Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM 180 Grain Lead Bonded Rifle Ammunition Review

What Happened When I Tried the Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM 180 Grain Lead Bonded Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 20176102 $7.10 Off

The Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM 180 Grain Lead Bonded Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition promises extreme long-range performance and devastating terminal ballistics, making it a prime candidate for serious big game hunting. Coming from Norma, a manufacturer with a long-standing reputation for quality, this ammunition piqued my interest with its bonded boat-tail bullet and ballistic tip. I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype in my own .300 RUM rifle.

My quest for the ultimate elk hunting load led me to this particular ammunition. I had been using handloads for years, but the allure of consistent factory ammunition with potentially superior ballistics was strong. This load was touted to deliver accuracy and energy at distances where others fall short.

The Norma ammunition arrived in a sturdy box, each cartridge nestled securely in its place. The brass casings gleamed, and the polymer tips of the bullets were perfectly formed, giving an immediate impression of quality. The weight felt substantial, a testament to the large .300 RUM cartridge and the 180-grain bullet.

Compared to Federal Premium Trophy Bonded Tip and Hornady Precision Hunter, the Norma Bondstrike stood out with its advertised ballistic coefficient and the promise of consistent bonded bullet performance. I had experienced inconsistent expansion with other premium loads at longer ranges. The Norma offered the potential for a flatter trajectory and more reliable terminal performance.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to test the ammunition’s long-range capabilities, but also aware that the .300 RUM could be finicky with different loads. The proof would be in the shooting.

Real-World Testing: Putting Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM 180 Grain Lead Bonded Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 20176102 $7.10 Off to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM at my local shooting range, which offers distances out to 500 yards. The weather was clear and calm, ideal for long-range shooting. I was using a custom-built .300 RUM rifle with a 26-inch barrel and a high-quality Leupold scope.

The Norma ammunition performed exceptionally well right out of the gate. Recoil was stout, as expected from a .300 RUM, but manageable. Accuracy was immediately impressive, with consistent sub-MOA groups at 100 yards.

The rounds fed smoothly and ejected cleanly, without any signs of pressure issues. There were no malfunctions of any kind. The consistent muzzle velocity, as indicated by my chronograph, was a pleasant surprise, contributing to the excellent accuracy.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a challenging elk hunt in the Colorado Rockies, the Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM has proven to be exceptionally reliable. The ammunition has consistently delivered excellent accuracy, even in varying weather conditions. There were drastic temperature changes during the hunt, but the ammunition remained reliable.

I have not observed any signs of wear and tear on the ammunition itself. The brass casings remain in excellent condition after firing, making them suitable for reloading. Cleaning my rifle after shooting the Norma Bondstrike has been relatively easy, with minimal fouling observed.

Compared to my previous experiences with handloads, the Norma Bondstrike has proven to be more consistent and reliable. It outperforms my previous loads in terms of both accuracy and terminal performance, offering a significant advantage in the field. The confidence this ammunition inspires is invaluable when facing a trophy bull elk at extended range.

Breaking Down the Features of Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM 180 Grain Lead Bonded Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 20176102 $7.10 Off

Specifications

The Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM 180 Grain Lead Bonded Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition boasts impressive specifications tailored for long-range hunting. It is chambered in .300 Remington Ultra Magnum, a powerful cartridge designed for large game. The bullet weight is 180 grains, striking a balance between velocity and ballistic coefficient.

The bullet type is a Polymer Tipped Boat Tail (PTBT), designed to enhance aerodynamics and improve long-range accuracy. The cartridge case material is brass, ensuring reliable feeding and extraction. The muzzle velocity is listed at 3182 ft/s, translating to a significant 4048 ft-lbs of muzzle energy.

The primer style is centerfire, known for its reliability and consistent ignition. The .300 RUM cartridge is known for its flat trajectory and retained energy at extended distances. The Bondstrike bullet’s bonded construction ensures controlled expansion and deep penetration.

These specifications matter because they directly influence the ammunition’s performance in the field. The high muzzle velocity and ballistic coefficient contribute to a flatter trajectory, reducing the need for excessive holdover at long ranges. The bonded bullet construction ensures reliable terminal performance, even at lower velocities encountered at extreme distances.

Performance & Functionality

The Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM excels in its primary function: delivering accurate and devastating terminal performance at long ranges. Accuracy is consistently sub-MOA from my rifle. Reliability has been flawless, with no malfunctions encountered throughout my testing.

The ammunition’s strength lies in its ability to maintain accuracy and energy at distances beyond 400 yards. The bonded bullet construction ensures controlled expansion and deep penetration, maximizing the chances of a clean and ethical kill. One minor weakness is the stout recoil, which may be uncomfortable for some shooters.

The Norma Bondstrike exceeds my expectations for a factory hunting load. It delivers accuracy and terminal performance comparable to my carefully developed handloads, but with the added convenience and consistency of factory ammunition. I believe it will satisfy experienced long-range hunters.

Design & Ergonomics

The Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM ammunition is well-designed, with high-quality components and meticulous attention to detail. The brass casings are clean and consistent, ensuring smooth feeding and extraction. The bullets are perfectly formed, with a smooth polymer tip and a precisely engineered boat tail.

The ammunition is easy to handle and load into the rifle. There is no learning curve associated with using the Norma Bondstrike; it functions just like any other centerfire rifle ammunition. The physical appearance of the cartridge inspires confidence in its quality and performance.

Durability & Maintenance

The Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM ammunition is designed to last for many years if stored properly in a cool, dry environment. The brass casings are durable and resistant to corrosion. The bonded bullet construction ensures that the bullet retains its shape and integrity, even after being subjected to recoil and handling.

The ammunition requires minimal maintenance. Simply wipe the cartridges clean with a dry cloth before loading them into the rifle. The brass casings can be reloaded multiple times, further extending the value of the ammunition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM ammunition does not come with any accessories. However, the ammunition is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, such as muzzle brakes and recoil pads, which can help to mitigate the .300 RUM’s stout recoil.

The ammunition can also be used with a variety of different optics, depending on the shooter’s preference and the intended application. The .300 RUM cartridge is a popular choice for long-range shooting, and there are many different scopes and sighting systems available that are well-suited for this application. The versatility of the .300 RUM platform allows for a high degree of customization, making it a great choice for serious hunters and long-range shooters.

Pros and Cons of Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM 180 Grain Lead Bonded Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 20176102 $7.10 Off

Who Should Buy Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM 180 Grain Lead Bonded Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 20176102 $7.10 Off?

The Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM is perfect for experienced big game hunters seeking maximum long-range performance. It is ideally suited for those targeting elk, moose, or other large game at distances beyond 400 yards. It is also an excellent choice for long-range target shooters looking for a consistent and accurate factory load.

Hunters who are recoil-sensitive or who primarily hunt at shorter ranges should skip this product. The .300 RUM’s significant recoil can be challenging to manage, and its long-range capabilities are not necessary for close-range hunting. Also, those on a tight budget may find the price prohibitive.

A high-quality scope with accurate elevation and windage adjustments is a must-have accessory. A muzzle brake or recoil pad can help to mitigate the .300 RUM’s stout recoil. A reliable rangefinder is essential for accurate long-range shooting.

Conclusion on Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM 180 Grain Lead Bonded Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition 20176102 $7.10 Off

The Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM 180 Grain Lead Bonded Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition is a top-tier hunting load that delivers exceptional accuracy, devastating terminal performance, and consistent reliability. While the recoil can be challenging and the price is premium, the performance justifies the investment for serious long-range hunters.

The price is justified by the ammunition’s superior performance and the confidence it inspires in the field. Knowing that your ammunition is capable of delivering accurate and lethal shots at long ranges is invaluable, especially when facing a trophy animal. The consistent quality and reliable terminal ballistics make this ammunition a worthwhile investment for serious hunters.

I would personally recommend the Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM to any experienced hunter seeking to maximize their long-range capabilities. If you’re looking for a hunting load that delivers accuracy, power, and consistency, the Norma Bondstrike .300 RUM is an excellent choice. Invest in your success and experience the difference that quality ammunition can make.