Hornady ELD Match Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224, 80 Grain Review

Let’s Dive into Hornady ELD Match Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224, 80 Grain

The Hornady ELD Match Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224, 80 Grain are designed for serious shooters who demand the utmost precision. Manufactured by Hornady, these bullets promise consistent performance and exceptional accuracy thanks to their Heat Shield tip and Advanced Manufacturing Process (AMP) bullet jackets. They are tailored for .22 caliber rifles, offering an 80-grain option ideal for long-range shooting.

I’ve been chasing that elusive one-hole group at 600 yards with my custom AR-15 build for years. My frustration with inconsistent bullet performance and wind drift led me to seek out a premium match-grade bullet. I was particularly drawn to the ELD Match series due to its reputation for high ballistic coefficients and resistance to aerodynamic heating.

My initial impressions were positive, noting the uniformity and sleek profile of each bullet upon unboxing them. The bullets had a consistent weight and shape. The packaging was sturdy and well-organized, keeping the bullets protected during shipping.

I was debating between these, the Sierra MatchKing 77 grain, and the Berger 80.5 grain VLD Target bullets. I chose the Hornady ELD Match due to their innovative Heat Shield tip technology, which promised to maintain ballistic performance at extended ranges. The price point was also more attractive than the Bergers.

Frankly, I was excited. I had high hopes that these Hornady ELD Match Rifle Bullets would be the key to unlocking the full potential of my rifle and improving my long-range accuracy. I was ready to get to the range and see if they lived up to the hype.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady ELD Match Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224, 80 Grain to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Hornady ELD Match Rifle Bullets to my local outdoor shooting range, which offers distances out to 600 yards. I was shooting from a stable bench rest with a bipod and rear bag for maximum stability. The weather was fairly mild, with a slight crosswind of around 5-7 mph.

The bullets performed admirably, showing excellent consistency in velocity and trajectory. I was able to achieve sub-MOA groups at 100 yards with a properly tuned load. The groups remained impressively tight even as I stretched the distance to 300 and 600 yards.

Reloading these bullets was straightforward, as their consistent dimensions ensured proper seating depth and neck tension. I did notice that I needed to adjust my powder charge slightly compared to the 77-grain bullets I was previously using. No issues were encountered with the equipment.

After the first range session, I was extremely impressed. The Hornady ELD Match bullets showcased their potential for delivering match-grade accuracy in my rifle. I was eager to continue testing them under different conditions and refine my reloading process to maximize their performance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Hornady ELD Match Rifle Bullets continue to impress me with their reliability and accuracy. I’ve put several hundred rounds downrange using these bullets, and they have maintained their consistent performance. I have used these in varying weather conditions and experienced no significant deviation.

I have not observed any signs of degradation or inconsistencies in performance over time. The bullets continue to group tightly and hold their velocity well, even after repeated loading and firing. The AMP bullet jackets appear to be quite durable, as I haven’t noticed any signs of jacket separation or premature wear.

Maintenance for these bullets is minimal, as they are relatively clean-burning and don’t leave excessive residue in my barrel. I’ve compared the performance of the Hornady ELD Match bullets to other match-grade bullets I’ve used in the past, such as the Sierra MatchKing and Berger VLD. The Hornady bullets consistently deliver comparable or slightly better accuracy and ballistic performance.

I can confidently say that the Hornady ELD Match Rifle Bullets have exceeded my expectations in terms of long-term reliability and consistent accuracy. They have become my go-to bullet for serious target shooting and competitive events. Their consistent performance gives me the confidence I need to perform at my best.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady ELD Match Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224, 80 Grain

Specifications

The Hornady ELD Match Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224, 80 Grain are built with precision in mind.

• Caliber: .22 Caliber, .224 Caliber. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of .22 caliber rifles commonly used in target shooting and competition.
• Weight: 80 grain. This heavier weight offers excellent ballistic coefficients for improved long-range performance and reduced wind drift.
• Bullet Type: Spitzer Boat Tail (SBT). The SBT design enhances aerodynamic efficiency for flatter trajectories and higher retained velocity.
• Sectional Density: 0.228. This provides a good balance of penetration and stability for consistent performance on target.
• Core Material: Lead. The lead core provides optimal weight distribution and consistent expansion.
• Fabric/Material: AMP (Advanced Manufacturing Process). This ensures extremely tight tolerances and concentricity for unparalleled accuracy.
• Bullet Quantity: 100 Bullets. Provides a substantial quantity for reloading and extended shooting sessions.

These specifications are vital because they directly contribute to the bullet’s accuracy, consistency, and long-range performance. The Spitzer Boat Tail design, combined with the heavier 80-grain weight, gives these bullets a high ballistic coefficient, allowing them to maintain velocity and resist wind drift more effectively than lighter, less aerodynamic bullets.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady ELD Match Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224, 80 Grain are designed to deliver exceptional accuracy and consistency, making them a top choice for competitive shooters and precision marksmen.

The strengths lie in their exceptional accuracy and minimal velocity variation, providing consistent results at extended ranges. A potential weakness is that the 80-grain weight might not be suitable for all .22 caliber rifles, particularly those with slower twist rates. It needs to be paired with the right barrel twist rate to stabilize effectively.

These bullets have exceeded my expectations in terms of accuracy and consistency. I have been able to consistently achieve sub-MOA groups at 100 yards, and maintain impressive accuracy out to 600 yards. The Heat Shield tip truly makes a difference in maintaining stability and resisting aerodynamic heating.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Hornady ELD Match bullets reflects a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and consistent performance.

The bullets are manufactured with high-quality materials and precise tolerances, resulting in a sleek and uniform profile. The boat tail design and Heat Shield tip contribute to excellent aerodynamics and consistent ballistic performance. The uniform construction makes it user-friendly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hornady ELD Match Rifle Bullets are constructed with high-quality materials and designed to withstand the stresses of firing and flight.

With proper storage and handling, these bullets should last indefinitely. Maintenance is minimal, as they are relatively clean-burning and don’t require any special cleaning or treatment.

Accessories and Customization Options

These are bullets, so there aren’t “accessories” in the traditional sense.

However, they are highly compatible with a wide range of reloading equipment and components. These bullets can be paired with various powders, primers, and cases to achieve optimal performance in a particular rifle. Popular reloading brands like Redding, RCBS, and Lyman offer dies and tools specifically designed for reloading .22 caliber bullets, including the Hornady ELD Match.

Pros and Cons of Hornady ELD Match Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224, 80 Grain

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Hornady ELD Match Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224, 80 Grain?

These bullets are perfect for competitive shooters, long-range enthusiasts, and reloaders who demand the highest levels of accuracy and consistency. They are also well-suited for varmint hunters seeking to make precise shots at extended distances.

If you are a casual shooter or primarily shoot at shorter ranges, the benefits of these bullets may not justify the additional cost. If your rifle has a slower twist rate barrel (e.g., 1:9 or 1:12), you should choose a lighter bullet that will stabilize more effectively.

To get the most out of these bullets, you’ll need a high-quality reloading setup, including a precision reloading press, accurate powder scale, and seating die. A chronograph is also recommended for fine-tuning your loads and measuring velocity consistency.

Conclusion on Hornady ELD Match Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224, 80 Grain

The Hornady ELD Match Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224, 80 Grain are a top-tier choice for shooters seeking uncompromising accuracy and consistent performance at long ranges. Their advanced design, including the Heat Shield tip and AMP bullet jackets, delivers exceptional results.

While they may be more expensive than standard bullets and require a fast twist rate barrel, the investment is well worth it for serious shooters who demand the best.

I wholeheartedly recommend these bullets to anyone looking to maximize the accuracy potential of their .22 caliber rifle. Now is the time to upgrade your ammunition and experience the difference that Hornady ELD Match bullets can make!