Swedish Classic in a Modern Package

Outstanding Accuracy

Both the factory ammunition and the component bullets exhibit excellent manufacturing quality. The bullets are packaged in 100-count boxes, while the ammunition comes in standard 20-round boxes. The packaging itself deserves special mention. Inside the cardboard box, which features a basic ballistic chart, you will find two polymer trays, each designed to split into two five-round sections. These compact five-round carriers fit easily into a pocket, protect the cartridges from mechanical damage, and prevent them from rattling against one another while walking. The downside is that the cartridges are somewhat difficult to remove from the trays, especially while wearing gloves. The system almost feels like a child-resistant design and requires a bit of practice to master.

The ammunition is clearly loaded with performance in mind. For the tested load, Norma lists a muzzle velocity of approximately 835 m/s (2,740 fps) from a 610 mm (24-inch) test barrel. In real-world use, velocities will naturally be somewhat lower, since very few hunters actually use barrels that long today, and manufacturers tend to publish figures obtained under ideal test conditions. Even so, the velocity is impressive considering the cartridge and bullet weight.

Accuracy proved to be excellent. After excluding the single worst shot from each six-shot group and averaging the results of both groups, the rifle consistently produced groups measuring just under 1 MOA. Based on both my experience and independent testing by other shooters, I am convinced that handloaders can achieve even tighter groups with carefully developed loads.

A Somewhat Destructive All-Round Performer

In terms of design, terminal performance, ballistics, and overall quality, the Bondstrike is very similar to the Nosler AccuBond bullet, which we have already reviewed in our magazine—and with exceptionally positive results. In fact, one could speculate that the introduction of the Bondstrike in 2019 was motivated by Norma's desire to offer an alternative to this well-established American bullet. The primary difference is the Bondstrike's noticeably greater tendency to expand. This makes it a more versatile projectile, ensuring reliable expansion even on lighter game and at lower impact velocities. At the same time, it remains fully capable of taking all medium-sized and trophy-class European game. The bonded construction provides sufficient weight retention and penetration, with complete pass-throughs being the norm. Blood trails are typically substantial, and terminal performance is consistently reliable. Game rarely travels far after the shot and often drops on the spot, even when expansion is not initiated by striking heavy bone. This has proven true for roe deer, wild boar, trophy red deer, as well as predators. For magnum cartridges—especially when used at shorter hunting distances—and for larger, tougher African or North American game, I would lean toward a tougher bullet design. Overall, however, the Bondstrike ranks among the most versatile hunting bullets currently available and delivers exemplary terminal performance. Combined with its high ballistic coefficient and excellent accuracy, Bondstrike bullets and factory ammunition are also an outstanding choice for long-range hunting.

Versatility, however, comes with a downside in the form of increased meat damage. It is not so severe that entire shoulders or quarters have to be discarded—I have certainly seen worse—but tissue damage is definitely above average, and some trimming will be necessary on both larger and smaller game. On non-trophy roe deer and wild boar, meat damage remains within acceptable limits, but if maximizing venison yield is your priority, you may prefer head shots or a more meat-friendly bullet. Some of the jackals harvested during testing could only be described as having suffered explosive impacts. The effectiveness was absolute, but the results were not pleasant to look at.