Hornady Match Bullets .30 cal .308in 168 gr BTHP Review

First Impressions of Hornady Match Bullets .30 cal .308in 168 gr BTHP

For years, I’ve chased that elusive one-hole group at 300 yards. The Hornady Match Bullets .30 cal .308in 168 gr BTHP promises precisely that – consistency and accuracy. Hornady‘s reputation for quality and innovation precedes them, and these bullets, with their Advanced Manufacturing Process (AMP) jackets, aim to set a new standard.

I was grappling with inconsistent groups using my existing handloads; something had to change. I needed a bullet that minimized variables and maximized ballistic coefficient (BC). I considered Sierra MatchKings and Nosler Custom Comps, but the Hornady bullets, with their appealing price point and advanced jacket tech, seemed like the perfect candidate to improve my handloads.

The box arrived, and my initial impression was of thoughtful packaging. The bullets were neatly arranged, free from noticeable defects or inconsistencies. The visual uniformity of the boat tail hollow point (BTHP) design was immediately reassuring.

Compared to the Sierra MatchKings I’d been using, the Hornady bullets seemed to have a slightly cleaner finish on the jacket. This suggested better concentricity, a key factor in accuracy. I felt a surge of optimism – these might just be the ticket to tighter groups.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Match Bullets .30 cal .308in 168 gr BTHP to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local range, a well-maintained facility with distances up to 600 yards. The conditions were favorable: a mild breeze and clear skies. I loaded the Hornady Match Bullets .30 cal .308in 168 gr BTHP using my standard .308 Winchester recipe, carefully monitoring powder charges and seating depth.

From the first shot, the performance was noticeably improved. Recoil felt consistent, and the sound signature was uniform. There was a noticeable decrease in vertical stringing at 100 yards compared to my previous loads.

Initially, I did have to adjust my seating depth to optimize performance in my rifle. My rifle is a custom build, and prefers bullets seated closer to the lands, but after some tinkering I found the sweet spot. These Hornady bullets proved to be a little less forgiving of imperfect seating depth, but once dialed in, the results were fantastic.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Hornady Match Bullets .30 cal .308in 168 gr BTHP have proven their reliability. I’ve fired hundreds of rounds, and the consistency in performance has been remarkable. I’ve seen no significant signs of degradation or changes in accuracy.

I’ve noticed minimal copper fouling in my barrel, indicating that the AMP jackets are doing their job. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only standard solvents and brushes. Compared to other bullets I’ve used, cleaning my rifle has become easier and faster.

The Hornady bullets have consistently outperformed my previous handloads. They have also outperformed factory match ammunition in my rifle. This has solidified my confidence in their accuracy and reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Match Bullets .30 cal .308in 168 gr BTHP

Specifications

• Caliber: .308 inch. This is the standard caliber for .308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, and other popular .30 caliber cartridges.
• Weight: 168 grains. A popular weight for .308 Winchester, balancing ballistic coefficient and recoil.
• Bullet Type: Boat Tail Hollow Point (BTHP). This design combines a boat tail for reduced drag with a hollow point for enhanced accuracy.
• Jacket: AMP (Advanced Manufacturing Process). This jacket offers near-zero tolerance for concentricity and minimal wall thickness variation.
• Quantity: 100 bullets per box. This is a standard quantity for reloading components, allowing for a decent amount of load development and practice.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the bullet’s flight characteristics and accuracy. The AMP jacket promotes consistent bullet release from the barrel. This translates to tighter groups on the target.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Match Bullets .30 cal .308in 168 gr BTHP excel in accuracy and consistency. They deliver exceptionally tight groups at various distances. I’ve consistently achieved sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups at 100 yards and near-MOA groups at 300 yards.

The strengths include their superior accuracy, consistent ballistic performance, and relatively low price point. However, a weakness might be their sensitivity to seating depth; careful load development is crucial. The Hornady bullets meet and exceed my expectations for a match-grade bullet, considering their price.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent, with visually consistent dimensions and a clean finish. The weight is uniform across the samples I’ve measured, further contributing to shot-to-shot consistency. There is no real “ergonomics” to discuss with a bullet, but it is easy to load using standard reloading equipment.

The bullet’s design is inherently user-friendly for reloaders. Standard reloading dies and practices apply. While optimal performance requires meticulous attention to detail, the process is straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

As a bullet, “durability” refers to its ability to withstand the stresses of firing without deformation. The Hornady Match Bullets .30 cal .308in 168 gr BTHP show no signs of deformation in flight, and the AMP jacket holds up well. As mentioned earlier, the minimal copper fouling in my rifle suggests the jackets are well-constructed and resist stripping.

Maintenance is not applicable to individual bullets once they are loaded and fired. However, using quality reloading practices and proper barrel cleaning will maximize the lifespan of your barrel. A clean barrel is crucial for consistent accuracy with any bullet.

Accessories and Customization Options

The bullets themselves don’t come with accessories, but reloading provides extensive customization options. You can fine-tune your loads with different powders, primers, and seating depths. Furthermore, bullet seating depth and neck tension are extremely important when loading the Hornady Match Bullets .30 cal .308in 168 gr BTHP.

These bullets are compatible with all standard .308 reloading equipment. You can use a variety of .308 Winchester reloading dies, bullet seating tools, and case preparation tools. Experimentation with different components allows you to tailor your loads to your specific rifle and shooting conditions.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Match Bullets .30 cal .308in 168 gr BTHP