Hornady has built a reputation for delivering a giant range of projectiles, that range has just expanded with the new AeroMatch range. This new release is aimed at creating copies of some well established rounds. Hornady promises these new match grade bullets wont require any adjustments in your handloading setup if you’re switching from a competitor’s identical bullet. In other words, they claim all you need to do is replace your old bullet with an AeroMatch, and you’re ready to shoot with no fuss.
Set to launch in early 2025, the Hornady AeroMatch will be available in .22, 6mm, 6.5mm, and .30 caliber options. Hornady aims to offer something for everyone in the competitive shooting world, with bullet weights popular among long range shooters including 69 and 77 grains in .22 caliber, 105 grains in 6mm, 140 grains in 6.5mm, and 168 and 175 grains in .30 caliber.
Hornady’s AeroMatch bullets come in two profiles, the tangent ogive and hybrid (or compound) profile. The tangent ogive profile, known for its ease of alignment with the bore and tolerance for seating depth variability, has been a popular choice among handloaders due to its consistency and user-friendliness. The trade off with these projectiles is a slightly lower ballistic coefficient (BC) compared to the secant ogive profile, which offers better aerodynamics but demands precise seating depth for accuracy.
The hybrid profile, used in AeroMatch’s 6mm and 6.5mm bullets, combines the advantages of both profiles, with good bore alignment with a high BC which might make it a popular round. The AeroMatch certainly doesn’t offer anything new in terms of bullet performance, it does however provide an alternative supplier to some popular projectile choices.
The choice of 500 count and 3,000 count boxes is likely a feature aimed at its consumers, high volume shooters. Those who want to buy enough rounds to last through the life of a barrel. In my opinion, it’s less about innovation and more about accessibility. With shooting becoming more popular and shortages of match grade bullets in recent years, this move by Hornady is a welcome one, even if it’s not exactly revolutionary.
Hornady’s admits that AeroMatch bullets essentially mirror the specs of existing premium match grade bullets. The 105 and 140 grain weights, both hybrid profiles, mirror Berger’s popular hybrids, widely known for their great performance. I’m personally happy that Hornady is acknowledging that others have created some outstanding projectiles, and they’re stepping in to fill a gap in the supply chain.
Hornady’s promise of “competitively priced” AeroMatch bullets will likely signal a price tag lower than other premium brands. For high volume shooters, saving a few cents per bullet adds up, so this angle is bound to appeal to those in the market for bulk deals. Hornady could become a more cost effective alternative for shooters who aren’t willing to pay top dollar for Berger and Sierra level consistency but still want good performance.
Hornady’s AeroMatch bullets seem less about innovation and more about filling a gap. Yes, they’re similar to competitors’ offerings, and yes, they’re openly acknowledging that demand has outpaced supply. If Hornady can indeed churn out these bullets in high volumes and maintain decent consistency at a lower price point, they’ll become a viable option for many. But will they match Berger’s famed consistency? Time will tell.
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