Choosing the right ammunition can significantly impact your success in hunting and target shooting. Two popular choices from Hornady, the InterLock and the SST (Super Shock Tip), often leave shooters wondering which is the better option. This detailed comparison explores the key differences between Hornady InterLock and SST bullets, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
Understanding the Core Differences: InterLock vs. SST
Both the InterLock and SST bullets are designed for hunting, but their construction and resulting performance characteristics differ significantly. Let's break down the key distinctions:
Construction and Design:
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Hornady InterLock: This bullet features a patented InterLock ring, a crimped ring that secures the bullet's core to the jacket. This design prevents core separation upon impact, ensuring consistent weight retention and deeper penetration. The InterLock is known for its reliable performance on larger game, delivering significant energy transfer and maximizing lethality. It's typically a heavier-duty bullet built for robust game. The lead core is fully enveloped by the jacketed material.
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Hornady SST: The SST utilizes a polymer tip that enhances ballistic coefficient (BC) and provides improved expansion at lower velocities. This polymer tip also helps create a larger, more devastating wound channel, particularly effective on medium-sized game. The lighter construction and streamlined design contribute to a flatter trajectory. The SST is generally favored for its improved expansion characteristics.
Ballistic Performance:
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Penetration vs. Expansion: The InterLock prioritizes deep penetration, making it ideal for larger, tougher game where complete pass-through is often desired for a quick, clean kill. The SST, with its focus on expansion, creates a larger wound cavity, leading to faster incapacitation, particularly effective on animals with lighter bone structures.
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Trajectory and Velocity: The SST's polymer tip and streamlined design generally result in a flatter trajectory and higher velocity at longer ranges, particularly beneficial for precision shooting at extended distances. The InterLock, while maintaining good accuracy, might exhibit a slightly less flat trajectory due to its construction.
Hunting Applications:
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InterLock: Best suited for larger game animals like elk, deer, and bear, where deep penetration and reliable weight retention are crucial. Its robust construction ensures consistent performance even on tough hides and bone.
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SST: A versatile choice suitable for a wider range of game, including deer, antelope, and hogs. Its superior expansion characteristics make it effective at delivering quick, humane kills on medium-sized game. However, on larger animals, penetration might be a limiting factor compared to the InterLock.
Choosing the Right Bullet: A Practical Guide
The best bullet ultimately depends on your specific hunting needs and the game you intend to target. Consider these factors:
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Game Size and Type: Larger, tougher game demands the superior penetration of the InterLock. Medium-sized game will likely benefit from the improved expansion of the SST.
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Shot Distance: For longer shots, the SST's flatter trajectory is advantageous. Shorter-range hunting may not necessitate the superior BC of the SST.
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Personal Preference and Experience: Some hunters swear by the consistent performance of the InterLock, while others favor the devastating expansion of the SST.
Conclusion: No Single "Best" Bullet
There is no single "best" bullet between the Hornady InterLock and SST. The ideal choice depends on your specific hunting situation and preferences. Understanding the core differences in construction, ballistic performance, and hunting applications allows you to select the ammunition best suited for your needs, ensuring ethical and successful hunts. This comparison is intended to inform; always consult local regulations and ethical hunting practices.
