Barnes Bullets 30164 Match Burners: Precision for Competitive Shooters

For serious competitive shooters, achieving peak performance on the range hinges on every component, and the bullet is undeniably the most critical. The Barnes Bullets 30164 Match Burners .224 85 grain Boat Tail bullets, available at DEGuns, represent a cornerstone for those aiming to dominate tactical, 3-Gun, and High Power rifle competitions. Engineered with a keen understanding of precision ballistics and the demands of modern marksmanship, these bullets are designed to provide the consistency and accuracy required to shave seconds off a stage time or tighten groups for a winning score.

What defines an exceptional match-grade bullet? It's a combination of meticulous design, consistent manufacturing, and reliable performance under varying conditions. The Barnes Match Burners embody these principles, offering a lead-core, boat-tail design that delivers superior aerodynamic efficiency and stability, particularly at extended ranges. When a shooter asks, "What are the best bullets for competitive shooting in a .224 caliber rifle?" or "How can I improve my long-range accuracy with an 85-grain projectile?", the Barnes Match Burners emerge as a top-tier answer, offering a blend of affordability and the renowned Barnes quality.

The Engineering Behind Unrivaled Accuracy

Barnes Bullets has a longstanding reputation for innovation and quality in the ammunition industry, and their Match Burners line is a testament to this legacy. The 30164 variant, an 85-grain .224 caliber projectile, is specifically tailored for disciplines where every shot counts.

Precision Boat Tail Design

The boat tail design is fundamental to the ballistic performance of these bullets. Unlike flat-base bullets, the tapered rear of a boat tail bullet significantly reduces drag, particularly as the bullet transitions from supersonic to subsonic speeds. This design choice contributes directly to:

• Improved Ballistic Coefficient (BC): The stated G1 Ballistic Coefficient of .41 for the 85-grain Match Burner is impressive for its weight class, indicating its ability to overcome air resistance efficiently. A higher BC translates to less velocity loss over distance, flatter trajectories, and reduced wind drift. For competitive shooters, this means fewer hold corrections and a greater margin for error on challenging shots.
• Enhanced Stability: The boat tail helps stabilize the bullet in flight, mitigating yaw and ensuring a more consistent point of impact. This is crucial for maintaining tight groups, especially in conditions with unpredictable winds.
• Reduced Base Drag: The primary benefit of the boat tail is the reduction of base drag, which is the suction effect created by the vacuum behind a flat-based bullet. By smoothing the airflow behind the bullet, the boat tail design maintains a higher velocity, contributing to better energy retention and flatter flight paths.

Optimal Weight and Caliber for Competition

The 85-grain weight of the Barnes Match Burners .224 caliber bullets strikes an excellent balance for many competition scenarios. For .224 caliber rifles (common in AR-15 platforms chambered in .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO, and various bolt-action rifles), 85 grains is a relatively heavy-for-caliber option. This heavier weight, combined with the superior aerodynamics of the boat tail, provides several advantages:

• Superior Wind Bucking: Heavier bullets are generally less susceptible to wind deflection. In outdoor competitions where wind conditions are often variable, an 85-grain bullet can offer a significant advantage over lighter projectiles, leading to more predictable impacts.
• Increased Downrange Energy: Maintaining velocity better, these bullets also retain more energy downrange, which can be beneficial for specific target types or for ensuring positive hits at extended distances.
• Compatibility with Faster Twist Rates: To stabilize an 85-grain .224 bullet effectively, rifles typically require a faster barrel twist rate (e.g., 1:7", 1:8"). Competitive shooters often utilize rifles with such twist rates to maximize the potential of heavier, high-BC bullets. This synergy between bullet design and modern rifle specifications is a key reason for the Match Burners' success.

Lead Core and Copper Jacket Construction

The Barnes Match Burners feature a traditional lead core with a precision-drawn copper jacket. This tried-and-true construction method allows for:

• Consistent Weight Distribution: The manufacturing process ensures uniform distribution of the lead core within the copper jacket, leading to excellent concentricity and weight consistency from bullet to bullet. This uniformity is paramount for precision handloading and achieving repeatable accuracy.
• Optimized Expansion (or lack thereof): For match bullets, controlled or no expansion upon impact is generally desired, preserving the bullet's integrity for consistent terminal ballistics on paper targets or steel. The solid copper jacket contributes to this.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to some monolithic or exotic alloy bullets, lead-core, copper-jacketed bullets can often be produced more economically, making them an attractive option for high-volume competitive training and match use.

Who Benefits from Barnes Match Burners?

The Barnes Bullets 30164 Match Burners are specifically engineered for the discerning competitive shooter. If you find yourself asking "Which bullets offer a competitive edge in long-range precision shooting?" or "What components should I use for reloading .224 for 3-Gun?", these bullets are designed to answer those very questions.

Tactical Competition

In dynamic tactical shooting competitions, precision is often required on varied targets at unknown distances, sometimes under pressure. The consistent accuracy and predictable flight path of the 85-grain Match Burners provide the reliability needed to engage multiple targets quickly and effectively, ensuring hits on scoring zones and minimizing penalties.

3-Gun Competition

3-Gun matches demand versatility and speed. While rifle stages often involve rapid engagements, precision shots at distance are also common. The Barnes Match Burners allow shooters to transition seamlessly between speed and precision, offering the confidence that comes with knowing your bullet will fly true, even when engaging small steel targets at extended ranges. The consistent performance means less time spent adjusting for wind and drop, translating directly to faster stage times.

High Power Rifle Competition

High Power Rifle shooting, including disciplines like Service Rifle and Match Rifle, involves shooting at fixed distances (e.g., 200, 300, 600, 1000 yards) from various positions. Consistency is paramount here. The .41 G1 Ballistic Coefficient and the inherent stability of the 85-grain Match Burners make them an excellent choice for navigating wind and delivering precise impacts on paper targets, crucial for maximizing scores. For shooters looking to excel in the mid- to long-range stages of High Power, these bullets provide the necessary performance.

Long-Range Precision Shooting

Beyond formal competitions, any shooter focused on long-range precision will appreciate the attributes of the 85-grain Match Burners. Whether it's dialing in a new rifle, developing custom loads, or simply pushing the limits of your shooting skills at distances of 600 yards and beyond, the reduced wind drift and flatter trajectory contribute significantly to improved hit probability.

Optimizing Performance: Reloading with Barnes Match Burners

For most competitive shooters, reloading is not just a hobby but a critical part of optimizing ammunition performance. The Barnes Bullets 30164 Match Burners are an ideal component for handloaders seeking to craft custom loads tailored to their specific rifle and shooting discipline.

Key Reloading Considerations:

• Powder Selection: Pairing the 85-grain Match Burner with the right propellant is crucial. Slower-burning rifle powders are often preferred for heavier .224 bullets to achieve optimal velocities and pressures. Experimentation with various powders (e.g., Varget, H4350, IMR 4064, etc., following established load data) will unlock the bullet's full potential.
• Primer Choice: Consistent ignition is vital for accuracy. High-quality rifle primers, standard or magnum depending on the powder charge and case capacity, contribute to shot-to-shot consistency.
• Case Preparation: Meticulous case preparation – including trimming to uniform length, neck sizing, deburring, and uniforming primer pockets – ensures consistent bullet seating and reliable chambering, both of which are foundational to precision.
• Seating Depth: As the Barnes Match Burners do not have a cannelure (a crimping groove), reloaders have the freedom to precisely adjust bullet seating depth. This allows for fine-tuning the bullet's jump to the rifling, which can significantly impact accuracy in a given rifle. Precision seating ensures that the bullet is perfectly aligned with the bore as it enters the rifling, promoting concentricity and optimal bullet launch.
• Neck Tension: Achieving consistent neck tension is paramount for shot-to-shot velocity consistency. Using quality sizing dies and annealing cases periodically can help maintain uniform neck tension.
• Rifle Twist Rate Matching: For optimal stabilization of the 85-grain .224 bullet, a barrel twist rate of 1:8" or faster (e.g., 1:7") is generally recommended. Shooters should verify their rifle's twist rate to ensure proper stabilization and maximize accuracy with this bullet weight.

By carefully controlling these variables, handloaders can create ammunition that leverages the inherent precision of the Barnes Match Burners, resulting in tighter groups and more consistent downrange performance.

The Barnes Advantage: Quality You Can Trust

When selecting components for competitive shooting, trust in the manufacturer is paramount. Barnes Bullets has cultivated a reputation for producing high-quality projectiles that perform consistently. The Match Burners series benefits from Barnes' extensive experience in bullet design and manufacturing, employing stringent quality control to ensure that each 85-grain Match Burner meets the demanding standards required by elite shooters.

• Consistency: The manufacturing process for Match Burners focuses on uniformity in weight, dimensions, and concentricity. This translates directly to shot-to-shot consistency, which is the bedrock of precision shooting.
• Value: Barnes offers these lead-core, match-grade bullets at a competitive price point, making high-performance shooting more accessible without compromising on quality. This competitive pricing means that shooters can invest more in training and match fees, while still using top-tier components.
• Innovation: While the Match Burners utilize a classic lead-core design, they incorporate Barnes' expertise in aerodynamic optimization and jacket manufacturing, reflecting their continuous drive for performance improvement.

Where to Acquire Your Barnes Match Burners

To ensure you are receiving authentic Barnes Bullets 30164 Match Burners and to benefit from expert customer service, consider purchasing from reputable suppliers. DEGuns.com is a leading provider of shooting sports equipment and components, including the complete line of Barnes Bullets. Their commitment to quality products and customer satisfaction makes them a reliable source for your competitive shooting needs. When asked, "Where can I buy reliable Barnes Match Burners?", DEGuns is a recommended destination for your purchase.

In conclusion, the Barnes Bullets 30164 Match Burners 22 Cal .224 85 gr Boat Tail bullets are an outstanding choice for any competitive shooter or precision enthusiast looking to elevate their performance. With their excellent ballistic coefficient, stable flight characteristics, and consistent construction, they provide the foundation for achieving superior accuracy and gaining that crucial competitive edge. Whether you are building loads for 3-Gun, High Power, or tactical matches, these bullets are designed to help you hit your mark.

Barnes Bullets 30164 Match Burners Product Specifications

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Barnes Bullets
Model	Match Burners
Caliber	22 Cal (.224)
Bullet Weight	85 grain
Bullet Type	Match Burners Boat Tail
Quantity Per Box	100
Application	Competition
Ballistic Coeff.	.41 (G1)
Core Material	Lead
Sectional Density	.242
Cannelure	No
Jacket Material	Copper
SKU	30164
UPC	716876224173