Federal Gold Medal 224 Valkyrie 90 Grain Sierra MatchKing BTHP Ammunition (200 Round Case)

For serious shooters who demand unparalleled precision and consistent performance from their AR-platform rifles, the Federal Gold Medal 224 Valkyrie 90 Grain Sierra MatchKing Boat-Tail Hollow Point (BTHP) ammunition represents the pinnacle of factory-loaded long-range capability. This isn't just ammunition; it's a meticulously engineered solution designed to extend your effective range, tighten your groups, and provide a definitive edge in competitive shooting or demanding varmint hunting scenarios.

Who Is This Ammunition For? Elevating Your Shooting Experience

This premium 224 Valkyrie ammunition is specifically crafted to meet the rigorous demands of several distinct user groups:

• Long-Range Precision Shooters: Individuals who regularly engage targets at 500 yards and beyond, seeking the absolute tightest groups and predictable ballistics.
• Competitive Riflemen: Participants in precision rifle series (PRS), high-power rifle matches, or benchrest competitions where every point and every millisecond counts.
• Varmint and Predator Hunters: Those who require flat-shooting, highly accurate ammunition for ethical and effective dispatch of challenging game like coyotes, prairie dogs, and other small to medium-sized predators at extended distances.
• AR-15 Platform Enthusiasts: Owners of modern sporting rifles chambered in 224 Valkyrie looking to unlock the full accuracy potential of their firearms without the complexities of hand-loading.
• Reloaders Seeking Benchmarks: Even experienced reloaders can benefit from understanding the high-performance standards set by Federal Gold Medal, using it as a benchmark for their own custom loads.

What Problems Does This Ammunition Solve?

• Inconsistent Accuracy at Range: Generic ammunition often suffers from variations in components and manufacturing, leading to poor group sizes. Federal Gold Medal eliminates this by using match-grade components and stringent quality control.
• Difficulty Engaging Distant Targets: The .224 Valkyrie's inherent ballistic advantages, combined with the 90-grain Sierra MatchKing BTHP, translate to less bullet drop and wind drift, making those 800-yard shots far more achievable.
• Subpar Performance in AR-Platform Rifles: While many cartridges can be adapted to the AR-15, the .224 Valkyrie was specifically designed to maximize its performance within this platform's constraints, offering magnum-like ballistics in a standard AR-15 frame.
• Lack of Trust in Ammunition: Knowing your ammunition is built to exacting standards by a reputable manufacturer like Federal provides critical confidence when it matters most – whether in a match or in the field.
• Tedious Ballistic Calculations: With a consistent muzzle velocity and high ballistic coefficient, calculating your drops and wind holds becomes more straightforward and reliable.

The Heart of Precision: The .224 Valkyrie Cartridge

The .224 Valkyrie cartridge, introduced by Federal Premium in 2017, was an ambitious endeavor to bring long-range ballistic performance typically associated with larger, heavier cartridges into the popular AR-15 platform. Engineered from the ground up to excel in this specific firearm type, the .224 Valkyrie quickly gained traction among serious shooters for its exceptional capabilities.

Why Choose .224 Valkyrie for Long-Range Shooting?

The design of the .224 Valkyrie prioritizes a key metric for long-range performance: ballistic coefficient (BC). It achieves this by being optimized to launch heavy-for-caliber, high-BC bullets – like the 90-grain Sierra MatchKing BTHP – at impressive velocities from an AR-15's typical barrel lengths.

• Superior Ballistics: Compared to other AR-15 compatible cartridges like the .223 Remington/5.56 NATO, the .224 Valkyrie offers significantly less bullet drop and wind drift beyond 500 yards. This means more energy on target and a higher probability of first-round hits at extended distances.
• AR-15 Compatibility: It fits into a standard AR-15 receiver, utilizing existing bolt faces (requiring a 6.8 SPC bolt or a dedicated .224 Valkyrie bolt) and magazines, making conversion relatively straightforward for enthusiasts.
• Velocity and Energy: The cartridge is designed to push heavy 22-caliber bullets at velocities that maintain their stability and energy, crucial for both target impact and humane hunting. With a stated muzzle velocity of 2700 Feet Per Second (FPS) and a muzzle energy of 1457 Foot-Pounds (ft/lb) from this Federal Gold Medal loading, it delivers substantial power downrange.
• Reduced Recoil: While powerful, the recoil profile of the .224 Valkyrie in an AR-15 platform is surprisingly manageable, allowing for faster follow-up shots and reduced shooter fatigue during extended shooting sessions or competitions.

Unpacking the Performance: Federal Gold Medal Ammunition

Federal Premium Ammunition's "Gold Medal" line is synonymous with competition-grade accuracy and consistency. It represents the pinnacle of their factory-loaded offerings, utilizing the finest components and the most stringent quality control measures.

What Makes Federal Gold Medal Stand Out?

1. Match-Grade Components: Every element of Gold Medal ammunition, from the primer to the powder and especially the bullet, is selected for its consistency and contribution to accuracy.
2. Sierra MatchKing Bullets: The cornerstone of this specific loading is the 90-grain Sierra MatchKing Boat-Tail Hollow Point (BTHP) bullet. Sierra MatchKing bullets are globally recognized and trusted by competitive shooters for their exceptional precision, consistent flight paths, and superior ballistic coefficients.
   • Boat-Tail Design: The tapered base (boat-tail) significantly reduces aerodynamic drag, helping the bullet maintain velocity and resist wind deflection over long distances. This is a critical factor for achieving a flatter trajectory and less wind drift.
   • Hollow Point (HP) for Accuracy: Unlike expanding hunting hollow points, the "hollow point" on a MatchKing bullet serves a different purpose. It's a manufacturing artifact that helps ensure absolute concentricity and balance of the bullet, rather than being designed for terminal expansion. This precision in manufacturing contributes directly to the bullet's inherent accuracy.
   • 90-Grain Weight: This specific bullet weight is optimized for the .224 Valkyrie, providing an ideal balance of ballistic coefficient and velocity for impressive long-range stability and performance.
3. Proprietary Primers and Powders: Federal uses specially formulated powders and their own reliable Gold Medal primers, ensuring consistent ignition and optimal burn rates for maximum velocity and minimal standard deviation in performance.
4. Rigorous Quality Control: Each batch of Gold Medal ammunition undergoes meticulous inspection and testing, ensuring that every round adheres to the highest standards of uniformity and performance. This commitment to quality is what earns Federal Gold Medal its legendary reputation among serious shooters.
5. Made in the USA: This ammunition is proudly manufactured in the United States, supporting domestic production and adhering to strict quality standards.

Real-World Applications and Use Cases

How does this 200-round case of Federal Gold Medal 224 Valkyrie 90 Grain BTHP ammunition translate into tangible benefits for the shooter?

Precision Target Shooting and Competition

• Consistent Grouping: For benchrest shooters and those aiming for sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups at 100 yards and beyond, the consistent muzzle velocity and superior ballistic profile of the 90-grain Sierra MatchKing BTHP will immediately be apparent. Expect tighter clusters on paper, helping you achieve higher scores in competitions.
• Predictable Trajectory: When engaging multiple targets at varying distances in a precision rifle match, reliable drop data is paramount. The uniformity of this ammunition allows for more accurate ballistic calculations and holds, reducing the guesswork and increasing your hit probability on first shot.
• Wind Resistance: One of the greatest challenges in long-range shooting is wind. The high ballistic coefficient of the 90-grain BTHP bullet means it is less affected by crosswinds, allowing you to make smaller wind corrections and maintain accuracy even in challenging conditions.

Varmint and Predator Hunting

• Ethical and Effective Harvests: While not designed for large game, the 90-grain Sierra MatchKing BTHP can be highly effective for ethical dispatch of varmints and predators like coyotes, bobcats, and prairie dogs. Its high velocity and stability ensure precise bullet placement, which is crucial for a clean harvest.
• Extended Range Capability: For hunters who need to take shots across wide-open fields or over varied terrain, the .224 Valkyrie’s flat trajectory significantly increases your effective hunting range, minimizing the need to stalk closer and risk spooking game.
• Minimal Fur Damage (for Pelts): While it is a hollow point, the BTHP design typically does not expand violently like a soft point or polymer-tipped hunting bullet, which can be advantageous for preserving pelts if that is a consideration for the hunter. However, its primary design is for accuracy, not terminal expansion.

Training and Practice

• Building Confidence: Using the same high-quality ammunition for practice as you would for competition or hunting builds confidence and familiarity with your rifle's performance. The consistent feel and recoil allow you to truly master your shooting mechanics.
• Data Collection: For serious shooters, collecting ballistic data is an ongoing process. The consistency of Federal Gold Medal provides a reliable baseline for understanding your rifle’s true capabilities and fine-tuning your long-range shooting skills.
• Cost-Effectiveness for Bulk: While premium ammunition, purchasing in a 200-round case offers a practical bulk solution for regular users, ensuring you have enough supply for significant range sessions or multiple competitive events.

Maximizing Your .224 Valkyrie Performance

To truly unleash the potential of your Federal Gold Medal 224 Valkyrie ammunition, consider these factors:

• Quality Barrel: A high-quality barrel, ideally with a 1:7 or 1:6.5 twist rate, is essential for stabilizing the heavier 90-grain bullets of the .224 Valkyrie.
• Optics: Invest in a reliable long-range optic with clear glass, precise adjustments, and potentially a good reticle for holdovers and wind calls.
• Support Gear: A stable shooting platform (bipod, shooting bags, rest), a quality trigger, and a well-maintained rifle will all contribute to maximizing the accuracy potential of this ammunition.
• Ballistic Solvers: Utilize modern ballistic calculators (apps or devices) that can accurately predict bullet drop and wind drift based on your specific ammunition, environmental conditions, and rifle data.

Key Performance Indicators & Specifications

When evaluating ammunition for long-range precision, certain metrics are critical. The Federal Gold Medal 224 Valkyrie 90 Grain BTHP delivers on these fronts:

• Bullet Weight (90 Grains): Optimal for ballistic performance in the .224 Valkyrie, providing excellent downrange energy and wind resistance.
• Bullet Style (Boat-Tail Hollow Point - BTHP): The Sierra MatchKing BTHP is renowned for its aerodynamic efficiency and pinpoint accuracy.
• Caliber-Gauge (.224 Valkyrie): A purpose-built long-range cartridge for the AR-15 platform.
• Muzzle Velocity (2700 FPS): A high initial speed that translates to a flatter trajectory and reduced time to target.
• Muzzle Energy (1457 ft/lb): Significant energy delivery at the muzzle, which translates to effective energy downrange.
• Quantity (200 Round Case): A convenient bulk package for serious shooters, ensuring you have enough ammunition for practice, competition, or hunting trips.

The combination of Federal Premium's renowned Gold Medal standards and the legendary Sierra MatchKing bullet makes this 224 Valkyrie offering a top-tier choice for anyone serious about pushing the boundaries of their AR-15's long-range capabilities. It's an investment in precision, consistency, and ultimately, success on the range or in the field. This premium ammunition is readily available from reputable firearms retailers like DEGuns, a trusted source for high-quality shooting supplies.

Feature	Detail
Caliber	.224 Valkyrie
Bullet Style	Boat Tail Hollow Point (BTHP)
Bullet Weight	90 gr.
Muzzle Velocity	2700 FPS
Muzzle Energy	1457 ft/lb
Rounds per Case	200
Made In	USA
UPC	604544630275
SKU	KIT-10-604544630275