Hornady's American Whitetail 180gr InterLock brings serious muscle to the deer woods without the premium price tag. This purpose-built load drives its Spire Point bullet at 2700 fps, delivering 2714 ft-lbs of crushing energy on target. The heavy-for-caliber bullet weight might seem like overkill for whitetails, but that extra mass translates to straight-line penetration when shoulder bones or heavy brush stand between you and vital organs.

The InterLock ring technology sets this load apart in the field. When that mature buck appears quartering away at the edge of a thicket, you need a bullet that stays together through hide, muscle, and bone. That mechanical lock between core and jacket ensures the bullet retains its weight while carving a devastating path through vitals. The Spire Point design initiates expansion more gradually than polymer tips, resulting in deep, straight wound channels that anchor deer quickly without destroying excess meat.

From hardwood ridges to cedar thickets, this load adapts to wherever your hunt takes you. The robust construction shrugs off deflection from light brush, while that hefty 180-grain bullet carries enough momentum to stay on track through branches that might deflect lighter projectiles. And though it's branded for whitetails, this versatile performer handles everything from muleys to black bears with equal authority. When the freezer's getting empty and you can't afford misses, this tried-and-true combo delivers results without requiring a second mortgage to fill your ammo box.