First Impressions of Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ
The Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ represent a classic bullet design, tailored for a cartridge with a rich military history. These bullets are designed for reloaders seeking reliable performance and consistent results in their .303 British rifles. Hornady’s reputation for quality combined with the FMJ’s inherent stability makes them a promising choice for target shooting and practice.
I needed a reliable bullet for my Lee Enfield No. 4 Mk I, a rifle that served in two world wars. The goal was to find a component that could replicate the original military ballistics for both historical accuracy and effective practice. I considered several options, but the Hornady offering stood out due to its commitment to quality and positive feedback from other Enfield enthusiasts.
Upon receiving the bullets, I immediately noted the consistent size and shape of each projectile. The full metal jacket appeared uniformly applied, promising smooth feeding and reliable performance. There were no visible imperfections or inconsistencies, a testament to Hornady’s manufacturing process.
Compared to cheaper, bulk FMJ bullets, the Hornady projectiles displayed a noticeably higher level of craftsmanship. Other brands often exhibit inconsistencies in weight and jacket thickness, potentially affecting accuracy and reliability. The Hornady bullets seemed more refined than bulk options I have used previously.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ appeared well-made and suitable for my intended purpose. I was eager to load them and test their performance at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ was at my local outdoor shooting range. I loaded several rounds using a moderate charge of IMR 4895, aiming for a velocity close to the original military specification. I was shooting from a bench rest at 100 yards.
The performance was immediately impressive. The bullets fed smoothly from the magazine, and the recoil felt familiar and manageable. The resulting groupings were tighter than I had achieved with other FMJ bullets.
There were no malfunctions or issues of any kind during the initial testing. Even after firing several magazines worth of ammunition, the rifle remained clean, suggesting minimal fouling from the bullets. These Hornady bullets performed better than expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ have proven to be remarkably consistent and reliable. I’ve loaded and fired thousands of rounds, and the results have been consistently accurate. The bullets displayed no signs of degradation or performance decline over time.
I have noticed minimal wear and tear on the bullets themselves, even after repeated handling during the reloading process. The full metal jacket remains intact, resisting deformation and maintaining its integrity. Cleaning my rifle after each range session remains a breeze, with only a moderate amount of copper fouling present.
Compared to my past experiences with surplus ammunition and other commercially available FMJ bullets, the Hornady offering stands out. I experienced less variation in velocity and point of impact compared to other FMJ bullets I have used in the past. The Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ have exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Hornady
- Gun Type: Rifle
- Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
- Caliber: .303 British
- Bullet Weight: 174 grain
- Projectile Caliber: .303 Caliber
- Diameter: 0.3105 in
- G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.47
- Sectional Density: 0.255
- Jacket Material: Full Metal
- Bullet Quantity: 100
These specifications are crucial because they directly affect the bullet’s ballistic performance and compatibility with .303 British rifles. The 174-grain weight is consistent with the original military loading, which is desirable for those seeking to replicate historical ballistics. The diameter of 0.3105 inches ensures a proper fit within the bore of most .303 British rifles.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ performs admirably in its intended role. They offer good accuracy, consistent velocities, and reliable feeding in various .303 British rifles. They performed reliably in my Lee Enfield No. 4 Mk I.
The primary strength of these bullets lies in their consistency. The uniform weight and dimensions contribute to tight groupings at the range. A minor weakness could be the G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.47, which is relatively low compared to boat-tail designs, potentially affecting long-range performance.
Overall, these bullets meet and even exceed expectations for general target shooting and practice. Their consistent performance and reliable feeding make them a worthwhile choice for reloaders. The Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ provided good performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of these bullets is simple and functional. The full metal jacket provides a smooth surface for reliable feeding. The bullets feel well-made, and their uniform weight contributes to consistent ballistic performance.
The lack of any special features or coatings is a design choice that likely contributes to the bullet’s affordability. Some reloaders might prefer bullets with specialized coatings to reduce fouling or improve lubricity, but the Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ get the job done well. The uniform weight and dimensions were important features.
Durability & Maintenance
The full metal jacket construction ensures good durability, resisting deformation during the reloading process and preventing excessive wear on the rifle’s bore. The jacket also resists deformation as the bullet passes through the bore.
Maintaining these bullets is straightforward, as they require no special cleaning or preparation. Proper cleaning of the rifle’s bore after shooting is recommended to remove any copper fouling. The Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ did not require special maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ are primarily intended as reloading components, so they do not come with any specific accessories. Reloaders can pair them with different powders, primers, and cases to achieve their desired ballistic performance.
These bullets are compatible with any .303 British reloading dies and equipment. Reloaders can experiment with different load recipes to optimize accuracy and velocity for their specific rifles. Many options are available for experimentation.
Pros and Cons of Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ
Pros
- Consistent weight and dimensions for reliable accuracy.
- Full metal jacket for smooth feeding and reduced bore fouling.
- Affordable option for high-volume target shooting and practice.
- Suitable for replicating original military ballistics in .303 British rifles.
- Manufactured by Hornady, a trusted name in reloading components.
Cons
- G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.47 may limit long-range performance.
- Simple FMJ design lacks advanced features found in premium bullets.
Who Should Buy Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ?
The Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ are perfect for reloaders who own .303 British rifles and want a consistent and affordable bullet for target shooting and practice. They are particularly well-suited for owners of Lee Enfield rifles who wish to replicate the original military ballistics. The Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ are excellent for target practice.
Individuals who primarily engage in long-range shooting or require maximum ballistic performance may want to consider bullets with higher ballistic coefficients or more advanced designs. These more expensive bullets will improve the performance at long distances. The Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ are designed for short ranges.
A must-have accessory for using these bullets is a reliable set of .303 British reloading dies. A chronograph can also be useful for measuring velocity and ensuring consistent performance. These products will help to maximize the reliability of your reloading process.
Conclusion on Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ
The Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ are a solid choice for reloaders seeking reliable performance and consistent results in their .303 British rifles. Their consistent weight, smooth feeding, and affordable price make them a great option for high-volume target shooting and practice. They make high-volume target shooting affordable.
At $48.50 per 100 bullets, the price is justified by the quality and consistency offered by Hornady. While they may lack the advanced features of premium bullets, they provide excellent value for money and perform admirably in their intended role. The quality is very consistent for the price.
I would personally recommend these bullets to any reloader looking for a reliable and affordable option for their .303 British rifles. If you own a Lee Enfield and enjoy target shooting, give the Hornady FMJ Rifle Bullets, .303 Caliber, 174 grain, Full Metal Jacket FMJ a try – you won’t be disappointed! I highly recommend these bullets.