splattermatic,
A few years ago (actually more than a few, say 15- 20) the 180 Remington Core-Lokt was still made with thicker jacket "sidewalls" than the 180 Pointed Soft-Point Core-Lokt.
The thick sidewalls were essential to the original "Core-Lokt" design, which included a deep cannelure to help the core stay in place during expansion. Around 30 years ago Remington changed the PSP to thinner sidewalls, which turned it into basically another cup-and-core. This was probably done to save money, but it definitely made a difference. Prior to the change, PSP Core-Lokts were pretty reliable eve, when they hit bone.
The round-nose Core-Lokt retained the heavy jacket for a while, because not as many hunters wanted round-nose bullets--and those that did really didn't care if they grouped under an inch. Thus the forming dies were used longer, even after they started to get pretty worn.
Haven't looked at the Remington website much lately to see if the 180 RN Core-Lokt is still produced. If it is, might have to buy a box to see if they still have the heavy sidewalls.
They're still produced but they're not as tough as they once were. Which is good! Years ago if you didn't hit bone with that bullet you'd have a long tracking job.
