Hornady Frontier Cartridge: Unyielding Performance for Diverse Shooting Applications

For discerning shooters seeking a fusion of American manufacturing prowess and military-grade reliability, the Hornady 5.56 NATO 62 gr FMJ Frontier ammunition stands as a premier choice. This meticulously crafted cartridge, identified by UPC 090255711516, is designed to deliver consistent, dependable performance across a wide spectrum of shooting disciplines, from rigorous range training to effective small game and varmint control.

Who is This Ammunition For?

Are you an AR-15 owner looking for dependable and consistent ammunition for range practice or drills? Do you need a cost-effective yet high-quality round for plinking or general shooting? Perhaps you're a hunter seeking an ethical and accurate option for small game or varmint species. The Hornady Frontier 5.56 NATO 62 gr FMJ is engineered to meet the demands of:

• Competitive and Recreational Shooters: Providing consistent ballistics for accurate groupings and reliable function during training sessions, competitions, and general target practice.
• Hunters: Offering effective terminal performance for small game and varmint hunting, ensuring humane and efficient take-downs.
• Tactical Enthusiasts: Ideal for drills, scenario training, and maintaining proficiency with 5.56x45mm NATO firearms.
• General Firearm Owners: A versatile, high-quality, and accessible option for anyone who owns a rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO or .223 Remington.

This ammunition addresses common shooter concerns such as inconsistent performance, unreliable feeding, and the search for an affordable yet premium training round. Hornady's Frontier series bridges the gap between bulk ammunition and precision match loads, offering an optimal balance of quality and value.

Why Choose Hornady Frontier 5.56 NATO 62 gr FMJ?

When it comes to selecting ammunition, reliability, consistency, and value are paramount. The Hornady Frontier line, particularly the 5.56 NATO 62 grain Full Metal Jacket offering, excels in these areas.

• Military-Grade Reliability: Built to stringent standards, this ammunition features robust brass cartridge cases and dependable Boxer primers. These components ensure consistent ignition and reliable cycling in a wide array of 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington firearms, including popular AR-15 platforms. This military-grade construction minimizes the chances of misfires or feed issues, a critical factor for any serious shooter.
• Exceptional Consistency: Hornady is renowned for its quality control, and the Frontier line is no exception. Shooters can expect consistent muzzle velocities (3060 fps) and energies (1289 ft lbs), leading to predictable ballistic performance downrange. This consistency is vital for improving accuracy, whether you're zeroing a new rifle, engaging targets at varying distances, or precisely placing shots on small game.
• Versatile Application: While primarily known for target shooting and training, the 62-grain FMJ bullet is also suitable for small game and varmint hunting. Its design provides reliable penetration, making it effective for species like prairie dogs, coyotes, and other similar-sized animals. For general range use, the Full Metal Jacket design is often preferred as it is less prone to fragmentation and is widely accepted at most shooting facilities.
• American Made Quality: Each round of Frontier Cartridge ammunition is proudly manufactured in the USA, adhering to Hornady's rigorous quality assurance processes. This commitment to domestic production not only supports American jobs but also ensures a high standard of craftsmanship and material sourcing.

Understanding the 5.56x45mm NATO Cartridge

The 5.56x45mm NATO round is one of the most widely used rifle cartridges in the world, serving militaries and civilian shooters alike. Developed from the .223 Remington, the 5.56 NATO features slightly higher pressure specifications and a different chamber leade (throat) configuration, optimized for military applications. While many rifles chambered in .223 Remington can safely fire 5.56 NATO ammunition, it's always advisable to consult your firearm's manufacturer recommendations.

The 5.56 NATO is praised for its:

• Flat Trajectory: The relatively high velocity and light bullet weight contribute to a flat shooting trajectory, simplifying aiming at various distances.
• Low Recoil: Compared to larger rifle calibers, the 5.56 NATO offers manageable recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and extended shooting sessions without fatigue.
• Broad Availability: As a military standard, 5.56 NATO ammunition is widely available, making it a convenient choice for many shooters.

Hornady's Frontier 5.56 NATO adheres to the robust standards expected of this caliber, ensuring it performs reliably in all compatible firearms.

Deconstructing the 62 Grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Bullet

The 62 grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullet is a cornerstone of the Hornady Frontier 5.56 NATO offering. What exactly does FMJ mean, and why is it a popular choice?

• Construction: An FMJ bullet consists of a lead core fully encapsulated by a copper jacket. This design prevents lead fouling in the barrel and helps the bullet retain its shape upon impact, minimizing expansion.
• Weight (62 Grain): The 62-grain weight is a popular choice for 5.56 NATO, particularly for military and general-purpose applications. It offers a good balance of velocity and downrange energy, making it versatile for both target shooting and light hunting. While 55-grain is also very common, 62-grain often provides slightly better stability in rifles with faster twist rates (e.g., 1:7 or 1:9).
• Primary Uses:
  • Target Shooting and Plinking: The FMJ design is cost-effective to produce and provides consistent performance, making it ideal for high-volume practice at the range.
  • Training and Drills: Due to its reliable feeding and consistent ballistics, 62 gr FMJ is excellent for tactical training, allowing shooters to practice maneuvers and transitions with dependable ammunition.
  • Small Game Hunting: For species like coyotes, groundhogs, and other varmints, the penetration offered by an FMJ bullet can be effective, especially if shot placement is precise.

It's important to note that due to its non-expanding nature, FMJ ammunition is generally not recommended for self-defense or large game hunting where significant energy transfer and expansion are critical for stopping power. For those applications, hollow point or soft point bullets are typically preferred. However, for its intended purpose, the 62 gr FMJ bullet in the Hornady Frontier line excels.

Ballistics and Performance: What the Numbers Mean

Understanding the ballistic data associated with ammunition helps shooters predict performance and make informed choices. The Hornady Frontier 5.56 NATO 62 gr FMJ boasts impressive figures:

• Muzzle Velocity: 3060 fps (feet per second)
  • This high muzzle velocity indicates how fast the bullet leaves the barrel. A velocity of 3060 fps means the bullet is traveling incredibly fast, contributing to a flatter trajectory and reducing the need for significant holdovers at common shooting distances. This speed also translates to faster target acquisition and less time for external factors like wind to influence the bullet's path.
• Muzzle Energy: 1289 ft lbs (foot-pounds)
  • Muzzle energy represents the kinetic energy of the bullet as it exits the barrel. 1289 ft lbs is a significant amount of energy for a 5.56mm round, providing ample power for its intended uses. This energy is what allows the bullet to effectively transfer force to a target, whether it's punching clean holes in paper or humanely taking small game. Higher muzzle energy generally correlates with greater terminal effectiveness.

These specifications highlight the Hornady Frontier 5.56 NATO 62 gr FMJ as a potent and capable cartridge, engineered for excellent downrange performance.

The Foundation of Reliability: Brass Casings and Boxer Primers

The quality of ammunition components is crucial for consistent performance and safe shooting. Hornady Frontier Cartridge emphasizes these foundational elements:

• Brass Cartridge Cases: Brass is the industry standard for reusable, high-quality ammunition casings. Its properties allow for reliable feeding and extraction from firearms. After firing, the durable brass cases can also be reloaded by handloaders, offering additional value and customization options for those who engage in reloading. The robust construction ensures the case can withstand the pressures of firing without issue.
• Military-Grade Boxer Primers and Propellant: The Boxer primer is a widely used and highly reliable primer type, especially common in American-made and military ammunition. Its design allows for easy decapping and reloading. Coupled with military-grade propellant, these primers ensure consistent ignition, leading to uniform pressures and velocities shot after shot. This uniformity is a cornerstone of accuracy and reliable cycling in semi-automatic firearms.

Real-World Applications and Scenarios

Where does the Hornady Frontier 5.56 NATO 62 gr FMJ truly shine?

• Target Practice and Plinking: For a day at the range, this ammunition is an outstanding choice. Its consistency helps shooters hone their skills, practice various shooting positions, and zero their optics with confidence. The FMJ design is generally accepted at indoor and outdoor ranges, making it a versatile option for recreational shooting.
• Small Game and Varmint Hunting: If you're heading out to manage varmint populations or hunt small game like coyotes or groundhogs, the 62-grain FMJ offers sufficient penetration and energy for humane kills with proper shot placement. Its flat trajectory is beneficial for engaging smaller targets at varying distances in open fields.
• Training and Tactical Drills: For law enforcement, military personnel, or civilian enthusiasts who participate in tactical training, the Hornady Frontier provides a cost-effective yet reliable option for high-volume drills. Its consistent performance mimics duty ammunition characteristics, allowing for realistic training scenarios without excessive cost.
• General Purpose Shooting: For anyone owning a 5.56 NATO or .223 Remington rifle, keeping a stock of Hornady Frontier 62 gr FMJ is a smart move. It serves as an excellent all-around practice round that can also fill light hunting roles.

Maintaining Your Ammunition and Firearms

To ensure the longevity and reliable performance of your Hornady Frontier ammunition, proper storage is key. Ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. A sealed ammo can or container is ideal for protecting rounds from moisture and contaminants.

Regular firearm maintenance is also crucial. Using quality ammunition like Hornady Frontier helps minimize fouling, but consistent cleaning of your rifle's barrel, action, and chamber will ensure reliable feeding, extraction, and consistent accuracy over time.

The Hornady Legacy: A Trusted Name in Ammunition

Hornady Manufacturing Company has been a leading innovator in the ammunition industry since 1949. Their commitment to "Ten Deadly Words: Accurate, Deadly, Dependable" resonates through every product they create. The Frontier Cartridge line is a testament to this philosophy, bringing Hornady's legendary quality and ballistic expertise to a broader audience. When you choose Hornady, you're not just buying ammunition; you're investing in decades of ballistic research, precision engineering, and a proven track record of performance. Their dedication to producing American-made, military-grade components ensures that shooters can trust every shot. This product, SKU 50472, carries the Hornady promise of excellence, providing unwavering performance for your shooting needs.

Conclusion: Optimal Performance, Exceptional Value

The Hornady 5.56 NATO 62 gr FMJ Frontier ammunition (UPC: 090255711516) offers an unbeatable combination of military-grade reliability, consistent ballistic performance, and versatile application. Whether you're a seasoned competitor, a dedicated varmint hunter, or a recreational shooter enjoying a day at the range, this ammunition is engineered to exceed expectations. With its American-made quality, robust brass casings, dependable Boxer primers, and consistent 3060 fps velocity, it stands as a prime example of Hornady's commitment to excellence. For those seeking a go-to 5.56mm round that delivers on every front, the Frontier Cartridge is a smart and reliable choice. This ammunition is available for purchase at DEGuns, ensuring you have access to a dependable supply for all your shooting adventures.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Frontier Cartridge
Series	Centerfire Rifle
Model	Military Grade
Caliber	5.56x45mm NATO
Rounds Per Box	20
Casing Material	Brass
Muzzle Energy	1289 ft lbs
Muzzle Velocity	3060 fps
Game Type	Small Game
Application	Hunting, Target Practice
Boxes Per Case	25
Bullet Type	Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Bullet Weight	62 gr
SKU	50472
UPC	090255711516
MPN	FR260