, bear) |
| Bullet Type | Power-Point — soft-point cup-and-core with notched jacket |
| Bullet Weight | 180 grain |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer (reloadable) |
| Packaging | 20 rounds per box |
| Typical Price | $36.99/box · ~$1.85/round |
| Closest Competitors | Federal Power-Shok .30-06 180 gr SP, Remington Core-Lokt .30-06 180 gr PSP, Hornady American Whitetail .30-06 180 gr InterLock SP |
Official Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | 2,700 | Winchester published data |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | 2,913 | Winchester published data |
| Bullet Weight | 180 gr | Winchester published data |
| Bullet Type | Power-Point soft-point | Winchester published data |
| BC G1 | — | Not published |
| BC G7 | — | Not published |
| Manufacturer SKU | X30064 | Winchester published data |
| UPC | — | Not published |
| Reloadable | Yes | Brass case, Boxer primer |
Note — BC values: Winchester does not publish ballistic coefficient data for the Super-X Power-Point line. A commonly cited community estimate for this projectile is approximately G1 0.383, but this figure is not manufacturer-confirmed and is not used in the ballistics table below.
Note — UPC: UPC was not available in the product data provided. Refer to the physical box or the manufacturer’s website for the current UPC.
Ballistics Table
Calculated estimate. Real-world results vary by barrel length, temperature, altitude, and lot. Community submissions will provide measured muzzle velocity for comparison.
Zeroed at 100 yards. Sight height: 1.5″ above bore. Based on published MV of 2,700 fps and G1 BC ≈ 0.383 (community estimate; see note above).
| Yards | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2,700 | 2,913 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2,491 | 2,481 | 0.0 ← zero |
| 200 | 2,291 | 2,097 | -7.6 |
| 300 | 2,100 | 1,762 | -22.4 |
| 400 | 1,918 | 1,470 | -46.8 |
| 500 | 1,746 | 1,218 | -83.4 |
Key takeaway: The 180 grain Power-Point retains over 2,000 ft-lbs of energy out to 200 yards, which covers the majority of ethical big game shots in typical hunting environments. Drop becomes significant beyond 300 yards — roughly 22 inches below line of sight — meaning holdover or a confirmed long-range zero is necessary for shots past that distance. For most whitetail, mule deer, and elk hunters operating inside 250 yards, the trajectory is manageable with a standard 100-yard zero. Hunters who regularly shoot past 300 yards may want to consider a heavier or higher-BC projectile to reduce wind drift and drop.
The Power-Point Bullet Design
The Winchester Power-Point is a cup-and-core soft-point bullet distinguished by a ring of notches cut into the exposed lead tip area of the jacket. These notches are not decorative — they are engineered to initiate and direct jacket peel-back upon impact, promoting consistent, controlled expansion across a range of impact velocities. This matters particularly for a 180 grain .30-06 load, which may strike game at velocities ranging from around 2,700 fps at the muzzle down to under 1,800 fps at extended range. The notched jacket helps ensure the bullet opens reliably even at the lower end of that velocity window.
The core is a lead alloy, and the jacket is a drawn copper-alloy cup. This construction has been in continuous production since the Super-X line launched in 1922, making it one of the longest-running hunting bullet designs in American ammunition history. It is not a bonded bullet, meaning jacket and core can separate at very high impact velocities or when striking heavy bone directly — a known characteristic of cup-and-core designs generally. For most hunting applications within ethical range, this is not a practical concern.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- White-tailed deer hunting at ranges up to 250 yards in woodland or mixed terrain
- Elk and black bear hunting at moderate ranges where shot placement can be controlled
- Hunters seeking a proven, widely available load with a long field track record
- Hunters who reload brass and want a reusable case after firing
- Situations where a traditional soft-point bullet is legal (where lead projectiles are permitted)
Not the right tool for:
- Long-range shots beyond 300 yards where wind drift and drop become significant factors
- Jurisdictions or public lands requiring non-lead (copper or copper-alloy) projectiles
- Hunters who prioritize bonded or monolithic bullet construction for deep penetration on very large or dangerous game
- Varmint or predator hunting where the 180 grain weight is unnecessarily heavy and expensive
- Precision target shooting or competition — this is a hunting load, not a match-grade cartridge
Reliability Notes
No structured submissions yet.
The following observations are drawn from manufacturer claims and open sources — not structured field data.
- Winchester states this load is produced to consistent quality control standards across its Super-X line, which has been in continuous production since 1922.
- The brass case is described by Winchester as fully reloadable and manufactured to standard SAAMI dimensions, which is consistent with the general reputation of Winchester brass in the handloading community.
- Open-source field reports (hunting forums, retailer Q&A sections) consistently note that the Power-Point expands reliably on medium to large deer-sized game at typical hunting distances, though jacket-core separation has been noted anecdotally at close-range, high-velocity impacts on heavy bone — a characteristic common to non-bonded cup-and-core designs.
- No active recalls or safety notices are associated with this load at time of publication. Always verify current status with Winchester directly before purchase.
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Adv. Velocity | Price/box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Power-Shok .30-06 180 gr SP | 180 gr | Soft Point (cup-and-core) | ~0.381 | 2,700 fps | ~$28–$33 | Budget alternative; similar cup-and-core design; widely available |
| Remington Core-Lokt .30-06 180 gr PSP | 180 gr | Pointed Soft Point (cup-and-core) | ~0.383 | 2,700 fps | ~$30–$36 | Direct competitor; same bullet class; long field history comparable to Super-X |
| Hornady American Whitetail .30-06 180 gr InterLock | 180 gr | InterLock SP | ~0.391 | 2,700 fps | ~$32–$38 | InterLock ring mechanically locks core to jacket; slightly better BC claimed |
| Federal Trophy Bonded Tip .30-06 180 gr | 180 gr | Trophy Bonded Tip (bonded) | ~0.480 | 2,750 fps | ~$52–$60 | Premium alternative; bonded construction; superior weight retention on heavy game |
| Nosler Ballistic Tip .30-06 180 gr | 180 gr | Ballistic Tip (cup-and-core, polymer tip) | ~0.507 | 2,700 fps | ~$45–$55 | Higher BC; polymer tip initiates expansion; not bonded — potential for rapid expansion on light game |
| Barnes Vor-TX .30-06 180 gr TTSX | 180 gr | TTSX (monolithic copper) | ~0.392 | 2,700 fps | ~$48–$58 | Lead-free; suitable for non-lead regulations; monolithic construction; different terminal behavior than cup-and-core |
Price Reality
- Typical retail range: $33–$40 per 20-round box depending on retailer and market conditions; case pricing (typically 200 rounds / 10 boxes) generally runs $290–$380 when available.
- Per-round cost: At $36.99 MSRP, approximately $1.85 per round — mid-tier pricing for factory .30-06 hunting ammunition.
- Compared to Federal Power-Shok: The Power-Shok in the same weight typically runs $4–$8 less per box, making it the clear budget alternative for shooters prioritizing cost over brand preference.
- Compared to Remington Core-Lokt: Pricing is nearly identical — both loads occupy the same market segment and are often within $2–$3 of each other at any given retailer.
- Compared to Federal Trophy Bonded Tip or Nosler Ballistic Tip: Premium bonded and polymer-tipped loads run $15–$25 more per box, which is justified for hunters pursuing elk or bear where bullet integrity is a higher priority.
- Fair price benchmark: $36–$40 per box is fair market value for this load. Anything above $42 per box for a single box (outside of supply-shortage conditions) should be considered overpriced relative to available alternatives.
Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.
Where to Buy
Winchester Super-X .30-06 Springfield 180 Grain Power-Point (Box)
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FAQ
What makes the Power-Point bullet different from a standard soft-point?
The Power-Point is a soft-point bullet, but it incorporates a series of notches cut into the jacket near the tip. These notches are designed to control how the jacket peels back on impact, promoting more uniform and repeatable expansion compared to a plain soft-point with no jacket scoring. In practice, this means the bullet is engineered to mushroom consistently across a range of impact velocities – which matters in a 180 grain .30-06 load that may strike game anywhere from 50 to 300 yards. It is not a bonded bullet, so jacket and core are held together mechanically rather than chemically or through a fusion process.
How does this load compare directly to the Remington Core-Lokt 180 grain in .30-06?
These two loads are the most direct competitors in the traditional cup-and-core hunting segment for 30-06 Springfield. Both are rated at 2,700 fps muzzle velocity with a 180 grain projectile, both use non-bonded cup-and-core construction, and both are priced within a few dollars of each other. The primary differences are bullet geometry – the Core-Lokt uses a tapered jacket that is thicker at the base – and brand heritage. Neither load has a meaningful ballistic advantage over the other at typical hunting distances. Choosing between them often comes down to personal preference, brand loyalty, or whichever is in stock.
Is this load suitable for elk hunting?
The 180 grain bullet weight is widely considered appropriate for elk, and the .30-06 Springfield cartridge has a long history of use on elk-sized game. The Power-Point’s cup-and-core construction will expand reliably on elk at typical hunting ranges. However, hunters pursuing elk – particularly large bulls or shots through heavy shoulder bone – may want to consider a bonded or monolithic bullet for better weight retention and deeper penetration. The Power-Point is a capable elk load at moderate ranges with good shot placement, but it is not the first choice for hunters who regularly take difficult angle shots or hunt in terrain where ranges exceed 250 yards.
Can this ammunition be used in a .30-06 with a shorter 20-inch barrel?
Yes. The Winchester Super-X 180 grain Power-Point will function in any .30-06 Springfield chambered firearm regardless of barrel length. A shorter barrel will produce lower muzzle velocity than the published 2,700 fps figure, which is typically measured from a 24-inch test barrel. A 20-inch barrel can be expected to yield approximately 50–80 fps less velocity, which has a modest effect on trajectory and energy at hunting distances but does not meaningfully change the load’s suitability for hunting use. The Power-Point bullet is designed to expand at the lower impact velocities that result from shorter barrels or longer shots.
Is this load legal for hunting in areas with non-lead ammunition requirements?
No. The Power-Point bullet uses a lead-alloy core and is not compliant with non-lead ammunition regulations. Several U.S. states and some federal lands – particularly in California and certain national parks and wildlife refuges – require the use of non-lead projectiles for hunting. If you hunt in a jurisdiction with such requirements, you would need to select a copper or copper-alloy monolithic bullet load such as the Barnes Vor-TX or Federal Trophy Copper in the same caliber. Always verify current regulations with your state wildlife agency before the season opens, as non-lead requirements continue to expand geographically.


