Hornady Frontier 5.56mm NATO 68 Grain BTHP Match Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition FR310C 16% Off Review

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First Impressions of Hornady Frontier 5.56mm NATO 68 Grain BTHP Match Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition FR310C 16% Off

The Hornady Frontier 5.56mm NATO 68 Grain BTHP Match Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition FR310C 16% Off enters the market promising a versatile solution for everything from target practice to self-defense. Manufactured by Hornady, a name synonymous with quality and precision, this ammunition aims to deliver consistent performance at a competitive price point. The boat tail hollow point (BTHP) design sparks immediate interest, hinting at enhanced accuracy and ballistic performance, making it worthy of a closer look.

I’ve spent countless hours on the range and in the field, always searching for that sweet spot: reliable ammunition that doesn’t break the bank. This Hornady Frontier offering promised just that, a blend of quality and affordability for my AR-15 platform.

The first thing I noticed was the packaging – clean, no-nonsense, and clearly marked. The brass casings gleamed, and the BTHP bullets looked consistently seated, which is always a good sign. Compared to similar offerings from PMC or even Winchester White Box, the Hornady Frontier appeared to be a step up in terms of visual quality control.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic; Hornady has a reputation to uphold, but the “Frontier” line is positioned as their more budget-friendly option. Excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism pushed me to get this ammo to the range as soon as possible.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Frontier 5.56mm NATO 68 Grain BTHP Match Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition FR310C 16% Off to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing grounds was an outdoor shooting range with distances out to 300 yards. The weather was mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze, providing fair conditions to assess the ammunition’s performance. I ran the Hornady Frontier through my AR-15, equipped with a 16-inch barrel and a 1:7 twist rate.

The cycling was smooth, and the recoil felt manageable, consistent with other 5.56mm NATO rounds. However, I noticed a slight variance in sound and felt impulse between shots, something I’d need to monitor more closely. There were no immediate failures to feed, fire, or eject, providing an initial positive impression.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions and approximately 500 rounds fired, the Hornady Frontier ammunition continued to function reliably. I did experience two instances of what appeared to be slightly underpowered rounds, characterized by a noticeably softer report and a shorter ejection distance. These occurrences were minimal, but worth noting.

The brass casings showed no signs of excessive pressure or deformation, and primer strikes were consistent. Cleaning my rifle after each session revealed typical carbon fouling, which was easily managed. Compared to some other budget ammunition I’ve used, the Hornady Frontier seemed to burn a bit cleaner overall.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Frontier 5.56mm NATO 68 Grain BTHP Match Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition FR310C 16% Off

Specifications

The Hornady Frontier 5.56mm NATO 68 Grain BTHP Match Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition FR310C 16% Off boasts the following specifications:

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of AR-15 rifles and other firearms chambered in this popular caliber.
Bullet Type: Boat Tail Hollow Point (BTHP), designed for improved accuracy and ballistic coefficient, potentially leading to flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift.
Bullet Weight: 68 grain, a heavier bullet weight known for its potential to enhance long-range stability and accuracy.
Cartridge Case Material: Brass, allowing for reloading and contributing to reliable feeding and extraction.
Primer Style: Centerfire, the standard for modern rifle ammunition, providing consistent ignition.
Number of Rounds: Typically sold in boxes of 20 or cases of 500 rounds, offering flexibility for different shooting needs.

These specifications translate to a round that aims to balance accuracy, reliability, and affordability. The BTHP bullet design is a notable feature, suggesting a focus on precision that is often absent in more basic ammunition offerings.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Frontier 5.56mm NATO 68 Grain BTHP Match Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition FR310C 16% Off generally performs well, delivering acceptable accuracy for target shooting and training purposes. At 100 yards, I consistently achieved groupings of around 1.5-2 inches with my AR-15, which is respectable for factory ammunition. However, the slight variations in sound and impulse raised concerns about consistency.

The ammunition functions reliably in my AR-15, with minimal issues related to feeding, firing, or extraction. The BTHP bullet design appears to offer a slight advantage in wind resistance compared to standard FMJ ammunition, but more extensive testing would be needed to confirm this.

Design & Ergonomics

The brass casings are clean and well-formed, providing a professional appearance and ensuring smooth feeding. The overall build quality of the ammunition is good, reflecting Hornady’s commitment to quality control. The cartridges are easy to handle and load into magazines, contributing to a positive shooting experience.

Durability & Maintenance

The brass casings are reloadable, providing an opportunity to extend the life of the ammunition and reduce overall costs. The ammunition itself is designed for single use, but the brass casings can be reloaded multiple times with proper care and equipment.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Frontier 5.56mm NATO 68 Grain BTHP Match Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition FR310C 16% Off itself doesn’t offer any specific customization options beyond reloading. However, it is compatible with a wide range of AR-15 rifles and accessories, allowing users to customize their firearms to suit their individual needs and preferences. Mounting an optic is a common way to enhance accuracy and long-range performance, while upgrading the trigger can improve the overall shooting experience.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Frontier 5.56mm NATO 68 Grain BTHP Match Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition FR310C 16% Off

Pros

Reliable feeding and extraction in AR-15 platforms.
Respectable accuracy for target shooting and training.
Brass casings are reloadable, offering cost savings.
BTHP bullet design potentially enhances long-range stability.
Hornady quality at a more affordable price point.

Cons

Slight variations in sound and impulse between rounds.
Occasional instances of underpowered rounds.
Not match-grade accuracy for competitive shooting.

Who Should Buy Hornady Frontier 5.56mm NATO 68 Grain BTHP Match Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition FR310C 16% Off?

The Hornady Frontier 5.56mm NATO 68 Grain BTHP Match Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition FR310C 16% Off is perfect for:

Conclusion on Hornady Frontier 5.56mm NATO 68 Grain BTHP Match Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition FR310C 16% Off

The Hornady Frontier 5.56mm NATO 68 Grain BTHP Match Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition FR310C 16% Off offers a compelling value proposition for shooters seeking a reliable and accurate option for target practice and training. While not perfect, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, making it a solid choice for high-volume shooters and AR-15 enthusiasts.

Considering the current market price of $442.49 for a case of 500 rounds (with the 16% discount), the value is certainly justified, especially given the Hornady name and the reloadable brass casings. For anyone seeking a balance between quality and affordability, the Hornady Frontier is definitely worth considering.

I would personally recommend this ammunition to fellow shooters looking for a reliable and cost-effective option for their AR-15s. Head to the range, try it out for yourself, and experience the Hornady Frontier difference!