Let’s Talk About Hornady Traditional Varmint Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224 55 Grain, Soft Point
The Hornady Traditional Varmint Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224 55 Grain, Soft Point are a classic choice for varmint hunters seeking reliable performance and flat trajectories. These bullets, manufactured by Hornady, offer a streamlined design and soft point construction, making them a staple in many .22 caliber rifles. The Hornady brand has a long-standing reputation for quality, and these bullets aim to deliver on that promise.
My primary use case for these bullets stemmed from a recurring prairie dog problem on a friend’s ranch. We needed ammunition that was both accurate at moderate ranges and offered reliable expansion for humane kills. I had been using some generic .223 rounds, but I was looking for something more tailored to varmint hunting, specifically with better expansion characteristics than FMJ rounds.
Upon unboxing, the Hornady bullets looked precisely as expected: clean, consistent, and well-packaged. The copper jackets had a uniform sheen, and the soft points were neatly formed. They felt substantial, reflecting the care Hornady puts into their manufacturing process.
I considered other varmint bullets from Sierra and Nosler, but the Hornady offering presented a compelling balance of price and performance. Sierra’s Varminter bullets are excellent, but they’re often pricier. Nosler Varmageddon bullets are comparable, but I’ve had better luck with Hornady products in the past in terms of consistent feeding and accuracy in my particular rifle.
My first impression was one of quiet confidence. These weren’t flashy, high-tech bullets; they were straightforward, proven performers designed for a specific purpose. This is exactly what I look for in my varmint hunting ammunition.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Traditional Varmint Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224 55 Grain, Soft Point to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Traditional Varmint Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224 55 Grain, Soft Point at the local shooting range, zeroing my rifle at 100 yards before heading to the ranch. Conditions were typical for late spring: sunny with a slight crosswind. The prairie dog fields would provide a more dynamic testing environment later.
These bullets performed remarkably well, even in the fluctuating wind conditions of the open range. They fed smoothly from the magazine and ejected cleanly, which gave me confidence in their reliability. I was easily achieving sub-MOA groups at 100 yards, which exceeded my expectations given the budget-friendly price point.
There were no significant issues after the first range session. The bullet’s consistent weight and shape likely contributed to the uniform groupings. I did notice that the soft points were slightly prone to deformation if handled roughly, but that’s a common characteristic of this type of bullet.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use on the ranch, the Hornady Traditional Varmint Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224 55 Grain, Soft Point have proven exceptionally reliable. I’ve put several hundred rounds downrange without a single misfire or feeding issue. The performance has been consistent across multiple shooting sessions.
The bullets have held up well, with minimal signs of wear and tear, despite exposure to dusty conditions. I store them in their original packaging and take care to avoid excessive handling that could damage the soft points. This minimizes any potential for accuracy degradation.
Maintenance is virtually non-existent with these bullets, apart from storing them properly. Compared to some match-grade bullets I’ve used in the past, the Hornady varmint rounds require significantly less fuss and still deliver excellent results. This makes them a practical choice for high-volume shooting in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Traditional Varmint Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224 55 Grain, Soft Point
Specifications
The Hornady Traditional Varmint Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224 55 Grain, Soft Point feature a .224 caliber, 55-grain weight, and a soft point bullet type. The bullets are constructed with a lead core and a copper jacket. This provides both weight retention and controlled expansion upon impact.
The bullet’s sectional density is 0.157. This is a key factor contributing to its penetration capability. The spire point profile and flat base design are crucial for maintaining a flat trajectory. These features enhance accuracy at moderate distances.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Traditional Varmint Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224 55 Grain, Soft Point excel in delivering accurate and humane kills on small varmints. The soft point design ensures rapid expansion. This creates a larger wound cavity that quickly neutralizes the target.
The bullet’s consistent accuracy is a major strength, allowing for precise shot placement even at distances beyond 100 yards. However, its performance in windy conditions can be somewhat affected due to its relatively light weight. Despite this, it consistently meets and often exceeds expectations for varmint hunting within reasonable ranges.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Hornady Traditional Varmint Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224 55 Grain, Soft Point is excellent, reflecting Hornady’s commitment to quality manufacturing. The bullets are uniformly shaped and sized, contributing to consistent performance. They are easy to load and handle, with no sharp edges or imperfections.
There’s virtually no learning curve associated with using these bullets. Reloaders will find them easy to seat, and factory-loaded ammunition using these bullets is widely available. The straightforward design ensures ease of use for shooters of all skill levels.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper storage, the Hornady Traditional Varmint Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224 55 Grain, Soft Point should last indefinitely. The copper jacket provides excellent corrosion resistance, and the lead core is well-protected. These bullets don’t require any special maintenance beyond keeping them clean and dry.
The bullets are not designed to be reloaded multiple times. The soft point design makes them more susceptible to deformation after being fired.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Traditional Varmint Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224 55 Grain, Soft Point themselves do not have accessories. Reloaders can customize their loads using different powders and primers to optimize performance in their rifles. Ammunition loaded with these bullets is compatible with a wide range of .223 caliber rifles and magazines.
The bullets are suitable for use with various optics and aiming devices. These help to enhance accuracy and precision, depending on the shooter’s preferences and hunting conditions.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Traditional Varmint Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224 55 Grain, Soft Point
Pros
- Excellent Accuracy: The bullets consistently deliver sub-MOA groups at 100 yards, making them ideal for precision shooting.
- Reliable Expansion: The soft point design ensures rapid and effective expansion, resulting in quick, humane kills on varmints.
- Affordable Price: Compared to other premium varmint bullets, these offer a great balance of performance and cost.
- Consistent Quality: Hornady’s manufacturing processes ensure uniform bullet shape and weight for consistent performance.
- Easy to Reload: Their simple design makes them easy to seat and work with for reloaders.
Cons
- Soft Point Deformation: The soft point is somewhat fragile and can be deformed with rough handling, potentially affecting accuracy.
- Wind Sensitivity: Due to their relatively light weight, these bullets can be more susceptible to wind drift than heavier options.
Who Should Buy Hornady Traditional Varmint Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224 55 Grain, Soft Point?
These bullets are perfect for varmint hunters seeking a reliable, accurate, and affordable option for taking down small game. They are also suitable for recreational shooters who want consistent performance at the range. Reloaders who appreciate ease of use and consistent results will also find these bullets appealing.
This product might not be the best choice for long-range shooters who require maximum wind resistance. It is also not suited for hunters targeting larger game that require deeper penetration.
A must-have accessory would be a quality bullet seating die for reloaders. For factory ammunition users, a reliable magazine that feeds smoothly is essential.
Conclusion on Hornady Traditional Varmint Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224 55 Grain, Soft Point
The Hornady Traditional Varmint Rifle Bullets, 22 Caliber, .224 55 Grain, Soft Point offer exceptional value for the money. Their accuracy, reliable expansion, and consistent quality make them a top choice for varmint hunters and recreational shooters alike. The price is more than justified by the performance you get.
I would highly recommend these bullets to anyone looking for a proven and effective varmint hunting solution. They represent a sweet spot of affordability, accuracy, and terminal performance. Load up and head out – you won’t be disappointed!