Unleash Unrivaled Precision: Exploring the Hornady Match 6.5mm .264 140 Grain BTHP Bullet

For serious precision shooters, competitive marksmen, and dedicated handloaders, the quest for the ultimate in accuracy is a never-ending journey. Achieving sub-MOA groups at extended ranges demands not just skill and a finely tuned rifle, but also ammunition components that deliver absolute consistency. This is where the Hornady 26335 Match 6.5mm .264 140 Grain Boat Tail Hollow Point (BTHP) bullet stands apart, engineered from the ground up to redefine what's possible in long-range performance. If you're looking to consistently hit steel plates at 1,000 yards, dominate your next PRS (Precision Rifle Series) or NRL (National Rifle League) match, or simply demand the best possible accuracy from your 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .260 Remington, or similar 6.5mm cartridge, understanding the intricate design and benefits of this bullet is crucial.

The Pinnacle of Consistency: Why Precision Matters

Why is consistency paramount in long-range shooting? Every minute variable, from bullet weight discrepancies to jacket concentricity irregularities, amplifies over distance, leading to frustrating flyers and missed targets. Shooters who spend countless hours developing loads and refining their technique understand that the bullet itself is a critical variable. An inconsistent bullet can negate the most meticulous reloading practices and the most skilled trigger pull. The Hornady Match line, exemplified by the 140 grain 6.5mm BTHP, is specifically designed to minimize these variables, providing a foundation for repeatable, exceptional accuracy.

Imagine preparing for a critical stage in a precision rifle competition. The wind is shifting, the target is small, and every shot counts. The last thing you need is a bullet that deviates from its intended path due to manufacturing inconsistencies. The Hornady Match 140 gr BTHP is the answer to this challenge, built to deliver shot after shot reliability, allowing shooters to trust their ballistic data and focus on fundamentals.

Revolutionary Engineering: The AMP (Advanced Manufacturing Process) Jacket

At the heart of the Hornady Match bullet's unparalleled performance is its revolutionary AMP (Advanced Manufacturing Process) bullet jacket. This isn't just an incremental improvement; it's a technological leap that addresses one of the most critical factors in bullet manufacturing: concentricity. Traditional bullet jackets, while generally good, can sometimes have minute variations in wall thickness or concentricity that, though invisible to the naked eye, can profoundly impact a bullet's flight path.

The AMP jacket is manufactured with an unprecedented level of precision. Hornady's proprietary process ensures that the bullet jacket walls are uniform to within a few microns – a level of consistency previously unattainable in mass production. This extreme uniformity guarantees a perfectly balanced bullet. Why is this important? A perfectly concentric jacket ensures that the bullet spins true along its axis as it travels down the bore and through the air. Any imbalance, even microscopic, can cause a bullet to wobble or precess, leading to increased drag, reduced ballistic coefficient, and ultimately, a less predictable trajectory. For shooters aiming for small targets at vast distances, the consistent flight provided by the AMP jacket is a game-changer, significantly reducing the impact of bullet-induced dispersion.

Aerodynamic Excellence: Secant Ogive and Optimized Boat Tail Design

Beyond the jacket, the Hornady Match 140 grain 6.5mm BTHP is a masterclass in aerodynamic design. Its geometric profile is meticulously engineered to produce low drag and flatter trajectories, allowing the bullet to retain more energy and resist wind deflection more effectively over long distances.

• Secant Ogive Design: This advanced design provides optimum bearing surface for stability in flight while simultaneously maximizing the ballistic coefficient (BC). Unlike tangent ogives, which have a more gradual curve, a secant ogive has a sharper, more pointed nose. This allows the bullet to slice through the air with less resistance, translating to higher retained velocity and less bullet drop. For the shooter, this means less holdover or fewer clicks on the scope turret, simplifying complex long-range shots. The enhanced stability provided by the bearing surface ensures the bullet remains perfectly aligned with its flight path, even when encountering challenging atmospheric conditions. The specified ballistic coefficient of .580 for this 140 grain bullet is exceptionally high for its weight class, indicating superior performance in mitigating wind drift and retaining velocity.
• Optimized Boat Tail: The angle and length of the boat tail are not generic; they are unique and precisely optimized for each caliber and weight of Hornady Match bullet to maximize ballistic coefficient and performance. A boat tail design reduces drag by minimizing the vacuum created at the base of the bullet as it flies. By allowing the air to flow smoothly around the bullet's base, it prevents turbulence that would otherwise slow the projectile down and make its flight less predictable. For the 140 grain 6.5mm BTHP, this specific optimization contributes significantly to its high BC and inherent stability, particularly as the bullet transitions from supersonic to transonic speeds, a phase often associated with increased instability for less optimized bullet designs.

Precision Swaged Cores: The Foundation of Accuracy

While the jacket provides the external form, the core is the internal engine of the bullet. Hornady Match bullets utilize precision swaged lead cores. Swaging is a manufacturing process that compresses lead into a precise shape and density. This method ensures uniform weight distribution throughout the core, which is critical for balance. Any imbalance in the core, no matter how small, can lead to a wobble or tumble effect during flight, significantly degrading accuracy. Coupled with the AMP jacket, these precision cores contribute to the overall balance and consistency that define the Hornady Match bullet, ensuring that each projectile is an exact replica of the last. This meticulous attention to detail in core manufacturing is yet another reason why these bullets consistently deliver tight groups.

Real-World Applications and Benefits for the Shooter

Who benefits most from the Hornady Match 6.5mm .264 140 Grain BTHP?

• Competitive Shooters: Whether you're competing in PRS, NRL, F-Class, or local benchrest matches, these bullets are designed to give you an edge. Their consistent performance minimizes variables that can cost you points, allowing you to focus on your shooting technique and wind calls. Many top competitors rely on Hornady Match bullets for their proven track record of winning.
• Long-Range Enthusiasts: If your passion is stretching the limits of your rifle and your own skill by shooting at extreme distances, the high ballistic coefficient and predictable flight characteristics of these bullets are indispensable. They make it easier to calculate drops and wind corrections accurately, leading to more satisfying hits.
• Dedicated Handloaders: For reloaders who obsess over every detail of their ammunition, these bullets provide a consistent foundation. Their uniform dimensions and concentricity simplify the loading process and help achieve maximum accuracy potential from custom loads. When you are meticulously weighing powder charges and seating bullets with precision, you need a bullet that complements your efforts, not undermines them.
• Hunters (with careful consideration): While primarily designed for match shooting, some hunters utilize these bullets for specific applications where legal and ethical, especially for smaller game or for long-range target practice that simulates hunting scenarios. However, it's crucial to understand that BTHP "Match" bullets are not designed for expansion like dedicated hunting bullets and may not provide optimal terminal performance on larger game. Always check local regulations and ethical considerations for hunting.

Addressing Common Questions About Match Bullets

How do Hornady Match bullets differ from hunting bullets?

Match bullets, like the 140 grain BTHP, are engineered for extreme accuracy and consistency, prioritizing ballistic performance and stability over expansion. They typically feature a hollow point that is part of the manufacturing process for concentricity, not designed for terminal expansion upon impact. Hunting bullets, conversely, are designed for controlled expansion to create a larger wound channel and ensure humane kills on game animals.

Can I use these bullets for hunting?

While it is technically possible to load them for hunting, Hornady Match bullets are not optimized for terminal performance on game animals. Their primary purpose is precision target shooting. For ethical hunting, it is always recommended to use bullets specifically designed for hunting, which reliably expand and transfer energy.

What is the ideal twist rate for a 140 grain 6.5mm bullet?

For optimal stability and accuracy with a 140 grain 6.5mm bullet, a barrel twist rate of 1:8" or faster (e.g., 1:7.5") is generally recommended. This twist rate ensures the bullet is adequately stabilized for its length and weight, particularly at longer ranges. Most modern 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC rifles feature 1:8" twist rates, making them an excellent match for this bullet.

What factors contribute to a bullet's ballistic coefficient?

The ballistic coefficient (BC) is a measure of a bullet's ability to overcome air resistance during flight. Key factors influencing BC include the bullet's shape (ogive design, boat tail), weight, and diameter. Longer, more aerodynamic bullets with efficient boat tails typically have higher BCs, meaning they retain more velocity and are less affected by wind. The 140 grain 6.5mm BTHP with a BC of .580 is designed for exceptional long-range performance.

How does Hornady ensure the quality of their Match bullets?

Hornady's commitment to quality is evident in their manufacturing processes. From the proprietary AMP jacket technology to precision swaged cores and stringent quality control, every step is geared towards producing bullets with unmatched consistency. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest standards for weight, concentricity, and ballistic performance. This dedication to precision is what builds trust among serious shooters worldwide.

Trust Hornady for Your Precision Needs

Hornady has a long-standing reputation for producing innovative and high-quality ammunition components. Their dedication to scientific research, advanced manufacturing, and rigorous testing ensures that products like the Match 6.5mm .264 140 Grain BTHP bullet consistently deliver on their promise of superior accuracy. When you choose Hornady Match bullets, you're not just buying a component; you're investing in a critical part of your precision shooting system, one that's designed to help you achieve your most ambitious accuracy goals.

For those committed to pushing the boundaries of precision, the Hornady Match 6.5mm .264 140 Grain BTHP is more than just a bullet – it’s a meticulously crafted tool engineered for winning. Experience the difference that true consistency and advanced ballistic design can make in your shooting. These exceptional bullets, identified by UPC 090255263350, are widely available and a top choice for discerning shooters.

Ready to elevate your long-range performance? These Hornady Match 6.5mm .264 140 Grain BTHP bullets are available to enhance your reloading efforts and improve your precision shooting.

Hornady Match 6.5mm .264 140 Grain BTHP Specifications

Category	Specification	Detail
Bullet Type	Match BTHP	Boat Tail Hollow Point Match
Weight	140 grains (gr)	Precision swaged lead core
Caliber	6.5mm	.264 inch diameter
Ballistics	Ballistic Coefficient	.580 (G1)
	Sectional Density	.287
Construction	Jacket Material	Advanced Manufacturing Process (AMP) Copper
	Core Material	Lead
Packaging	Rounds Per Box	100
	Boxes Per Case	15
Product IDs	Manufacturer Part No.	26335
	SKU	72088
	UPC	090255263350
Application	Primary Use	Match / Target Shooting
Brand	Manufacturer	Hornady