Remington Core Lokt Ballistic Chart

Below, you will find categorized ballistic charts detailing muzzle velocity, kinetic energy, ballistic coefficient, and trajectory drops based on a standard 200-yard zero. This is followed by an in-depth guide on interpreting these metrics for real-world hunting scenarios.

Remington Core-Lokt Ballistic Data

The following data reflects factory specifications for popular centerfire rifle chamberings tested under standard atmospheric conditions. Trajectory data assumes a 200-yard zero.

.30 Caliber Family (.308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, .300 Win Mag)

Cartridge	Bullet Weight / Type	Ballistic Coefficient (G1)	Muzzle Velocity	Muzzle Energy	100 Yds	200 Yds (Zero)	300 Yds	400 Yds
.308 Winchester	150 gr PSP	.314	2,820 fps	2,648 ft-lbs	+1.8 in	0.0 in	-8.5 in	-25.8 in
.308 Winchester	180 gr Tipped	.480	2,640 fps	2,743 ft-lbs	+2.1 in	0.0 in	-8.8 in	-25.4 in
.30-06 Springfield	180 gr PSP	.383	2,700 fps	2,913 ft-lbs	+2.0 in	0.0 in	-8.0 in	-24.2 in
.300 Win Mag	180 gr PSP	.383	2,960 fps	3,501 ft-lbs	+1.6 in	0.0 in	-6.5 in	-19.5 in

Mid-Bore & Magnum Calibers (.270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag)

Cartridge	Bullet Weight / Type	Ballistic Coefficient (G1)	Muzzle Velocity	Muzzle Energy	100 Yds	200 Yds (Zero)	300 Yds	400 Yds
.270 Winchester	130 gr PSP	.336	3,060 fps	2,702 ft-lbs	+1.4 in	0.0 in	-6.5 in	-19.8 in
7mm Rem Mag	150 gr PSP	.361	3,110 fps	3,221 ft-lbs	+1.4 in	0.0 in	-6.3 in	-19.2 in

Light Game & Varmint (.243 Winchester)

Cartridge	Bullet Weight / Type	Ballistic Coefficient (G1)	Muzzle Velocity	Muzzle Energy	100 Yds	200 Yds (Zero)	300 Yds	400 Yds
.243 Winchester	100 gr PSP	.356	2,960 fps	1,945 ft-lbs	+1.6 in	0.0 in	-7.2 in	-22.1 in

Understanding the Chart

To maximize your success in the field, you must understand exactly what the numbers on a ballistics chart mean. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of every metric.

Cartridge

• What it means: Identifies the specific caliber and chambering of the firearm (e.g., .308 Winchester or .270 Winchester).
• Why it matters: Ammunition must be matched perfectly to the firearm’s chamber. The cartridge dictates internal case capacity, powder charge, safe operating pressure, and overall ballistic potential.
• How to interpret it: Use this column simply to locate the exact ammunition you intend to shoot.
• Real-world performance: The cartridge determines the foundational power and trajectory. A magnum casing like the .300 Win Mag holds significantly more powder than a .308 Win, generating faster velocities with the exact same bullet weight.
• Common mistakes: Confusing similar-sounding cartridges (like 7mm-08 and 7mm Rem Mag). Always ensure the chart perfectly matches the stamp on your rifle barrel.

Bullet Weight & Type

• What it means: Denotes the mass of the projectile in grains (gr) and the shape. PSP stands for Pointed Soft Point.
• Why it matters: Bullet weight and construction directly impact velocity, wind resistance, and terminal performance. The Core-Lokt features a tapered copper jacket locked to a solid lead core, controlling expansion and ensuring the bullet stays intact.
• How to interpret it: Heavier bullets fly slower but resist wind better and penetrate deeper. Lighter bullets fly faster and flatter but may not penetrate as deeply on large game.
• Real-world performance: The PSP design provides a better aerodynamic profile than traditional blunt Soft Points, retaining velocity better at 200–300 yards while offering rapid, devastating expansion.
• Common mistakes: Assuming heavier is always better. For deer, a 150-grain often provides faster expansion and a flatter trajectory than a 180-grain bullet (which is better suited for elk).

Muzzle Velocity (fps)

• What it means: The speed of the bullet exactly as it exits the barrel, measured in feet per second.
• Why it matters: Velocity is the engine of ballistics. It dictates how flat a bullet will shoot, how hard it will hit, and whether the soft lead point will successfully mushroom.
• How to interpret it: Higher numbers mean a faster-traveling bullet, though speed decreases downrange due to drag.
• Real-world performance: Core-Lokt’s soft exposed lead tips initiate expansion at much lower velocities than monolithic copper bullets, making them highly effective even as they slow down.
• Common mistakes: Expecting to achieve the exact printed velocity. Factory data uses 24-inch test barrels. Shorter 18-to-20-inch hunting barrels will produce lower velocities and slightly more drop.

Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs)

• What it means: The kinetic power of the bullet at the muzzle, expressed in foot-pounds.
• Why it matters: Energy is a primary indicator of stopping power, calculated using bullet weight and velocity.
• Real-world performance: Ethical hunting requires minimum energy thresholds (typically 1,000 ft-lbs for deer, 1,500 ft-lbs for elk). Muzzle energy shows maximum potential before drag takes a toll.
• Common mistakes: Believing energy alone drops game. The Core-Lokt’s true strength is its mechanical lock, ensuring weight retention and deep vital penetration regardless of raw energy.

Ballistic Coefficient (G1)

• What it means: A mathematical value representing aerodynamic efficiency.
• Why it matters: High-BC bullets slice through air efficiently, retaining velocity, dropping less, and resisting crosswinds.
• Real-world performance: Traditional Core-Lokts have modest BCs (0.300–0.390). Inside 200 yards, this matters very little. Past 300 yards, the bullet sheds velocity rapidly.
• Common mistakes: Obsessing over BC for standard hunting ranges (under 200 yards), where reliable terminal expansion matters far more than aerodynamic efficiency.

100 YD Drop (in)

• What it means: Where the bullet impacts relative to your line of sight at 100 yards.
• How to interpret it: With a 200-yard zero, these numbers are positive (e.g., +1.8 inches). The bullet is still arcing upward relative to your crosshairs.
• Real-world performance: If a deer is at 100 yards, aim dead-center. A 1.8-inch high impact is negligible inside an 8-inch vital zone.
• Common mistakes: Confusing “drop” with “impact.” A positive number means it strikes high, not that it is physically dropping below your aim point.

300 YD Drop (in)

• What it means: How far below the crosshairs the bullet strikes at 300 yards.
• How to interpret it: A negative value (e.g., -8.5 inches) means you must hold your crosshairs 8.5 inches above the desired impact point.
• Real-world performance: 300 yards approaches the maximum point-blank range for traditional cup-and-core bullets. Holding level with a deer’s spine will usually drop the bullet perfectly into the lungs.

400 YD Drop (in)

• What it means: The bullet’s total vertical drop at 400 yards.
• Why it matters: 400 yards is generally beyond the optimal envelope for standard Core-Lokt ammo due to steep drops (e.g., -26.5 inches) and shed velocity.
• Real-world performance: You cannot rely on simple holdover guesswork here; you must use a ballistic reticle or elevation turret.
• Common mistakes: Treating traditional soft-point ammunition like modern long-range match ammo. Core-Lokts are engineered for standard hunting distances.

Zero Range (yds)

• What it means: The distance where your crosshairs exactly match the bullet’s point of impact.
• Real-world performance: A 200-yard zero is the gold standard for modern bottleneck cartridges. It maximizes Maximum Point Blank Range, allowing you to hold dead-center on vitals from 0 to about 250 yards.
• Common mistakes: Sighting in at 100 yards but using a 200-yard chart. If your rifle is zeroed at 100, your bullet will drop significantly faster at longer ranges than the chart indicates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does “Core-Lokt” actually mean?

Core-Lokt refers to Remington’s proprietary manufacturing process where the thick copper jacket is mechanically locked into the solid lead core of the bullet. This prevents the jacket and core from separating upon impact, ensuring deep penetration and reliable expansion.

2. Why is it called “the deadliest mushroom in the woods”?

Upon impact, the exposed soft lead tip expands outward, rolling back the copper jacket to form a perfect mushroom shape. This expands the bullet to nearly double its original diameter, creating massive wound channels.

3. What is the difference between PSP and SP Core-Lokt bullets?

PSP stands for Pointed Soft Point, which features a more aerodynamic, spitzer-style nose for better downrange velocity retention. SP stands for Soft Point, which has a blunter, rounded nose often used in brush guns (like the .30-30) for maximum immediate energy transfer at close range.

4. Can I use standard Remington Core-Lokt for long-range hunting?

While capable, traditional Core-Lokt bullets have a lower Ballistic Coefficient (BC) compared to modern boat-tail polymer-tipped bullets. They are exceptionally effective out to 300 yards, but beyond that, they drop rapidly and shed velocity that is required for optimal expansion.

5. Does Remington make a modern, high-BC version of the Core-Lokt?

Yes. Remington introduced the Core-Lokt Tipped, which takes the proven locked-core design and adds an aerodynamic polymer tip and a sleeker profile. This increases the BC, resulting in flatter trajectories and more retained energy at longer distances.

6. Why does my actual bullet drop differ from the printed chart?

Factory charts are generated under standard atmospheric conditions using 24-inch test barrels. If you hunt at high elevations, in extreme cold, or use a rifle with a shorter barrel (like a 20-inch hunting carbine), your actual velocity will be lower, resulting in more bullet drop.

7. Is a 150-grain or 180-grain Core-Lokt better for deer in .30-06 or .308?

For thin-skinned, medium game like whitetail deer, the 150-grain bullet is generally preferred. It flies faster, shoots flatter, and expands more violently on lighter game. The 180-grain bullet is heavily constructed for deep penetration on larger, tougher game like elk, moose, or bear.

8. Should I sight my rifle in at 100 yards or 200 yards?

A 200-yard zero is highly recommended for modern centerfire rifles like the .270, .308, and .30-06. It keeps the bullet’s flight path within a few inches of your crosshairs out to roughly 250 yards, eliminating the need to guess holdovers for the vast majority of hunting shots.

9. Are Core-Lokt bullets safe for tubular magazines?

Blunt Soft Point (SP) and Round Nose Core-Lokt bullets (commonly found in .30-30 Winchester and .35 Remington chamberings) are perfectly safe for tubular lever-action magazines. However, you should never load pointed (PSP) bullets into a tubular magazine, as the sharp tip resting against the primer of the round in front of it can cause an accidental detonation under recoil.

10. What is the minimum velocity required for a Core-Lokt to expand?

Because of the soft, exposed lead tip, traditional Core-Lokt bullets are known to initiate reliable expansion at impact velocities as low as 1,600 to 1,800 fps, making them incredibly reliable even as they slow down at extended hunting ranges.