Unveiling Precision: Hornady ELD Match .22 Cal .224 52 gr – The Apex of Long-Range Accuracy

Are you a competitive shooter striving for championship-level performance? Do you meticulously handload your ammunition, relentlessly pursuing the smallest possible groups at extreme distances? Or perhaps you're a serious precision target shooter who demands unwavering consistency from every single shot? If your goal is to conquer the nuances of long-range ballistics and achieve unparalleled accuracy, then the Hornady ELD Match .22 Cal .224 52 grain Extremely Low Drag-Match bullets (UPC 090255224917) are engineered specifically for your ambitions.

These aren't just any bullets; they are a testament to Hornady's unwavering commitment to innovation and precision. Designed from the ground up to solve the most critical challenges in long-range shooting – namely, inconsistent ballistic coefficients and unpredictable aerodynamic performance – ELD Match bullets deliver an unfair advantage to those who seek it.

What Makes Hornady ELD Match Bullets So Revolutionary?

At the core of the Hornady ELD Match series lies a synergy of advanced design principles and proprietary manufacturing technologies. Every element, from the tip to the boat tail, is optimized to deliver the highest possible ballistic coefficients (BCs) and surgical accuracy shot after shot, lot after lot.

The Heat Shield® Tip: A Game-Changer in Ballistic Consistency

One of the most significant breakthroughs in the ELD Match bullet design is the patented Heat Shield® Tip. Traditionally, polymer tips on bullets, while beneficial for initiating expansion or maintaining a sharp meplat, are susceptible to aerodynamic heating during flight. This heating can cause the tip to deform, changing its shape and, consequently, altering the bullet's ballistic coefficient mid-flight. This subtle change, though seemingly minor, can lead to significant variations in trajectory and impact point at long distances.

The Heat Shield® Tip completely eliminates this variable. Crafted from a specialized polymer that is immune to the effects of aerodynamic heating, it retains its perfect, uniform shape throughout the bullet's entire flight path. This ensures that the meplat (tip point) remains precisely as designed, providing a consistent and optimal aerodynamic profile from the muzzle to the target. For the discerning long-range shooter, this translates directly into:

• Unparalleled Ballistic Consistency: Your calculated trajectory holds true, as the BC of the bullet remains stable regardless of velocity or flight time.
• Reduced Vertical Stringing: By eliminating tip deformation, vertical dispersion on target is dramatically minimized, leading to tighter groups.
• Predictable Performance: Confidence in your ballistics, allowing you to make more precise wind calls and elevation adjustments.

Optimized Secant Ogive and Boat Tail Design

Beyond the revolutionary tip, the Hornady ELD Match bullets incorporate a sophisticated secant ogive profile. An ogive is the curved portion of the bullet's nose, and a secant ogive, specifically, is designed to reduce drag efficiently. This shape provides the optimum blend of a sleek, low-drag profile with stability in flight.

Coupled with a meticulously engineered boat tail design, these bullets achieve superior aerodynamic efficiency. The boat tail reduces drag by allowing the air to flow more smoothly around the base of the bullet, minimizing turbulence. The combination of the Heat Shield® Tip, the secant ogive, and the boat tail yields a bullet with the highest possible ballistic coefficient (BC) in its class. For the 52 grain .224 ELD Match, this impressive BC of .247 (G1) means:

• Flatter Trajectories: The bullet sheds less velocity over distance, requiring less elevation adjustment.
• Reduced Wind Drift: A higher BC bullet is less affected by crosswinds, making wind calls less critical and impact points more predictable.
• Retained Energy: More energy is carried downrange, which, while less critical for target shooting, indicates superior aerodynamic performance.

Advanced Manufacturing: AMP® Jacket Technology

Hornady's commitment to precision extends to the very construction of the bullet body. The AMP® (Advanced Manufacturing Process) jacket is a hallmark of Hornady's quality. These jackets are drawn to nearly zero wall thickness variation, ensuring an almost perfect concentricity and uniformity from bullet to bullet. This meticulous process results in:

• Exceptional Concentricity: The bullet's center of gravity is precisely aligned with its longitudinal axis, promoting stable flight and reducing wobble.
• Uniform Weight Distribution: Consistent jacket thickness contributes to an even distribution of the lead core, preventing imbalances that can cause flyers.
• Superior Accuracy: The unparalleled uniformity of the AMP® jacket is a cornerstone of the ELD Match bullet's renowned accuracy.

The lead core material is precisely formed within this jacket, ensuring a perfect balance and consistent weight, critical for shot-to-shot uniformity.

Who Benefits from Hornady ELD Match 52 gr Bullets?

These bullets are engineered for the discerning shooter who leaves nothing to chance.

• Competitive Precision Shooters: Whether competing in F-Class, benchrest, PRS (Precision Rifle Series), or other long-range disciplines, the consistent BC and inherent accuracy of the 52 gr ELD Match can provide that crucial edge. They answer the question: "What are the best .224 bullets for consistent scores in competition?"
• Dedicated Handloaders and Reloaders: For those who craft their own ammunition, these bullets offer an ideal component for developing highly accurate loads. Their uniform dimensions and consistent performance simplify the load development process, helping you find that "sweet spot" with your rifle. They address queries like: "How do I achieve sub-MOA groups with my .223/5.56 rifle?" or "What bullet components are crucial for precision reloading?"
• Long-Range Target Enthusiasts: If you enjoy pushing the limits of your rifle and your skills at extended distances, the ELD Match 52 gr provides the predictable performance needed for successful engagement of small targets far downrange. They are perfect for answering: "How can I reduce wind drift for my .224 rifle?" or "What bullet helps with precision shooting at 600 yards?"

Why Choose the 52 Grain ELD Match?

The 52-grain weight for a .224 caliber bullet strikes an excellent balance, making it highly versatile:

• Optimized for Many .223 Remington / 5.56 NATO Rifles: This weight often stabilizes well in common twist rates found in AR-15 platforms and bolt-action rifles (e.g., 1:9", 1:8", 1:7").
• Excellent Velocity Potential: Lighter for its caliber, the 52 gr can often be driven at higher velocities, potentially leading to flatter trajectories out to moderate long range.
• Reduced Recoil: Lighter bullets generally produce less recoil, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and more comfortable extended shooting sessions.

When asked, "What's a good all-around precision bullet for .223?", the 52 gr ELD Match is a prime candidate due to its balance of BC, weight, and compatibility.

Optimizing Your Load with Hornady ELD Match Bullets

To truly harness the potential of the Hornady ELD Match 52 gr bullets, careful handloading practices are recommended.

• Component Consistency: Pair these high-quality bullets with consistent brass, primers, and powder charges.
• Seating Depth: Experiment with seating depth (C.O.L. - Cartridge Over All Length) to find the optimal jump to the rifling for your specific rifle. Small adjustments can often lead to significant improvements in group size.
• Powder Selection: Research and test different powder types and charge weights known to perform well with 52 gr bullets in .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO.
• Chronograph Use: Utilize a chronograph to measure actual muzzle velocities. This data is crucial for accurate ballistic calculator inputs and verifying your load's performance.

Remember, the goal is to create a harmonized system where the bullet, powder, primer, and brass work in concert with your rifle's unique characteristics.

The Hornady Difference: A Legacy of Accuracy

Hornady has been a leading name in ammunition and bullet manufacturing for decades, synonymous with quality, innovation, and performance. Their dedication to research and development has consistently pushed the boundaries of ballistic science. When you choose Hornady ELD Match bullets, you're not just buying a component; you're investing in a legacy of precision. Their rigorous quality control and commitment to consistent performance from lot to lot ensure that the bullets you buy today will perform just as reliably as the ones you bought last year.

For shooters demanding the absolute pinnacle of performance and consistency in their long-range shooting endeavors, the Hornady ELD Match .22 Cal .224 52 gr bullets are an essential component. They offer a tangible advantage, helping you to achieve smaller groups, make more accurate wind calls, and ultimately, elevate your shooting to new heights.

Experience the difference that true ballistic superiority can make. These Hornady ELD Match bullets, renowned for their extreme consistency and superior accuracy, are readily available for your precision reloading needs.

Product Specifications & Features Summary

The Hornady 22491 ELD Match .22 Cal .224 52 gr Extremely Low Drag-Match 100 bullets are meticulously engineered for precision. Below is a detailed summary of their key attributes:

Feature	Specification	Benefit / Impact
Brand	Hornady	Trusted leader in bullet and ammunition manufacturing
Model	ELD Match	Optimized for extreme long-range accuracy
Caliber	.22 Cal	Ideal for popular .223 Rem / 5.56 NATO firearms
Bullet Diameter	.224	Standard diameter for .22 caliber rifles
Weight	52 gr	Excellent balance of velocity and BC
Bullet Type	Extremely Low Drag-Match	Designed for superior aerodynamic performance
Bullet Tip Material	Polymer	Patented Heat Shield® Tip for consistent BC
Core Material	Lead	Traditional, reliable bullet core material
Jacket Material	AMP® (Copper)	Advanced Manufacturing Process for exceptional uniformity
Ballistic Coefficient (G1)	.247	High BC for reduced wind drift and flatter trajectory
Sectional Density	.148	Indicator of bullet's penetration potential and aerodynamic efficiency
Cannelure	No	Smooth shank for precision seating and minimal bullet deformation
Application	Target Shooting	Specifically engineered for competitive and precision target use
Rounds Per Box	100	Standard quantity for reloaders
Boxes Per Case	40	Bulk packaging for serious reloaders and range use
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN)	22491	Unique identifier for this specific Hornady product
SKU	23092	Internal stock keeping unit
UPC	090255224917	Universal Product Code for identification and inventory