Hornady .22 Cal, HIT Target Impact Indicator, 50 Pack Review

First Thoughts on the Hornady .22 Cal, HIT Target Impact Indicator, 50 Pack

The Hornady .22 Cal, HIT Target Impact Indicator, 50 Pack promises to eliminate guesswork when shooting steel targets. This innovative device from Hornady uses a blinking Morse code to confirm impacts, even at long distances. The sheer idea of instant feedback on shots at 1000+ yards with the naked eye got my attention.

As a seasoned shooting instructor and tactical gear enthusiast, I’ve always sought ways to improve training efficiency. The frustrating “did I hit it?” question after a long shot is a common occurrence. This indicator seemed like a perfect solution, potentially saving time and ammunition while offering immediate confirmation.

Upon unboxing, the indicators feel solid and well-made. The black plastic housing is sleek and seems durable enough to withstand regular use at the range. Compared to using traditional target spotting scopes, the promise of instant, electronic feedback felt like a leap into the future. I’d been considering building a DIY solution with LEDs, but the polished, complete package from Hornady made this a more appealing, albeit pricier, option.

My initial impression was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism, given the $313.99 price tag. Could this little gadget really be worth the investment? It’s certainly a premium price point, so it will need to deliver on its promise of improved efficiency and long-range visibility.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady .22 Cal, HIT Target Impact Indicator, 50 Pack to the Test

First Use Experience

My first testing ground for the Hornady .22 Cal, HIT Target Impact Indicator, 50 Pack was my local shooting range. I primarily shoot .22LR at steel targets ranging from 50 to 200 yards. The weather was clear and sunny, ideal conditions for testing visibility.

Setup was straightforward; the elastic band easily secured the indicator to my target stand. Immediately, the blinking “H-I-T” Morse code was clear upon impact, even at 200 yards. It took a few shots to find the sweet spot for placement to ensure reliable vibration detection from the accelerometer, but once dialed in, the device worked flawlessly.

Initially, I was concerned about false positives due to wind or other environmental factors, but the accelerometer seemed well-calibrated. There were no phantom activations during my first session, and the impact detection was reliable. The instant feedback was a significant improvement over waiting for the range to go cold, then walking downrange to check the target.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Hornady .22 Cal, HIT Target Impact Indicator, 50 Pack has proven to be remarkably reliable. Despite exposure to varying weather conditions, from light rain to scorching sun, the indicators continue to function consistently. There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the plastic housing.

Maintenance is minimal, only requiring occasional wiping down to remove dust and dirt. Battery life has been excellent, easily lasting through multiple range sessions on a single charge. Compared to my previous setup of using a spotting scope and calling out shots, the indicators have significantly improved my training efficiency and reduced downtime.

The improved feedback has been invaluable in refining my shooting technique, especially at longer ranges. I can immediately adjust my aim based on the impact indicator’s response, leading to tighter groupings and more consistent hits. Overall, the Hornady indicators have exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady .22 Cal, HIT Target Impact Indicator, 50 Pack

Specifications

• Caliber: Designed for use with .22 Caliber rounds, ensuring proper sensitivity. Lower calibers may not register as reliably.

• Impact Indication: Ultra-bright LED blinks “H-I-T” in Morse code upon bullet impact. The clear, unmistakable signal is visible at distances exceeding 1000 yards with the naked eye.

• Attachment: Utilizes a durable elastic band for quick and easy attachment to most target stands. This universal mounting system ensures compatibility across a wide range of shooting setups.

• Power: Rechargeable via micro-USB, offering convenience and eliminating the need for disposable batteries. The rechargeable design translates to long-term cost savings and environmental benefits.

• Activation: Accelerometer detects bullet vibrations for reliable and accurate activation. This technology minimizes false positives and ensures impact detection, even in windy conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady .22 Cal, HIT Target Impact Indicator, 50 Pack performs its primary function admirably: accurately indicating bullet impacts on steel targets. Its reliability is surprisingly consistent across various lighting conditions. The clear, bright LED display is easily visible from extended distances.

The main strength lies in the instant feedback it provides. This immediate information is invaluable for adjusting aim and improving accuracy in real-time. A potential weakness could be extreme cold impacting battery performance, though I haven’t tested it in sub-freezing conditions.

Overall, the Hornady .22 Cal, HIT Target Impact Indicator, 50 Pack meets and largely exceeds expectations. It delivers reliable impact indication and boosts training efficiency significantly.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid, utilizing durable black plastic that feels robust and weather-resistant. The weight is negligible, so it doesn’t affect target stand stability.

The design is user-friendly, with straightforward attachment and simple operation. There’s virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hornady .22 Cal, HIT Target Impact Indicator, 50 Pack is designed to last, with a focus on weather resistance and robust construction. Regular cleaning to remove dust and grime is all that’s needed.

The micro-USB charging port is well-protected. With proper care, these indicators should provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady .22 Cal, HIT Target Impact Indicator, 50 Pack comes with the essential elastic band for attachment and a micro-USB charging cable. There are currently no official customization options available from Hornady.

However, users could potentially experiment with different mounting solutions to tailor the indicator to specific target stand designs. Due to the integrated accelerometer and light, 3rd party modification for functional changes would be difficult.

Pros and Cons of Hornady .22 Cal, HIT Target Impact Indicator, 50 Pack