Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely Review

What Makes Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely Stand Out?

The Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely Low Drag Match ammunition isn’t just another .223 round; it’s a precision instrument designed for shooters who demand the utmost accuracy. Hornady has built a reputation for quality, and this offering exemplifies that commitment, incorporating carefully selected components and stringent quality control. What truly sets it apart is the inclusion of the ELD Match bullet with its Heat Shield tip, promising superior ballistic performance compared to traditional boat-tail hollow points.

I was searching for ammunition that could tighten my groups at longer ranges, particularly when practicing for a local precision rifle competition. Factory loads can be a hit or miss, and I wanted something consistent and reliable without diving into full-scale handloading just yet. The promise of the ELD Match bullet’s improved ballistic coefficient and Hornady’s dedication to quality drew me to this round.

Unboxing the ammunition, I was immediately struck by the consistent appearance of each cartridge. The brass was clean and polished, and the bullets were seated uniformly. The overall impression was one of meticulous attention to detail, reinforcing my confidence in the Hornady brand.

Compared to other match-grade .223 rounds I’ve used, like Black Hills Gold and Federal Gold Medal, the Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely Low Drag Match stood out for its advertised use of the ELD Match bullet. I chose this ammunition hoping for superior long-range performance thanks to the bullet’s design. Black Hills Gold offers exceptional consistency, and Federal Gold Medal has a proven track record, but I wanted to try the ELD Match bullet advantage.

My first impression was excitement tempered with cautious optimism. I was eager to see if the Hornady’s claims about the ELD Match bullet lived up to the hype, but I knew that real-world performance is what truly matters. The consistent appearance and reputation of Hornady certainly fueled my anticipation.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range with distances ranging from 100 to 600 yards. The weather conditions were mild, with a slight breeze, providing a good opportunity to evaluate the ammunition’s performance in relatively stable conditions. I was using a custom AR-15 with a 20-inch, 1:8 twist barrel known for its accuracy.

The Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely Low Drag Match ammunition performed exceptionally well. Even with the slight breeze, it showed consistent groupings at 100 and 200 yards. Moving out to 400 and 600 yards, the benefits of the ELD Match bullet became apparent, with noticeably less wind drift compared to my previous experiences with standard boat-tail hollow points.

The ammunition was incredibly easy to use. It fed reliably and consistently into my AR-15. There were no malfunctions or issues with extraction during the initial testing session.

The only surprise was how much cleaner this ammunition burned compared to some of the cheaper bulk .223 I sometimes use for plinking. The bolt carrier group required less cleaning after the session than usual.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely Low Drag Match ammunition has proven to be consistently reliable. I’ve put several hundred rounds through my AR-15 in various range sessions. It has performed flawlessly, with no malfunctions or failures to extract.

The ammunition has held up remarkably well. There has been no noticeable degradation in accuracy or performance over time. The brass casings are still reloadable. I have seen no signs of excessive wear or corrosion.

Maintenance is straightforward. Because the ammunition burns relatively cleanly, cleaning the rifle after a range session is less time-consuming than with other, dirtier ammunition. I’ve found no need for any special cleaning procedures.

Compared to my previous experiences with other match-grade ammunition, the Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely Low Drag Match performs equally well or slightly better, particularly at longer ranges. The ELD Match bullet truly seems to offer a small but noticeable advantage in wind resistance and overall ballistic performance. This round outperforms standard M193 ball ammo by a substantial margin, making it suitable for precision applications.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely

Specifications

• Caliber: .223 Remington. The ubiquitous .223 Remington cartridge is widely available, making this ammunition compatible with a vast array of AR-15 rifles and other firearms chambered in this caliber.
• Bullet Weight: 73 grains. This heavier bullet offers an improved ballistic coefficient compared to lighter .223 bullets, resulting in flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift at longer ranges.
• Bullet Type: ELD Match (Extremely Low Drag Match). The ELD Match bullet features a Heat Shield tip, which is designed to resist aerodynamic heating and maintain its shape in flight, resulting in consistent ballistic performance.
• Muzzle Velocity: Varies depending on barrel length; typically around 2750 fps from a 20-inch barrel. Muzzle velocity is crucial for calculating bullet drop and wind drift, which are essential for accurate long-range shooting.
• Muzzle Energy: Approximately 1226 ft-lbs. Muzzle energy indicates the power of the round upon firing, though for match ammunition, accuracy and consistency are prioritized over raw power.
• Case Type: Brass. Brass cases are reloadable, allowing shooters to reuse the casings and reduce the overall cost of shooting.
• Primer Type: Boxer. Boxer primers are the most common type of primer and are easily reloadable.
• Specially Selected Cases: Cases are chosen for uniform wall thickness, internal capacity, weight, and concentricity, leading to shot-to-shot consistency.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the ammunition’s accuracy, consistency, and long-range performance. The ELD Match bullet, in particular, is designed to minimize aerodynamic drag and maintain its shape in flight, resulting in more predictable and consistent trajectories. The stringent quality control measures employed by Hornady, such as selecting cases based on specific criteria, ensure that each round performs to its maximum potential.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely Low Drag Match ammunition excels in its intended role: providing exceptional accuracy and consistency for target shooting and competition. It delivers tight groupings at various distances. It exhibits consistent velocities and minimal shot-to-shot variation.

The primary strength of this ammunition is its ability to deliver sub-MOA accuracy in a compatible rifle. The ELD Match bullet provides a noticeable advantage in long-range performance, reducing wind drift and maintaining a flatter trajectory. While it is expensive, the price reflects the quality.

It meets and even exceeds expectations for match-grade ammunition. The ELD Match bullet performs as advertised, providing a measurable improvement in ballistic performance compared to standard boat-tail hollow points. It’s very reliable and accurate.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely Low Drag Match ammunition is designed with a focus on precision and consistency. The components are carefully selected and assembled to exacting standards. The ammunition is visually appealing, with clean and polished brass cases and uniformly seated bullets.

The ammunition is user-friendly. It requires no special handling or preparation. It feeds reliably in any AR-15.

Durability & Maintenance

As factory-new ammunition, the Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely Low Drag Match is designed to last for many years when stored properly in a cool, dry place. The brass cases are reloadable, extending the overall lifespan of the ammunition.

Maintenance is minimal. Cleaning the rifle after shooting this ammunition is less time-consuming due to its relatively clean-burning properties. I found the rifle to stay cleaner longer using this ammunition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely Low Drag Match ammunition does not require any specific accessories. It’s compatible with any AR-15 rifle chambered in .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO. The main customization aspect revolves around selecting the appropriate optic and sighting system to maximize the ammunition’s accuracy potential.

The ammunition is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, such as magnified scopes, red dot sights, and bipods. Choosing the right accessories can significantly enhance the shooter’s ability to achieve optimal accuracy and consistency.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely

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Who Should Buy Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely?

The Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely Low Drag Match ammunition is perfect for competitive shooters, precision rifle enthusiasts, and anyone who demands the highest level of accuracy from their .223 rifle. It is also well-suited for varmint hunters seeking to make ethical, long-range shots. This ammunition is ideally suited for shooters using high-quality AR-15 platform rifles with free-floating barrels and quality optics.

This product is not for casual plinkers or those primarily concerned with affordability. Those who prioritize high-volume shooting over pinpoint accuracy should consider cheaper alternatives. Shooters with budget-grade rifles might not see the benefits of this expensive round.

Must-have accessories or modifications to get the most out of this ammunition include a high-quality magnified optic with precise adjustments, a stable shooting platform such as a bipod or sandbags, and a well-maintained rifle with a free-floating barrel.

Conclusion on Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely

The Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely Low Drag Match ammunition is a top-tier offering that delivers exceptional accuracy and consistency. The ELD Match bullet provides a measurable advantage in ballistic performance, making it an excellent choice for long-range shooting applications. While the price is higher than bulk ammunition, the performance justifies the cost for serious shooters.

The price is justified considering the level of precision and consistency it offers. The ELD Match bullet and Hornady’s stringent quality control measures make this ammunition a worthwhile investment for those seeking the best possible performance from their .223 rifle. I would highly recommend this ammunition to anyone looking to improve their accuracy at longer ranges.

If you are serious about precision shooting and want to squeeze every last bit of performance out of your .223 rifle, the Hornady Match .223 Remington 73 grain Extremely Low Drag Match ammunition is an excellent choice. Invest in your accuracy; buy some today!