Understanding the Heart of the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match
Key Design Elements
At its core, the designation “68 gr BTHP Match” tells us a great deal about this remarkable projectile. The “68 gr” signifies the bullet’s weight – sixty-eight grains, a standard measurement in the world of ammunition. The “BTHP” is the key to the bullet’s exceptional performance. It stands for “Boat Tail Hollow Point,” a design that combines two crucial elements for superior accuracy.
The boat tail is a tapered base. The boat tail design decreases the drag and optimizes the bullet’s aerodynamic profile. It’s the equivalent of streamlining a race car, enabling it to cut through the air with minimal resistance. This design contributes to a higher ballistic coefficient, which is one of the primary reasons the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match performs so well at longer ranges.
The hollow point is a small cavity at the tip of the bullet. This feature, while not designed for expansion in this specific match bullet, serves two purposes: it enhances aerodynamic stability and helps to ensure a more uniform bullet construction. As the bullet spins in flight, the hollow point contributes to a consistent center of gravity, contributing to better accuracy.
Construction and Quality
Beyond these key design elements, the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match bullet is built to exacting standards. The jacket, the outer layer surrounding the lead core, is meticulously crafted to ensure uniform thickness. This is critical for achieving consistent bullet flight and preventing any imbalances that could affect accuracy. The core itself is also made to exacting specifications, ensuring consistency from bullet to bullet. These manufacturing processes are what make the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match a true match-grade bullet.
Key Features and Benefits: The Secret to Match-Grade Precision
The Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match bullet boasts a range of features that set it apart from the competition, making it a preferred choice for shooters seeking exceptional accuracy. These features translate directly into significant performance advantages.
High Ballistic Coefficient
One of the most important attributes is the high ballistic coefficient (BC). The BC is a measure of a bullet’s ability to overcome air resistance in flight. A higher BC indicates that the bullet is more aerodynamic and resists wind deflection better. This is critical for achieving accuracy at longer ranges, where the effects of wind and gravity are more pronounced. The specific BC of the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match varies slightly depending on the source, but is usually around .350 to .370, making it a leader in its class.
Exceptional Accuracy
This high BC, combined with the bullet’s consistent construction, contributes significantly to its outstanding accuracy. Shooters often report sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups with this bullet. That means at one hundred yards, the bullet consistently strikes within a circle just over an inch in diameter. This level of precision is what makes this bullet a favorite among competitive shooters and anyone looking for the tightest possible groups. This accuracy results in tighter shot groupings, meaning more consistent results on the target.
Consistent Performance
The consistency of the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match bullet is another significant advantage. Each bullet is manufactured to the same precise specifications, ensuring that every shot performs in a nearly identical manner. This uniformity minimizes variations in trajectory and wind drift, ultimately contributing to better results on the range. A consistent bullet reduces variables, which leads to more predictable and repeatable shooting.
Value and Affordability
While match-grade bullets can be expensive, the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match offers an excellent balance of performance and value. It is often priced more affordably than some of its competitors, making it accessible to a wider range of shooters. This makes the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match a practical choice for serious target shooters who also want to keep costs down.
Ideal Applications and Uses: Where the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match Excels
The Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match bullet is designed to perform optimally in specific applications, and its performance characteristics make it a good option for different shooting disciplines. Understanding these applications will ensure that the bullet is used to its full potential.
Target Shooting
Target shooting is where the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match truly shines. Its inherent accuracy and consistent performance make it an excellent choice for any form of target practice. This includes disciplines like high-power rifle competition, where the bullet is used to engage targets at distances of up to yards. In general target practice, this bullet’s ability to deliver precise shots also elevates the experience.
Caliber Compatibility
The Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match is ideally suited for the .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO cartridges. The .223 Remington is the more common commercial cartridge, while the 5.56x45mm NATO is the military designation for the same cartridge. While the bullet can technically be used in various rifles, its performance is optimized for the .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO cartridges.
Barrel Twist Rate
Barrel twist rate is another crucial factor. The twist rate refers to the rate at which the rifling in the barrel causes the bullet to spin. A barrel that is too slow will not impart enough spin to stabilize the bullet, leading to inaccurate shots. For the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match, a twist rate of one in eight inches (1:8″) is usually recommended. The 1:8″ twist stabilizes the bullet effectively, resulting in optimal accuracy.
Reloading Considerations
When reloading, the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match bullet offers significant flexibility. The choice of powder is critical for achieving optimal performance. Many experienced reloaders favor powders like Varget, Reloader, and Accurate 2520, and these powders are known for their consistency and performance with the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match. When reloading, following recommended powder load data is crucial. The primer choice is equally important. Federal Gold Medal Match primers and CCI BR-4 primers are popular choices for match-grade accuracy.
Bullet seating depth, the distance from the bullet’s tip to the lands of the rifling, also influences accuracy. Experimenting with different seating depths can help to fine-tune the performance. Generally, match shooters seat their bullets very close to the lands, often with just a few thousandths of an inch of “jump” or sometimes even touching the lands.
Performance Comparison: Standing Out from the Crowd
In the competitive world of match-grade bullets, it’s helpful to understand how the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match stacks up against its main rivals. Two other popular match bullets are the Sierra MatchKing 69 gr BTHP and the Nosler Custom Competition 69 gr HPBT. Comparing performance parameters can offer insights.
Comparing with Sierra MatchKing 69 gr BTHP
The Sierra MatchKing 69 gr BTHP is also a respected match bullet, often praised for its accuracy. It usually has a slightly higher BC, often around .305 to .320, but the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match often offers comparable or even superior accuracy depending on the rifle and load.
Comparing with Nosler Custom Competition 69 gr HPBT
The Nosler Custom Competition 69 gr HPBT is another excellent bullet for match shooting. This bullet offers very consistent weight and excellent accuracy potential. The Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match remains competitive in terms of accuracy and price.
The choice between these bullets often comes down to personal preference, and any difference in performance between the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match and these competitors will be incremental.
Conclusion: Precision Defined
The Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match bullet is a remarkable example of precision engineering. From its boat tail and hollow point design to its consistent manufacturing, everything is built to provide exceptional accuracy and reliability. It excels in target shooting and is compatible with the popular .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO cartridges. It provides an excellent balance of accuracy, consistency, and value, making it a popular choice for a broad audience.
Whether you are a competitive shooter aiming for the highest scores or a dedicated marksman striving for tighter groups, the Hornady 68 Gr BTHP Match is an outstanding bullet that delivers on its promise of precision. It’s a testament to Hornady’s commitment to quality and innovation in the world of ammunition. By choosing this bullet, you are choosing a tool that can bring you closer to achieving your shooting goals.
