Introduction
Explore the Hornady A-Tip Match, a pinnacle of match-grade ammunition designed for shooters who prioritize extreme precision and long-range consistency. Introduced by Hornady Manufacturing in 2019, based in Grand Island, Nebraska, the A-Tip Match is a lead-core bullet engineered for competitive shooting and areas without lead restrictions.
Renowned for its ultra-high ballistic coefficients and minimal drag variability, the A-Tip Match delivers exceptional terminal performance, making it a top choice for ethical shooters pursuing long-range targets or competition. Its advanced design ensures consistent results across varied scenarios, from benchrest competitions to extreme long-range events.
- Caliber Range: Available from .243 to .375 inches, supporting cartridges like 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .375 H&H.
- Weight Options: Spans 110 to 390 grains, with key variants like 110-grain .243, 135-grain .264, 153-grain .264, 176-grain .308, 230-grain .308, and 250-grain .308.
- Hunting Focus: Optimized for flat trajectories and reliable accuracy, ideal for long-range competition or target shooting of medium to large targets.
Technical Characteristics
The Hornady A-Tip Match is crafted for shooters seeking unmatched precision and consistency. Its lead-core construction and innovative features make it a standout in the field.
- Lead-Core Construction: Features a swaged lead core with copper jacket, ensuring excellent uniformity and balance with minimal weight variation.
- Aluminum-Tipped Design: Includes a precision-machined aluminum tip for reduced drag variability and enhanced in-flight stability, moving the center of gravity optimally.
- Boat-Tail Profile: Optimized angle and length to maximize ballistic coefficient and reduce drag, enhancing long-range stability.
- Velocity and Range: Optimized for muzzle velocities of 2,500-3,500 fps, effective to 1,000+ yards with excellent wind resistance.
- AMP Jacket: Advanced Manufacturing Process jacket with near-zero wall thickness variation for superior concentricity and accuracy.
Reloading demands precision, using standard dies and SAAMI-compliant COAL to manage pressures. Maintain case neck tension (0.002-0.004″) for optimal accuracy, as the A-Tip Match’s robust design excels in competitive shoots but requires careful load development. Use correct seating stem to avoid damaging the tip.
Ballistics and Performance
With G1 BCs ranging from 0.564 to 0.823, the A-Tip Match provides superior long-range stability and wind resistance, bolstered by high sectional density for consistent flight. Field tests show a 153-grain .264 A-Tip Match achieving 0.2-0.4 MOA at 300 yards with ES/SD under 8 fps from a 1:8 twist barrel. The 110-grain .243 is ideal for targets, while the 250-grain .308 excels for extreme long-range competition, maintaining energy to 1,000 yards.
The Expert Ballistics Table below lists key A-Tip Match variants from Hornady specifications, sorted by diameter then weight. BCs are G1; verify on Hornady’s site for updates.
| Diameter (inches) | Weight (grains) | Ballistic Coefficient (BC) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.243 | 110 | 0.585 | 0.266 |
| 0.264 | 135 | 0.637 | 0.277 |
| 0.264 | 153 | 0.704 | 0.314 |
| 0.308 | 176 | 0.564 | 0.265 |
| 0.308 | 230 | 0.823 | 0.346 |
| 0.308 | 250 | 0.878 | 0.377 |
| 0.375 | 390 | 0.838 | 0.397 |
Groups of 0.2-0.4 MOA achievable; excels to 1,000 yards with proper shot placement.
Comparison Bullets
The A-Tip Match competes with Sierra MatchKing (hollow point boat-tail) and Berger Hybrid Target (hybrid ogive). Its BCs (0.564-0.878) surpass MatchKing (0.200-0.600) and match Hybrid Target (0.300-0.700), offering better long-range performance. The A-Tip Match’s consistency matches Hybrid Target at high velocities but achieves 5% tighter groups than MatchKing. Against Hybrid Target 109gr 6mm, the A-Tip Match 110gr 6mm drops 5% less at 600 yards; versus MatchKing 168gr .308, it maintains 10% higher BC. Advantages: high BC, consistent accuracy. Drawbacks: contains lead, higher cost ($0.80-$1.20 per bullet).
| Bullet | Diameter Range (inches) | Weight Range (grains) | BC Range | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady A-Tip Match | 0.243-0.375 | 110-390 | 0.564-0.878 | Aluminum tip, low drag |
| Berger Hybrid Target | 0.224-0.338 | 105-250 | 0.300-0.700 | Hybrid ogive, tangent-secant |
| Sierra MatchKing | 0.224-0.338 | 52-250 | 0.200-0.600 | Hollow point boat-tail |
| Nosler Custom Competition | 0.224-0.338 | 69-250 | 0.250-0.650 | Hollow point, custom jacket |
Field reports show A-Tip Match leading MatchKing by 0.1 MOA at 600 yards and outperforming Hybrid Target in wind resistance consistency.
Applications and Practical Aspects
Ideal for hunting:
- 110gr .243 for targets and small game;
- 135-153gr .264 for mid-range competition;
- 176-250gr .308 for extreme long-range targets;
- 390gr .375 for ELR events.
Delivers 0.2-0.4 MOA in tuned rifles, ideal for ethical shots.
Reloading
- Load Data: Refer to Hornady’s reloading manual or website for A-Tip Match-specific data, as the lead-core design generates standard pressures similar to other match bullets.
- Starting Charges: Begin 5-10% below maximum loads for comparable match bullets to avoid over-pressure; increase gradually while checking for pressure signs.
- Seating Consistency: Ensure precise seating depths (0.010-0.050″ off lands) to maximize accuracy, as the A-Tip Match’s long bearing surface is sensitive to inconsistencies.
- Crimp Application: Apply a light to medium crimp on the cannelure for secure bullet retention, particularly in semi-auto or high-recoil rifles, ensuring reliable feeding.
- Barrel Twist Compatibility: Match barrel twist rate to A-Tip Match weight (e.g., 1:8 for 153gr .264, 1:10 for 176gr .308) for proper stabilization and optimal accuracy.
- Velocity Check: Chronograph to confirm velocities above 2,000-2,500 fps for reliable performance, targeting extreme spreads under 8 fps.
- Storage: Store in sealed containers to protect from moisture; suitable for all match applications per design.
Conclusion
Hornady A-Tip Match is a premier match-grade bullet, combining ultra-high ballistic coefficients with unmatched accuracy and consistency. Despite containing lead, its performance makes it ideal for shooters in unrestricted areas or targeting extreme long-range precision. Visit official website.
