What Makes Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely Stand Out?
The Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely Low Drag Match ammunition is designed with precision and consistency in mind. Manufactured by Hornady, a company renowned for its commitment to quality, this round promises exceptional accuracy and repeatable performance. It’s a cartridge built for those who demand the utmost precision from their rifle, whether for competitive shooting or long-range target practice.
My quest for ultimate accuracy in my 6.5 Creedmoor led me to the Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely. I was specifically looking for a factory load that could rival my handloads in terms of consistency and tight groupings. The promise of carefully selected cases, matched powder, and Hornady’s AMP bullet jackets piqued my interest.
Upon opening the box, the meticulous attention to detail was immediately apparent. The cartridges were uniformly seated, and the brass cases gleamed, suggesting a high level of quality control. The weight of each cartridge felt consistent, and the overall presentation instilled confidence. This ammo looked and felt ready to deliver.
Compared to other match-grade ammunitions like the Federal Gold Medal 140 grain or the Nosler Match Grade 140 grain, the Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely stood out due to its lighter bullet weight. I chose this round specifically to explore its potential for flatter trajectories and reduced recoil, making it easier to spot my shots and maintain accuracy during rapid follow-up shots. The price point, at $39.59, was also a deciding factor.
My first impression was one of excitement and anticipation. I had high hopes that this ammunition would live up to its “Match” designation and deliver the exceptional accuracy I was seeking. The initial visual inspection and tactile feel suggested that Hornady had indeed created a premium product.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely took place at my local shooting range, which offers distances out to 600 yards. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, providing a good opportunity to evaluate the ammo’s performance under relatively benign conditions. I tested it in my custom-built 6.5 Creedmoor rifle with a 24-inch barrel.
The Hornady ammunition performed admirably, producing consistent groupings. At 100 yards, I was able to consistently achieve sub-MOA groups, with several groups measuring under 0.75 MOA. The recoil was noticeably milder than with heavier 140-grain bullets, allowing for faster follow-up shots and improved shot placement at longer distances.
The ammunition loaded smoothly into the magazine and chambered without any issues. The primers ignited reliably, and the rounds exhibited consistent velocities, as measured by my chronograph. There were no noticeable pressure signs or malfunctions of any kind. The consistency of the ammunition inspired confidence.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use and approximately 500 rounds fired, the Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely continues to impress. It has maintained its consistent accuracy and reliability across multiple range sessions. The ammunition exhibits no signs of degradation or performance loss over time.
I have observed no signs of excessive wear or unusual fouling in my rifle’s barrel. The brass cases are also in excellent condition after firing, making them suitable for reloading. This speaks to the quality of the components and the careful attention to detail in the manufacturing process. Cleaning my rifle has been pretty standard.
Compared to my previous experiences with other factory loads, the Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely has consistently outperformed them in terms of accuracy and consistency. It has become my go-to factory load for precision shooting and long-range practice. I’m very satisfied with how it performs.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely
Specifications
- Caliber: 6.5mm Creedmoor. This popular caliber is known for its excellent ballistic coefficient and inherent accuracy.
- Bullet Weight: 120 grain. The lighter bullet weight contributes to a flatter trajectory and reduced recoil.
- Bullet Type: ELD Match (Extremely Low Drag Match). The ELD Match bullet features a Heat Shield tip for improved ballistic performance.
- Case Type: Specially Selected Brass. The cases are hand-selected for uniformity and consistency.
- Primer Type: High-Quality. Primers are carefully matched to the load for optimal ignition.
- Powder: Carefully Matched. The powder is specifically chosen to provide consistent velocity and accuracy.
- Features: AMP (Advanced Manufacturing Process) Bullet Jackets. These jackets ensure exceptional concentricity and uniformity.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the accuracy, consistency, and overall performance of the ammunition. The specially selected cases ensure consistent internal capacity and wall thickness, leading to more uniform pressures and velocities. The ELD Match bullet with its Heat Shield tip minimizes drag and maintains its shape during flight, resulting in a higher ballistic coefficient and improved accuracy at long range. The AMP bullet jackets further enhance accuracy by minimizing bullet imbalance.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely performs exceptionally well in terms of accuracy and reliability. The rounds consistently group tightly at various distances, making it ideal for precision shooting and long-range target practice. The ammunition cycles smoothly and reliably in my rifle, with no malfunctions or feeding issues encountered.
The strengths of this ammunition lie in its accuracy, consistency, and manageable recoil. The accuracy is outstanding, allowing me to consistently hit small targets at long distances. The consistency in velocity and point of impact ensures predictable performance. The lighter recoil makes it easier to maintain accuracy and spot my own shots. A weakness could be that very long range shooters might prefer a heavier bullet to better combat wind drift.
The Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely exceeds my expectations for a factory-loaded match ammunition. It delivers accuracy that rivals my handloads, with the added convenience of being readily available and consistently manufactured. This ammunition is a top performer.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely is excellent. The components are all of high quality, and the ammunition is assembled with meticulous attention to detail. The brass cases are clean and uniform, and the bullets are seated consistently. It simply oozes quality.
The ammunition is easy to handle and load into magazines and chambers. The cartridges are dimensionally consistent, ensuring smooth and reliable feeding in my rifle. The overall design is user-friendly and requires no special handling or techniques. There is no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely is expected to last for many years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. The components are all corrosion-resistant, ensuring long-term durability. The brass cases can be reloaded multiple times, further extending their lifespan. This ammo has great longevity.
The ammunition requires no special maintenance. Simply store it properly and handle it with care. The brass cases can be cleaned and reloaded using standard reloading equipment and techniques. It is very easy to maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely comes as a standalone product and does not include any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with a wide range of 6.5 Creedmoor rifles and accessories, including various scopes, bipods, and magazines. Shooters may consider using a chronograph to measure the velocity of the ammunition and fine-tune their rifles for optimal performance.
The ammunition is also compatible with various reloading components, allowing shooters to tailor their handloads to match the performance of the factory-loaded ammunition. This provides a high degree of customization and allows shooters to further optimize their rifles for specific applications. The reloading capabilities are top-notch.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: Consistently delivers sub-MOA groups at various distances.
- Consistent Performance: Exhibits uniform velocities and predictable point of impact.
- Manageable Recoil: Lighter bullet weight reduces recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots.
- High-Quality Components: Features specially selected cases, AMP bullet jackets, and carefully matched powder.
- Reloadable Brass: The brass cases are suitable for reloading, extending their lifespan.
Cons
- Price: Match-grade ammunition is generally more expensive than standard ammunition.
- Wind Drift: Lighter bullets may be more susceptible to wind drift at extreme long ranges compared to heavier bullets.
Who Should Buy Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely?
The Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely is perfect for competitive shooters, long-range target shooters, and hunters who demand the utmost accuracy and consistency from their ammunition. It is also well-suited for reloaders who appreciate high-quality components and reloadable brass cases. This ammo fits precision shooters and reloaders perfectly.
This ammunition might not be the best choice for high-volume shooters on a tight budget, as match-grade ammunition tends to be more expensive than standard ammunition. Also, hunters pursuing large game at extended ranges may prefer heavier bullets with higher ballistic coefficients for improved terminal performance. This would not be ideal for budget shooters.
A must-have accessory would be a quality scope. It’s important to have a scope that can accurately adjust for bullet drop and wind drift. Consider a chronograph to fine-tune your rifle to the specific ammunition lot.
Conclusion on Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely
The Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely is an outstanding factory-loaded match ammunition that delivers exceptional accuracy, consistency, and reliability. It is a testament to Hornady’s commitment to quality and precision. The ammunition is well-suited for a wide range of applications, from competitive shooting to long-range target practice.
The price of $39.59 is justified by the superior performance and high-quality components of this ammunition. While it may be more expensive than standard ammunition, the increased accuracy and consistency are well worth the investment for shooters who demand the best.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Hornady Match 6.5mm Creedmoor 120 grain Extremely to anyone seeking a top-performing factory load for their 6.5 Creedmoor rifle. Its precision and consistency are truly remarkable. Elevate your shooting experience! Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!