Hornady Match Target .224 52 gr HPBT Boat-Tail 22 Cal Ammunition - 2249

The Hornady Match Target .224 52 gr HPBT Boat-Tail bullet is engineered for precision shooters and reloaders who demand consistency shot after shot. Whether you're loading ammunition for a .223 Remington varmint rifle, competition rifle, or precision target work, these bullets deliver the tight tolerances and ballistic performance that separate match-grade ammunition from standard factory rounds. Hornady's Match line has earned respect in competitive circles and among serious handloaders for good reason: the engineering and manufacturing process behind them reflects decades of understanding what it takes to print tight groups.

What sets these bullets apart is the advanced manufacturing process that produces concentrically uniform jackets with minimal wall-thickness variation—the kind of precision that translates directly to velocity consistency and downrange accuracy. The 52-grain weight in .224 diameter is a proven choice for varmint hunting and 600-yard competition shooting, striking a balance between velocity, wind drift, and barrel twist compatibility across common platforms. The secant ogive profile is designed to reduce drag, which helps flatten trajectory and extends your effective range.

If you're already committed to reloading, investing in match-grade bullets makes sense; the ammunition you assemble is only as good as your components. These bullets reward careful load development and tight powder charges with the kind of repeatability that matters when you're chasing sub-half-minute accuracy. Hand-swaged lead cores and precision-formed jackets mean fewer anomalies that can throw off your chronograph readings or your group sizes.

Key Features

• 52-grain hollow-point boat-tail design for reduced drag and flatter trajectories
• Advanced manufacturing process produces exceptionally consistent, concentric jackets
• Precision-swaged lead core engineered to industry match standards
• Minimal wall-thickness variation for uniform velocity from round to round
• .224 caliber diameter compatible with .223 Remington and related platforms

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What guns does the .224 52gr bullet work with?

The .224 diameter is standard for .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, and other cartridges built on the .223 case. Confirm your rifle's chamber and twist rate before loading; a 1:12 or faster twist typically handles 52-grain bullets well, though always consult published load data for your specific firearm.

Is this ammunition factory-loaded or components for reloading?

These are reloading bullets—components you'll load into brass cases yourself. You'll need brass, primers, powder, and reloading equipment to create finished ammunition.

What's the difference between a boat-tail and a standard bullet?

The boat-tail design tapers the bullet's base, reducing drag and improving ballistic coefficient. This produces a flatter trajectory and less wind deflection downrange compared to flat-base bullets of the same weight.

Are these bullets suitable for competition shooting?

Yes. The Match Target line is specifically engineered for precision and consistency, making it a popular choice for benchrest, F-Class, and other accuracy-focused disciplines where match-grade components are standard.