Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
When you step into the stand before dawn, you carry ammunition engineered for one outcome: clean, humane harvests on whitetail deer. The Hornady American Whitetail 308 Winchester 165-grain Interlock JSP delivers controlled expansion and deep penetration from muzzle velocities of 2700 feet per second. Hornady’s American Whitetail line pairs conventional bullet weights with the time-tested Interlock design — a jacketed soft point that locks the lead core to the jacket via an internal ring, preventing core-jacket separation during expansion. For hunters working timber, ag edges, or open hardwoods inside 300 yards, this load offers predictable terminal performance at a price point that supports pre-season range work and in-season confidence.
Load Profile
The 165-grain Interlock bullet sits in the middle of the 308 Winchester’s effective weight range for deer-sized game. At 2700 fps, it carries 2670 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle and retains supersonic velocity well past typical whitetail engagement distances. The jacketed soft point initiates expansion on impact; the InterLock ring — a cannelure that mechanically bonds core and jacket — keeps the bullet together as it penetrates hide, muscle, and bone. Sectional density of 0.248 and a G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.435 yield flat-enough trajectories for hold-on-hair shots inside 200 yards with a 100-yard zero. Brass cases carry Boxer primers, making them suitable for handloaders who want to tailor seating depth or powder charges after the season. Hornady manufactures this ammunition in the United States using non-corrosive components.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 308 Winchester |
| Bullet weight | 165 Grains |
| Bullet type | Hornady Interlock Jacketed Soft Point |
| Muzzle velocity | 2700 Feet Per Second |
| Muzzle energy | 2670 Foot Pounds |
| Rounds/box | 20 Round |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| G1 Ballistic Coefficient | 0.435 |
| Sectional Density | 0.248 |
| Lead Free | No |
| Intended use | Hunting |
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
The InterLock’s performance window runs from close shots on brush-line bucks to longer opportunities across bean fields. Verify your rifle’s zero at 100 yards, confirm point of impact at 200, and document wind drift if your hunting area features consistent crosswinds. For hunters who also handload, save your fired brass — Boxer primers allow depriming and resizing for custom loads tailored to your rifle’s chamber and twist rate. Browse our full selection of Hornady 308 Ammo for match-grade, subsonic, and other hunting options.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded; keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Verify current federal, state, and local laws governing ammunition purchases and possession in your jurisdiction.
- This ammunition contains lead; wash hands after handling and follow California Proposition 65 guidance if applicable in your state.
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