SHOT Show 2019: Norma BondStrike Ammo

by
posted on January 29, 2019
normabondstrike_lead.jpg

The Norma name has been equated with high quality for decades, whether we’re discussing loaded ammunition or reloading components. For 2019, the company introduces their BondStrike line of ammunition, the third in the Strike series. Their TipStrike bullet is a polymer tip cup-and-core flat base design, the EcoStrike is a polymer tip boat tail, of monometal construction, and now the BondStrike is Norma’s bonded core bullet.

Using a blue polymer tip—to differentiate from the orange TipStrike and green EcoStrike—and a boattail configuration, the BondStrike gives the hunter a fantastic all-around ammunition choice for game of all shapes and sizes. When the bullet’s lead core is chemically bonded to the copper jacket, expansion is slowed to allow for deep penetration. Core/jacket separation is nearly eliminated, irrespective of impact velocity. Close-in shots, where impact velocities are high, won’t destroy the BondStrike’s conformation, yet distant shots, where the impact velocities are low, will see the polymer tip act as a wedge, still giving reliable expansion and a quick, humane kill.

Using Norma’s excellent brass cases, and state-of-the-art production techniques—I have been to their facility in Amotfors, Sweden, and confess to being highly impressed—the new BondStrike ammunition has shown to be accurate, consistent and reliable. I’ve had the opportunity to test it, both on paper and in the field. The first issue was in .308 Win., with the 180-grain BondStrike bullet; it printed a three shot group measuring 0.80-inch from my well-worn old Ruger 77 MKII. My buddy took that rifle and the BondStrike ammo, and neatly took a whitetail buck this season in upstate New York with a single shot.

Available in .308 Winchester (tested), .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Short Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .300 Remington Ultra Magnum, all with the 180-grain BondStrike bullet.

For more information, visit norma-usa.com.

Latest

NRA ILA Lede
NRA ILA Lede

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging Colorado’s Excise Tax on Firearm and Ammunition Sales

On March 31, the National Rifle Association of America (NRA), together with the Firearms Policy Coalition, Second Amendment Foundation, Colorado State Shooting Association, Magnum Shooting Center and an NRA member, filed a lawsuit challenging Colorado’s 6.5-percent excise tax on the retail sale of firearms, firearm precursor parts and ammunition.

The Magnum Research 10mm Magnum BFR Revolver

This 6-shot, single-action revolver may well be the first factory-made handgun chambered in this caliber in over three decades.

Hunting Heritage Trust Grant Applications Being Accepted

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearm industry, has opened the application period for the 2025 Hunting Heritage Trust Grants. They offer a total of $100,000 in financial support for programs that work to expand participation in hunting and the shooting sports.

Hardware Review: Marlin Model 1895 Dark

If you think lever-action rifles should only have walnut stocks and a blued-metal finish, then the new Marlin Dark series with its polymer buttstock and aluminum AR-esque handguard probably won’t be your thing. That’s a shame, because this recent offering in Marlin’s line of modernized, capable lever-action rifles has a lot going for it in terms of performance, functionality and fun.

ATN Shipping TICO LTV Thermal Clip-On

This thermal clip-on device is a huge night-time gear multiplier for hunters and observers, transforming any daytime scope into a thermal sight.

MidwayUSA Named Official Sponsor of the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings

Glock, Inc. is the Presenting Sponsor of the Freedom Experience on Saturday, April 26th

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.