Hornady Full Metal Jacket Bullets .22 cal .224in 62 gr FMJ Review

First Impressions of Hornady Full Metal Jacket Bullets .22 cal .224in 62 gr FMJ

The Hornady Full Metal Jacket Bullets .22 cal .224in 62 gr FMJ aren’t the flashiest or most talked-about component in the shooting world, but they are a cornerstone of consistent performance and reliable training. These bullets, manufactured by Hornady, are designed for shooters who demand quality and consistency without breaking the bank. My initial impression is that these are workhorse bullets, designed to do their job effectively and reliably.

I needed a reliable and affordable option for high-volume .223/5.56 training. I was burning through too much expensive match-grade ammunition just to maintain proficiency. The promise of Hornady’s AMP jacket and its superior concentricity drew me in.

Upon opening the box, the first thing I noticed was the uniform appearance of the bullets. The jackets looked clean and consistently formed. These bullets felt substantial in hand, inspiring confidence in their construction.

Compared to other bulk FMJ options I’ve used, these felt like a step up in quality control. I’d previously used cheaper, imported FMJs that had noticeable inconsistencies in their dimensions. I picked these over cheaper alternatives because of Hornady’s reputation for quality and the promise of a more consistent shooting experience.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. These bullets seemed to strike a good balance between quality and affordability. I was excited to see how they would perform on the range and if they would live up to Hornady’s reputation.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Full Metal Jacket Bullets .22 cal .224in 62 gr FMJ to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Hornady Full Metal Jacket Bullets .22 cal .224in 62 gr FMJ at my local outdoor shooting range. I shot them through my AR-15 with a 1:7 twist barrel at distances of 50 and 100 yards. The weather was clear and sunny, with a slight breeze.

The bullets fed smoothly and reliably in my AR-15. The felt recoil was consistent, and there were no malfunctions of any kind. Accuracy was surprisingly good for FMJ bullets; I was able to maintain roughly 2-inch groupings at 100 yards with my red dot optic.

I was particularly impressed with the consistency of the bullet flight. There were no noticeable outliers, which is often a problem with cheaper FMJ bullets. This resulted in a more predictable and enjoyable shooting experience.

The only minor issue I noticed was a slightly larger amount of copper fouling in my barrel compared to when I use match-grade ammunition. This was easily addressed with a thorough cleaning after the range session.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Hornady Full Metal Jacket Bullets .22 cal .224in 62 gr FMJ have held up remarkably well. I’ve put several thousand rounds downrange without experiencing any significant issues. The performance has remained consistent.

There has been no noticeable degradation in accuracy or reliability. I’ve used them in various weather conditions, including hot, dry days and moderately humid conditions. I have not experienced any malfunctions related to the bullets themselves.

Maintenance is straightforward. Standard barrel cleaning procedures are sufficient to remove any copper fouling. These bullets require no special care or handling beyond what you would typically provide for any other ammunition component.

These bullets have significantly outperformed my previous experiences with lower-cost FMJ options. The consistency and accuracy are noticeably better, leading to more productive and enjoyable training sessions. I am very satisfied with their overall performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Full Metal Jacket Bullets .22 cal .224in 62 gr FMJ

Specifications

• * Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ensures reliable feeding and reduces lead exposure. This is critical for high-volume shooters and those concerned about lead contamination.
• * Projectile Caliber: .224 Caliber makes them compatible with a wide range of .223/5.56 rifles and pistols. This versatility is essential for shooters with multiple firearms in this caliber.
• * Bullet Weight: 62 gr strikes a good balance between ballistic performance and recoil management. This weight is a common choice for general-purpose .223/5.56 ammunition.
• * Bullet Quantity: 100 Bullet provides a manageable quantity for reloading or small-scale training sessions. This amount allows for testing and load development without a significant investment.
• * AMP (Advanced Manufacturing Process) Jacket: This provides virtually zero tolerance for concentricity, and near-zero wall thickness variation. This contributes to consistent accuracy and minimizes bullet deformation.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the bullets’ performance and reliability. The AMP jacket is a key factor in their accuracy. The consistent weight and caliber ensure reliable feeding and consistent ballistic performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Full Metal Jacket Bullets .22 cal .224in 62 gr FMJ perform their intended job of providing consistent and reliable performance for training and target shooting exceptionally well. Accuracy is very good for FMJ bullets, and feeding reliability has been flawless in my experience. Usability is straightforward, as they load easily into cartridges.

A major strength is their consistency. Each bullet feels and performs like the last, creating confidence at the range. A minor weakness is the slightly increased barrel fouling compared to higher-end bullets.

These bullets exceed my expectations for FMJ ammunition. They offer a level of accuracy and consistency that rivals some match-grade options at a fraction of the cost. I find them to be extremely good value.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is classic FMJ, prioritizing functionality over aesthetics. The materials used are of good quality, and the bullets have a consistent weight and shape. They are comfortable to handle and reload.

These bullets are very user-friendly. There is no learning curve associated with their use. The consistent dimensions make them easy to load and work with.

Durability & Maintenance

These bullets are inherently durable due to their full metal jacket construction. They should last indefinitely if stored properly in a cool, dry place. The Hornady Full Metal Jacket Bullets .22 cal .224in 62 gr FMJ are made to last.

Maintenance is minimal. Standard barrel cleaning procedures are sufficient to address any copper fouling. No special tools or cleaning agents are required.

Accessories and Customization Options

These are bullets, not a firearm, so accessories are not directly applicable. However, they are compatible with a wide range of reloading components and can be used in various .223/5.56 cartridge configurations. These can be paired with various powders, primers and cases.

The bullets themselves do not require any modification. They are ready to load and shoot as is. Reloaders can tailor their loads to specific rifles.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Full Metal Jacket Bullets .22 cal .224in 62 gr FMJ