Unleashing Precision: The Hornady Traditional Varmint .22 Cal .224 50 gr Spire Point SX Bullet

For dedicated varmint hunters, precision reloaders, and enthusiasts of classic rifles, the quest for the ideal projectile often leads to a blend of heritage and cutting-edge performance. The Hornady Traditional Varmint .22 Cal .224 50 grain Spire Point SX bullet stands as a testament to this pursuit, offering an exceptional combination of flat trajectory, devastating terminal performance, and reliable accuracy across a spectrum of .22 caliber firearms. This isn't just another bullet; it's a meticulously crafted component designed to give you the definitive edge in controlling varmint populations and achieving consistent, humane results in the field.

Who Are These Bullets For?

Are you a seasoned varmint hunter seeking to improve your long-range precision on prairie dogs or groundhogs? Perhaps you’re a reloader looking for a highly consistent and cost-effective bullet that performs reliably even at lower velocities in classic rifles like the .22 Hornet, or delivers blistering speeds in modern .223 Remington and .22-250 Remington chambers. Or maybe you simply demand superior terminal ballistics for humane dispatch of nuisance animals like coyotes and foxes. If any of these resonate, the Hornady Traditional Varmint Spire Point SX bullet is engineered precisely for your needs. Its design harks back to the original standards set by Joyce Hornady himself, ensuring that tradition meets contemporary performance.

Solving Key Challenges for Varmint Hunters and Reloaders

What problems does this specific Hornady bullet solve for you?

• Achieving Flat Trajectory: Varmint hunting often involves shots across varying distances. The streamlined design of this Spire Point bullet ensures a flat trajectory, minimizing holdover adjustments and increasing your hit probability at extended ranges.
• Consistent Terminal Performance: The "SX" (Super Explosive) design means rapid, explosive expansion upon impact. This is crucial for humane dispatch, minimizing suffering and ensuring effective energy transfer to the target. For small varmints, this means a clean, decisive kill.
• Reliability in Diverse Rifles: Many varmint hunters prefer classic firearms, which may not always push bullets to extreme velocities. The Hornady Traditional Varmint bullet is specifically engineered to perform exceptionally well even at lower velocities, making it a perfect match for a wide range of rifles, including older models.
• Superior Accuracy for Reloaders: For those who craft their own ammunition, consistency is paramount. The match-grade copper jacket and precision lead core contribute to exceptional uniformity, which translates directly into tighter groups on paper and in the field.
• Minimizing Ricochets: While no bullet eliminates ricochets entirely, the explosive nature of the SX design helps to ensure that the bullet fragments upon impact, transferring all its energy into the target and reducing the chance of dangerous ricochets, particularly important in areas with varied terrain.

Deep Dive into the Design and Features

The Hornady Traditional Varmint bullet isn't just a generic projectile; it's a product of careful engineering and Hornady's long-standing commitment to quality.

• Streamlined Spire Point Profile: This classic bullet shape is a cornerstone of ballistic efficiency. The pointed nose reduces air resistance, helping the bullet maintain velocity and resist wind drift more effectively over longer distances. This aerodynamic advantage is key to its "flat trajectory" promise.
• 50 Grain Weight: At 50 grains, this .224 diameter bullet strikes an excellent balance. It’s light enough to be driven at very high velocities in powerful cartridges like the .22-250 Remington or .220 Swift, yet heavy enough to stabilize well in most common .22 caliber rifle twist rates, including those found in popular .223 Remington firearms. This versatile weight ensures optimal performance across a wide range of loads and rifle platforms.
• .224 Caliber Diameter: This is the standard diameter for most modern .22 centerfire rifle cartridges, including the ubiquitous .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, .22 Hornet, and others. This ensures broad compatibility for reloaders.
• Lead Core and Match-Grade Copper Jacket (AMP): The foundation of any accurate bullet lies in its construction. Hornady utilizes a precision-formed lead core, which is then encased in their Advanced Manufacturing Process (AMP) copper jacket. The AMP jacket is renowned for its near-perfect concentricity and uniform wall thickness. This meticulous manufacturing process eliminates variations that can cause instability in flight, directly contributing to the bullet’s exceptional accuracy. This level of quality is what makes it a "match-grade" component, even for a varmint bullet.
• SX (Super Explosive) Design: This is perhaps the most defining feature for varmint applications. The Spire Point SX is engineered to expand violently and fragment upon impact, even at lower velocities. This ensures that the bullet delivers all its energy within the target, creating a large wound cavity and ensuring a quick, humane kill for small to medium-sized varmints. For species like prairie dogs, this often results in dramatic, immediate results, minimizing suffering.

Unpacking the Ballistics: Ballistic Coefficient and Sectional Density

Understanding the numbers behind your bullet can help you predict its performance and make informed reloading decisions.

• Ballistic Coefficient (BC): .214: The Ballistic Coefficient is a measure of a bullet's ability to overcome air resistance in flight. A higher BC indicates less drag, meaning the bullet retains more velocity and energy over distance, and is less affected by wind. A BC of .214 for a 50-grain varmint bullet is excellent, contributing significantly to its advertised "flat trajectory" and superior performance at longer ranges, which is crucial for successful varmint hunting.
• Sectional Density (SD): .142: Sectional Density relates a bullet’s mass to its diameter. It's an indicator of how well a bullet will penetrate. A higher sectional density for a given caliber generally means better penetration. While varmint bullets are designed for rapid expansion rather than deep penetration, the .142 SD for the 50-grain .224 bullet ensures sufficient initial penetration before the explosive expansion occurs, ensuring the bullet can reach its target efficiently even through light hide or fur.

Optimal Performance in Classic and Modern Rifles

One of the standout attributes of the Hornady Traditional Varmint bullet is its adaptability.

• For Classic Varmint Rifles (.22 Hornet, .222 Remington): These cartridges often operate at lower velocities compared to their more modern counterparts. The Hornady SX bullet is designed to expand reliably even at these reduced speeds, making it an ideal choice for hunters who cherish their vintage rifles but still demand modern performance. You don't have to compromise on terminal effect.
• For Modern High-Velocity Cartridges (.223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, .220 Swift): When pushed to higher velocities in cartridges like the .223 Rem or .22-250 Rem, the 50-grain Hornady SX transforms into an even more explosive projectile. The increased speed accentuates its rapid fragmentation, making it incredibly effective for immediate, decisive kills on all types of varmints. Its excellent ballistic coefficient ensures that this performance is maintained even as velocities drop over extended ranges.

What Makes Hornady a Trusted Name in Ammunition Components?

Hornady has been a cornerstone of the shooting sports industry for decades, built on a legacy of innovation and quality initiated by Joyce Hornady. When you choose Hornady components, you’re not just buying a bullet; you’re investing in:

• Unwavering Quality Control: Every Hornady bullet is subject to rigorous quality checks to ensure consistent weight, diameter, and jacket concentricity. This attention to detail is paramount for accuracy.
• Innovative Design: Hornady consistently pushes the boundaries of bullet technology, but also respects proven, traditional designs that work. The SX bullet is a prime example of refining a classic concept for modern performance.
• Commitment to Performance: From hunting to competition, Hornady’s products are designed with the shooter’s success in mind. Their bullets are developed through extensive research, testing, and real-world application.

Reloading Considerations for the Hornady Traditional Varmint Bullet

For reloaders, the Hornady 2240 bullet is a dream component. Its consistent dimensions and reliable performance make developing accurate and effective loads straightforward.

• Powder Selection: These 50-grain bullets pair well with a wide variety of propellants suitable for .22 centerfire cartridges. For the .223 Remington, common choices include Varget, H335, CFE 223, and Benchmark. In .22-250 Remington, IMR 4064, H414, and RL-15 are popular. For the .22 Hornet, Hodgdon Lil’Gun or H110 often yield excellent results. Always consult up-to-date reloading manuals for specific powder charges and safety data.
• Primer Choice: Small Rifle primers (standard or magnum, depending on powder and temperature) are generally appropriate for these cartridges.
• Seating Depth: Experimenting with seating depth can often fine-tune accuracy in a specific rifle. Given the spire point design, ensuring sufficient neck tension and a consistent crimp (if applicable) is beneficial.
• Case Preparation: As with all precision reloading, consistent case length, trimmed flash holes, and uniform primer pockets will contribute to optimal accuracy when paired with these high-quality bullets.

Where to Acquire Your Hornady Traditional Varmint Bullets

When you're ready to enhance your varmint hunting or reloading capabilities, look no further than DEGuns.com. DEGuns is your reliable source for a comprehensive selection of Hornady bullets, including the highly effective Hornady Traditional Varmint .22 Cal .224 50 grain Spire Point SX. With a commitment to customer satisfaction and a deep inventory of top-tier shooting components, DEGuns makes it easy to acquire the precise ammunition and reloading supplies you need to succeed in the field or at the bench. Trust Hornady’s proven performance and DEGuns’ dependable service for all your shooting endeavors.

Hornady Traditional Varmint .22 Cal .224 50 gr Spire Point SX Key Specifications

The table below provides a concise overview of the critical specifications for the Hornady Traditional Varmint bullet, offering quick reference for reloaders and shooters.

Feature	Specification	Description
Brand	Hornady	A leading manufacturer of ammunition, bullets, and reloading components, known for quality and innovation.
Series	Varmint	Specifically designed and optimized for hunting small game and nuisance animals.
Model	Traditional	Reflects a classic, proven design philosophy, updated with modern manufacturing techniques.
Caliber	22 Cal	Refers to the bullet's intended use in .22 centerfire rifle cartridges.
Bullet Diameter	.224	The precise diameter of the bullet, compatible with standard .22 caliber rifle barrels (e.g., .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem).
Weight	50 gr	The mass of the bullet, measured in grains, offering a versatile balance of speed and downrange energy for varmints.
Bullet Type	Spire Point SX	A pointed bullet profile for aerodynamic efficiency, featuring Hornady's "Super Explosive" design for rapid, violent expansion upon impact.
Bullet Tip	Lead	The exposed lead tip facilitates immediate expansion upon contact.
Core Material	Lead	The dense internal material of the bullet, providing weight and stability.
Jacket Material	AMP Copper	Advanced Manufacturing Process copper jacket, known for exceptional concentricity and uniform thickness, contributing to superior accuracy.
Bullet Coating	Copper	The external layer of the bullet, providing structural integrity, preventing lead fouling, and aiding in barrel sealing.
Application	Varmint	Primary intended use for hunting small, destructive animals such as prairie dogs, groundhogs, coyotes, and foxes.
Coefficient	.214 BC	The Ballistic Coefficient (G1), indicating the bullet's aerodynamic efficiency and ability to resist air drag, leading to flatter trajectories.
Sectional Density	.142 SD	A measure relating the bullet's weight to its diameter, providing an indicator of its potential for penetration.
Rounds Per Box	100	The quantity of bullets included in each retail box, suitable for substantial reloading projects.
Boxes Per Case	40	The number of individual boxes typically packaged together in a bulk case for larger volume purchasing or storage.
SKU	99643	Hornady's internal Stock Keeping Unit for this specific product.
MPN	2240	The Manufacturer's Part Number, a unique identifier for this bullet from Hornady.
UPC	090255222401	The Universal Product Code, a barcode symbology used worldwide for tracking trade items.