Hornady Traditional Varmint .22 Caliber .224 60 GR Spire Point bullets

Welcome to an in-depth exploration of a foundational choice for varmint hunters and precision shooters seeking reliable performance and unparalleled accuracy. These bullets, available in a convenient 100-box quantity, embody a legacy of excellence in ammunition component manufacturing, carrying the weight of Joyce Hornady's original design philosophy.

For decades, hunters and reloaders have asked, "What's the best bullet for achieving flat trajectories and devastating terminal performance on small game without compromising accuracy?" The answer, for many, remains the Hornady Traditional Varmint. This specific offering, identified by its MPN 2270 and UPC 090255222708, is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of varmint control, delivering consistent results whether you're targeting prairie dogs across vast expanses, coyotes at extended ranges, or other nuisance animals.

Unrivaled Design for Varmint Control

The core of the Hornady Traditional Varmint bullet's success lies in its meticulously crafted design. Unlike some modern, complex bullet structures, the Traditional Varmint adheres to a proven, straightforward principle: maximize efficiency and terminal performance through classic engineering. This bullet features:

• Streamlined Spire Point Profile: This sharp, pointed nose design is crucial for cutting through the air with minimal resistance. What does this mean for you? It results in a remarkably flat trajectory, reducing the need for extensive holdover at longer distances. This is a critical advantage when engaging small, often elusive varmints where a precisely placed shot is paramount.
• Lead Core Construction: The dense lead core provides the necessary mass and stability for excellent ballistic performance. It's a tried-and-true material that ensures consistent weight distribution, contributing directly to the bullet's inherent accuracy.
• Match-Grade Copper Jacket: Encasing the lead core is a precision-drawn copper jacket. This isn't just any jacket; it's match-grade. This signifies an extremely tight tolerance in manufacturing, ensuring uniformity from bullet to bullet. The copper jacket prevents barrel leading, maintains bullet integrity during flight, and works in tandem with the lead core to facilitate controlled expansion upon impact, delivering the rapid energy transfer essential for effective varmint dispatch.
• Flat Base Design: While some bullets feature boat tails for improved long-range stability, the Hornady Traditional Varmint employs a flat base. This design is particularly effective at stabilizing the bullet quickly out of the muzzle, making it an excellent performer at common varmint hunting ranges and even at lower velocities. This characteristic makes it highly compatible with a wide array of classic varmint rifles, which might not always benefit from boat-tail designs in the same way modern, high-velocity rifles do.

Why Hornady Traditional Varmint is a Top Choice

When considering bullets for varmint hunting or general target shooting, a common question arises: "How do I ensure reliable performance across various conditions?" The Hornady Traditional Varmint addresses this through its robust design and inherent versatility.

Many experienced shooters and reloaders opt for these bullets because they offer:

• Exceptional Accuracy: The precise manufacturing process, combined with the balanced design, results in outstanding accuracy. Shooters can expect to achieve tight groups, translating directly to more successful hunts and satisfying range sessions.
• Reliable Expansion: Upon impact, the Spire Point and lead core/copper jacket combination are designed to expand rapidly and effectively. This rapid energy transfer is vital for quickly and humanely dispatching varmints, minimizing suffering and ensuring clean kills. For hunters concerned with minimizing pelt damage on certain species, the predictable performance of these bullets can be a significant advantage.
• Performance at Low Velocities: One of the unique selling points of the Hornady Traditional Varmint is its ability to perform extremely well even at lower velocities. This is particularly beneficial for cartridges that operate at moderate speeds or for situations where a softer impact is desired without sacrificing efficacy.
• Compatibility with Classic Varmint Rifles: If you own a venerable .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, or .220 Swift, you'll find these bullets perfectly suited. Their design, including the flat base, often harmonizes exceptionally well with the twist rates and chamber dimensions of older, cherished varmint rifles, allowing them to truly shine.
• Value for Reloaders: For those who meticulously craft their own ammunition, the Hornady 2270 bullets offer an excellent component. Available in boxes of 100, they provide a consistent and high-quality bullet for developing precise loads tailored to specific rifles and applications. Reloaders frequently praise the uniform weight and jacket concentricity, which simplifies load development and contributes to superior end-product accuracy.

Understanding Ballistic Performance: What Do the Numbers Mean?

For shooters who delve into the science of ballistics, two key figures provide insight into a bullet's performance: Ballistic Coefficient (BC) and Sectional Density (SD).

• Ballistic Coefficient (BC): .264

  The Ballistic Coefficient is a measure of a bullet's aerodynamic efficiency – how well it overcomes air resistance during flight. A higher BC indicates a more aerodynamic bullet that retains velocity better and is less affected by wind drift. For the Hornady Traditional Varmint 60 GR Spire Point, a BC of .264 is excellent for its weight and profile within the .224 caliber. This means it will maintain a flatter trajectory and carry more energy downrange compared to bullets with lower BCs, which is crucial for those longer shots typical in varmint hunting scenarios.

• Sectional Density (SD): .171

  Sectional Density is a ratio of a bullet's mass to its cross-sectional area. It's an indicator of a bullet's ability to penetrate. A higher SD generally means deeper penetration. For a 60-grain .224 caliber bullet, an SD of .171 suggests a good balance of penetration and rapid energy release upon impact, ideal for varmints. It's enough to ensure clean kills on small to medium-sized varmints without excessive over-penetration that might occur with bullets designed for much larger game.

Combined, these figures illustrate why the Hornady Traditional Varmint bullet is so effective. Its design is a thoughtful balance between trajectory, energy retention, and terminal performance, making it a highly efficient projectile for its intended purpose.

Ideal Applications for the Hornady Traditional Varmint

So, who will benefit most from using the Hornady 2270 60 GR Spire Point bullets, and in what situations do they excel?

• Prairie Dog and Groundhog Hunting: These bullets are legendary in the world of prairie dog and groundhog hunting. Their flat trajectory makes connecting with these small targets at extended distances more achievable. The rapid, destructive expansion ensures quick, humane kills, which is paramount for responsible hunting.
• Coyote and Fox Control: While primarily designed for smaller varmints, the 60-grain weight provides enough mass and energy for effective coyote and fox control, especially when shots are well-placed. The reliable expansion helps in dispatching these animals efficiently.
• Pest Management: For landowners dealing with various agricultural pests, these bullets offer a dependable solution, combining accuracy with effective terminal performance.
• Reloading for Precision: Shooters who hand-load their ammunition to achieve custom levels of precision for benchrest shooting or highly accurate hunting setups will find these components to be an excellent foundation for their efforts. The consistency of Hornady bullets is a significant asset in load development.
• Classic Rifle Enthusiasts: If you cherish a vintage .22-250 or .223 rifle and want to load it with bullets that respect its original design parameters while delivering modern performance, the Traditional Varmint is an exceptional choice.

The Hornady Legacy: A Foundation of Trust

When you choose Hornady bullets, you're not just getting a product; you're investing in a legacy of American craftsmanship and innovation. Founded by Joyce Hornady, the company has always been committed to the principle of "Ten bullets through one hole." This dedication to extreme accuracy and quality control is evident in every Hornady Traditional Varmint bullet. From the precise drawing of the copper jacket to the consistent pouring of the lead core, each step in the manufacturing process is meticulously managed to ensure uniform performance.

This commitment translates into tangible benefits for the shooter: fewer fliers, more consistent velocities, and the confidence that your ammunition components will perform exactly as expected, shot after shot. This level of trustworthiness is why Hornady remains a preferred brand among serious hunters and competitive shooters worldwide. Whether you are stocking up for the next hunting season or refining your reloading bench, the Hornady Traditional Varmint bullets represent a smart and reliable choice.

These Hornady components, including the 2270 60 GR Spire Point bullets, are readily available for your reloading and hunting needs. You can find these and other high-quality shooting sports products at DEGuns, ensuring you have access to the components that will help you achieve your desired results in the field or at the range. DEGuns provides a wide selection of ammunition components from reputable manufacturers like Hornady, making it convenient to acquire everything you need for your next varmint hunt or reloading project.

Key Specifications and Details

To summarize the essential characteristics of the Hornady 2270 Traditional Varmint 22 Caliber .224 60 GR Spire Point bullets:

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Series	Varmint
Model	Traditional
Caliber	22 Cal (.224)
Bullet Type	Spire Point
Bullet Weight	60 grains
Core Material	Lead
Jacket Material	Copper (Match-Grade)
Ballistic Coefficient (BC)	.264
Sectional Density (SD)	.171
Rounds Per Box	100
Application	Varmint Hunting, Precision Shooting, Reloading
MPN (Manufacturer Part Number)	2270
UPC (Universal Product Code)	090255222708