Remington sells its 125-grain Core-Lokt PSP as a big-game load, and it is the fastest hunting load in its comparisons: 3,140 fps at the muzzle. The Core-Lokt is a pointed soft point with its lead core locked into the jacket. The light bullet carries a G1 BC of .268, so it gives up its speed quickly, but it pairs a flat path at moderate range with less recoil than a 150-grain load.

Compared with Remington's 150-grain Core-Lokt Tipped, the 125 starts 210 fps faster, but the heavier tipped bullet holds its speed better and is 148 fps faster by 300 yards. At 400 yards, a steady 10 mph wind blowing across the range pushes the 125 about 20 inches sideways and the Core-Lokt Tipped about 13. The Core-Lokt Tipped also kicks about 33 percent harder in the same rifle. Compared with Hornady's Custom Lite 125-grain SST, the Remington is 440 fps faster at the muzzle, and the Hornady kicks about 16 percent less.

Buy the Remington 125 if your shots stay inside 300 yards and you want a flat path with less recoil than a 150-grain load. Pick the Core-Lokt Tipped 150 if you hunt open country where the wind matters at 400 yards. Pick the Hornady Custom Lite if the lightest kick matters more than speed. Winchester's Ballistic Silvertip 150 is another polymer-tipped choice at standard weight; it leaves the muzzle 240 fps slower and kicks about 31 percent harder than the Remington 125.