Hornady American Whitetail 300 Win Mag 180gr InterLock SP — 320 Rounds

The Hornady American Whitetail 300 Win Mag 180gr is the heavier American Whitetail loading in this caliber — 30 grains heavier than the 150gr version, and meaningfully different in application.

At $1.56 per round for 320 rounds, the Hornady American Whitetail 300 Win Mag 180gr is practical elk-country ammunition from Hornady’s volume hunting line.

180gr vs 150gr — Which Load, Which Game

You now have two American Whitetail InterLock SP loads in this .300 Win Mag range. The difference is not just grain weight.

The 150gr is faster, has a higher BC, and shoots flatter.

The Hornady American Whitetail 300 Win Mag 180gr has higher sectional density and penetrates deeper through heavy-bodied game. At .300 Win Mag velocities the energy difference is minor; penetration matters more on quartering elk shots.

The InterLock Ring — Recap

The InterLock bullet features an exposed lead tip for initial expansion.

A raised ring inside the copper jacket is embedded in the lead core during assembly, mechanically locking the two together under impact.

Core and jacket stay together as the Hornady American Whitetail 300 Win Mag 180gr mushrooms.

Unlike unbonded jacketed soft points where core-jacket separation is a failure mode, the InterLock ring prevents it.

Full Ballistic Data

• Muzzle velocity: 2,960 fps
• Muzzle energy: 3,502 ft-lbs
• G1 BC: 0.452
• Sectional density: 0.271
• Application: Large game, medium game
• Lead free: No

Semi-Auto Compatible

American Whitetail is loaded to conventional velocities with powder matched for consistent pressure across semi-automatic, lever-action, and pump-action platforms.

Specifications

• Caliber: .300 Winchester Magnum
• Bullet: 180 grain, InterLock Spire Point (SP)
• Quantity: 320 rounds (16 × 20-round boxes)
• Cartridge case: Brass, reloadable
• Primer: Centerfire

Where It Fits

Five .300 Win Mag loads now in this category:

• Barnes VOR-TX 180gr TTSX — lead-free, $2.86/round
• Hornady Superformance GMX 165gr — lead-free, $2.00/round
• Hornady American Whitetail 150gr InterLock — conventional, deer, $1.39/round
• Remington Core-Lokt 180gr PSP — conventional, elk, $1.47/round
• Hornady American Whitetail 180gr InterLock — conventional, elk, $1.56/round

Choose the Hornady American Whitetail 300 Win Mag 180gr if you want the 180-grain sectional density for elk and prefer Hornady brass over Remington. Choose the Core-Lokt if slightly lower per-round cost is the deciding factor.

Browse the .300 Win Mag ammunition category. Technical specifications are published by SAAMI and by Hornady directly. Safe storage guidance is available from the NSSF.

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SHORT DESCRIPTION (above Add to Cart)

Hornady American Whitetail .300 Winchester Magnum. 180-grain InterLock SP — exposed lead tip, secant ogive, InterLock ring prevents core-jacket separation. 2,960 fps, 3,502 ft-lbs, G1 BC 0.452, SD 0.271. Semi-auto compatible. Brass case, reloadable. 320 rounds (16 × 20-round boxes). Not lead-free. Elk and large game load. For deer and lighter game, see the 150gr version in this category.

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💬 Before You Go — Elk Hunting With American Whitetail 180gr?

Taken an elk or moose with this load? Leave a review with the range and the result — and tell us whether you chose 180gr over 150gr specifically for the sectional density. That’s the decision the next buyer is making. And if you came looking for a load we don’t carry, tell us. 🎯

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Please purchase and use ammunition responsibly and in accordance with all federal, state and local laws. Ammunition cannot be shipped to all jurisdictions — verify legal shipment to your address before ordering. Buyers must be of legal age in their jurisdiction. Not for sale to prohibited persons.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this differ from the Hornady American Whitetail 150gr also in this range? Higher sectional density (0.271 vs 0.226) and lower velocity (2,960 vs 3,275 fps). The 180gr penetrates deeper through large-bodied game; the 150gr shoots flatter and suits deer better. Both use the same InterLock mechanism.

What is sectional density and why does it matter for elk? Sectional density (SD) is the ratio of bullet mass to frontal area. Higher SD means more penetration for a given bullet diameter. On quartering elk shots or shots through shoulder bone, the 180gr’s SD advantage is meaningful.

Is the InterLock bonded? Mechanically locked, not chemically bonded. The InterLock ring inside the jacket prevents core-jacket separation under impact. Adequate for elk at conventional hunting distances.

Is it lead-free? No — lead-core bullet. Not California-compliant for hunting. For lead-free .300 Win Mag, see the Barnes VOR-TX or Hornady Superformance GMX in this range.

Is it semi-auto compatible? Yes — loaded to conventional velocities for consistent pressure across semi-auto, lever-action, and pump platforms. Confirm function in your specific rifle.

Can I reload the brass? Yes — standard Hornady brass, Boxer-primed.

What’s the per-round cost? $500 / 320 = $1.56 per round.

How does it compare to the Remington Core-Lokt 180gr PSP also in this range? Both are 180-grain conventional hunting loads for elk at the same velocity (2,960 fps). Core-Lokt is $1.47/round for 340 rounds; this is $1.56/round for 320 rounds. The choice is brand preference and which brass you prefer for reloading.