Hornady Rifle Bullets, .264 Caliber, 123 Grain, Boat-Tail Hollow Point Match Review

First Impressions of Hornady Rifle Bullets, .264 Caliber, 123 Grain, Boat-Tail Hollow Point Match

The world of precision shooting demands consistency, and for years, I’ve chased that elusive sub-MOA group. I’ve experimented with countless components, always seeking the edge that separates a good shot from a truly exceptional one. That’s what brought me to the Hornady Rifle Bullets, .264 Caliber, 123 Grain, Boat-Tail Hollow Point Match.

My journey into the 6.5 Grendel world started with a desire for a versatile AR-15 platform capable of both short-range drills and respectable mid-range accuracy. The search for accurate projectiles is never-ending for a serious reloader. The promise of Hornady’s AMP (Advanced Manufacturing Process) bullet jackets, boasting near-zero runout, piqued my interest immediately.

The box arrived, and my initial impression was one of professional quality. The bullets were neatly arranged, visually uniform, and the Hornady name instilled confidence. I’ve loaded thousands of rounds of various calibers and bullet types, and the visual appeal of a well-made projectile always speaks volumes before I even send it downrange.

I’ve primarily used Sierra MatchKing 142 grain and Nosler Custom Competition 140 grain bullets for my .264 caliber rifles. While both are excellent, their heavier weights are better suited for longer ranges. I was looking for a lighter projectile that could be driven faster in my AR-15, offering a flatter trajectory at shorter distances. The Hornady 123 grain BTHP Match appeared to fit the bill perfectly, offering a potential sweet spot between velocity and ballistic coefficient. I immediately preferred it to the similarly weighted Lapua Scenar, because of its wider availability and lower cost.

My first impression was definitely excitement. The Hornady name, coupled with the advertised precision, made me eager to get to the reloading bench and ultimately to the range. The potential for improved accuracy in my 6.5 Grendel was too tempting to ignore.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Rifle Bullets, .264 Caliber, 123 Grain, Boat-Tail Hollow Point Match to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Hornady Rifle Bullets, .264 Caliber, 123 Grain, Boat-Tail Hollow Point Match was at my local range, under typical late-summer conditions: sunny with a slight crosswind. I was testing them in my 6.5 Grendel AR-15 with a 20-inch barrel. My focus was on evaluating group sizes at 100 and 200 yards.

I loaded up my test rounds with a moderate charge of Hodgdon LeverEvolution powder, carefully measuring each charge to ensure consistency. The bullets seated easily and uniformly into the cases. Initial groups at 100 yards were promising, clustering around 0.75 inches. Moving to 200 yards, the groups opened up slightly to around 1.25 inches. I was pleased with this for initial load development.

The bullets performed admirably despite the slight wind. There were no noticeable keyholing or other stability issues. Seating depth was definitely a factor to refine in future range trips.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of continued use and load development, the Hornady Rifle Bullets, .264 Caliber, 123 Grain, Boat-Tail Hollow Point Match have proven to be impressively consistent. I’ve fired hundreds of rounds, and the performance has remained remarkably stable. This is crucial for match shooting.

I haven’t observed any significant signs of wear and tear on the bullets themselves, although I meticulously clean my barrel after each range session. The uniformity and consistency of the bullets have remained constant throughout the entire testing period. Minimal bullet seating depth variation has been observed.

Maintaining the bullets themselves is obviously not applicable, but the cases they are loaded into are critical. Cleaning and proper storage is key. I’ve found them to be a significant improvement over some of the bulk FMJ bullets I’ve used in the past, offering tighter groups and greater reliability. The performance has been close enough to the high-end Sierra and Nosler bullets that I now use them more frequently in practice and shorter range matches, thanks to the reduced cost.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Rifle Bullets, .264 Caliber, 123 Grain, Boat-Tail Hollow Point Match

Specifications

• Caliber: .264 Caliber (6.5mm) – This makes them ideal for cartridges like the 6.5 Grendel and 6.5 Creedmoor (though the 123 grain weight is more typical for Grendel).

• Bullet Weight: 123 grain – A lighter weight bullet in this caliber allows for higher velocities, especially in shorter-barreled rifles.

• Bullet Type: Boat-Tail Hollow Point Match (BTHP Match) – The boat-tail design reduces drag for improved ballistic coefficient, while the hollow point enhances accuracy and consistent expansion (though these are primarily designed for match accuracy, not hunting expansion).

• G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.45 – This is a respectable BC for a bullet of this weight and caliber, contributing to a flatter trajectory and reduced wind drift.

• Sectional Density: 0.252 – Provides an indication of the bullet’s ability to penetrate; a higher number generally indicates better penetration.

• Jacket Material: Copper – Copper jackets provide good accuracy and consistent bullet expansion characteristics (again, expansion is less of a factor in a match bullet).

• Bullet Quantity: 100 Bullets – Standard packaging for reloading components.

• Application: Match – Clearly indicates these bullets are designed for precision target shooting.

• Primer Style: Centerfire – Suitable for centerfire rifle cartridges.

• Number of Rounds: 100 – Standard packaging for reloading components.

These specifications matter because they define the bullet’s performance characteristics. The 123 grain weight and .45 BC, for example, directly influence the bullet’s trajectory and wind resistance. The AMP jacket construction is critical to achieving the advertised accuracy.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady Rifle Bullets, .264 Caliber, 123 Grain, Boat-Tail Hollow Point Match perform exceptionally well in their intended role: providing consistent accuracy for target shooting. They are easy to load, and I’ve achieved sub-MOA groups in my 6.5 Grendel AR-15 with careful load development. My best groups at 100 yards have been around 0.6 inches.

One strength is their consistent weight and dimensions, leading to minimal velocity variations. A minor weakness might be that the lighter weight is more susceptible to wind drift at longer ranges compared to heavier .264 caliber bullets. They certainly exceed my expectations for bullets in this price range, providing accuracy comparable to more expensive options.

Design & Ergonomics

The bullets are visually appealing and well-formed. The boat-tail design is clean and consistent. The overall build quality is excellent, with no visible imperfections or inconsistencies.

There is virtually no learning curve associated with these bullets. Reloading is straightforward, and they seat easily in the case. The design is optimized for performance, not necessarily aesthetics, but they are visually pleasing in their simplicity.

Durability & Maintenance

As projectiles, these bullets are designed to be fired once. Long-term storage in a cool, dry place is the only real maintenance required. The quality of the materials suggests they will maintain their integrity for many years if properly stored.

Accessories and Customization Options

These are bullets intended for handloading, so accessories are not directly applicable. However, the performance can be optimized by selecting the right powder, primers, and cases for your rifle. They are also compatible with a wide range of seating dies and other reloading equipment. There are no brand-specific issues with these bullets, and they will perform well with any quality reloading components.

Pros and Cons of Hornady Rifle Bullets, .264 Caliber, 123 Grain, Boat-Tail Hollow Point Match

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Who Should Buy Hornady Rifle Bullets, .264 Caliber, 123 Grain, Boat-Tail Hollow Point Match?

These bullets are perfect for competitive shooters, target shooters, and reloaders looking for an accurate and affordable projectile for their 6.5mm rifles, especially those chambered in 6.5 Grendel. They are also ideal for shooters who prioritize velocity and flatter trajectories at shorter to mid-range distances.

This product may not be the best choice for hunters seeking rapid expansion or for long-range shooters who need the absolute highest ballistic coefficient for minimal wind drift. Also, those who don’t reload their own ammunition should obviously skip this product.

Must-have accessories include a quality reloading press, accurate powder scale, and precision seating die to maximize the bullet’s potential. A chronograph is also highly recommended to monitor velocity and ensure consistent loads.

Conclusion on Hornady Rifle Bullets, .264 Caliber, 123 Grain, Boat-Tail Hollow Point Match

The Hornady Rifle Bullets, .264 Caliber, 123 Grain, Boat-Tail Hollow Point Match offer an exceptional combination of accuracy, consistency, and affordability. They are a true workhorse in the .264 caliber world, particularly for the 6.5 Grendel cartridge.

The price is definitely justified, considering the level of performance they deliver. These bullets punch well above their weight class.

I would absolutely recommend these bullets to anyone looking to improve the accuracy of their 6.5mm rifle without breaking the bank. Give them a try, and you won’t be disappointed. Start reloading and start shooting tighter groups today!