Anyone Tested Hornady Aero Match Bullets?

[DocBII]

Good day,

Any of the more open minded shooters test any of the Hornady Aero Match bullets? I've seen 168 and 175 .30s, 77 .223, 140 6.5, and a 105?class .243, and others. Vendors such as Grafs, PV, Midway and Precision Reloading show at least some in stock when I checked.

How well did they measure and shoot? Were you able to use a load close to previous loads? I'm putting two of the bullets in my budget for purchase in March, I'll update this post when I have data.

If you are just venting with a screed about Hornady and your opinions on these bullets without testing them, please take it elsewhere and start your own thread.

Thanks,
DocBII

 

[antunRC]

Hello DocBII,
Some tests are done from few guys
1. https://forum.accurateshooter.com/t...-volume-shooters.4136210/page-5#post-39075483
2. https://www.snipershide.com/shootin...imensional-consistency.7239827/#post-11916719

 

[DocBII]

Good day,

Purchased 500 of the Hornady 168gr. 30 caliber AeroMatch bullets for use in M1 Garand loads and comparison with the Berger 168 Target Hybrids. Biggest differences between the two were the longer bearing length of the Hornady and the longer boat tail of the Berger. I didn't measure bearing surface length, it appeared to be about 0.020" longer, as was the general overall length of the Hornady bullet. The boat tail on the Bergers measured to approximately 0.167" and the Hornady to approximately 0.145".

The OGL and OAL on the 200 Hornadys sorted into two groups with 0.005" difference between the extremes. The variance within the groups was +/- 0.001", 80% with the longer OAL or OGL.

I've only retained notes on the Bergers for after they were trimmed and pointed. The OGL varied between 0.950" and 0.954" for the lot. OAL after trimming was 1.267" or 1.268".

Waiting for better weather to do load testing with the bullets. Test loads will be CCI-34s and VV N140, with charge weights between 47 and 49 grains in 1/2 grain increments. I'll provide group sizes at distance once nominal loads are determined and tested at distances.

HTH,
DocBII

 

[R L U]

As asked I have tested some of the 6 mm. Measurements are generally good compared to Berger 105 HB But in down range they left me wanting (groups gave flyers ). After some deconstruction of the bullets (cut in half) we found inconsistencies in lead at the tip. Maybe creating imbalance?? I bought 2000 so will do more testing but for now I’m going to save my money.

 

[jelenko]

As asked I have tested some of the 6 mm. Measurements are generally good compared to Berger 105 HB But in down range they left me wanting (groups gave flyers ). After some deconstruction of the bullets (cut in half) we found inconsistencies in lead at the tip. Maybe creating imbalance?? I bought 2000 so will do more testing but for now I’m going to save my money.

How far out were the flyers?
Thanks

 

[R L U]

How far out were the flyers?
Thanks

Common was 3-4 shots sub 1-1 1/2 in Out 2-3 sometimes making groups 3-4 1/2 groups with no reason. Shot on shot marker and was not very often the same number shot. Just weird when it happened. On the positive I did have several groups without flyers 1-1/2 to 2 1/2 at 600 yards. Not good consistency to count on yet.

 

[memilanuk]

I did have several groups without flyers 1-1/2 to 2 1/2 at 600 yards.

Fliers work both ways...