Valkyrie Video Fest — New .224 Valkyrie Unveiled
Do we really need a new, high-performance .22-caliber cartridge for the AR15 platform (aka MSR 15). Federal thinks so. Federal has introduced a .22-Caliber Hot Rod cartridge — the .224 Valkyrie. Designed to out-perform the .223 Rem and .22 Nosler while still running well in ARs, the new .224 Valkyrie offers excellent long-range performance when loaded with heavy, high-BC bullets.
The performance is impressive. Federal says that, when loaded with a 90-grain Sierra MatchKing bullet, the .224 Valkyrie will stay supersonic all the way to 1300 yards, while offering substantially less recoil than other AR-friendly cartridges such as the 6.5 Grendel.
Here are three videos that give insight into the .224 Valkyrie cartridge and rifle options. We think the two applications that make most sense for this new cartridge are: 1) PRS Gas Gun matches (Open Class) — you get 6mm Creedmoor ballistic performance with much less recoil for faster shot transitions; and 2) Long-Range (400+ yards) varminting — you get performance similar to a 22-250 in a cartridge that works with your existing AR15 lower. That will really help with those long shots on P-dogs.
.224 Valkyrie PRS Gas Gun Demo Run
The new .224 Valkyrie is basically a 6.8 SPC case necked down to .22-caliber. You can use your existing AR15 lower, but you will need a dedicated .224-Valkyrie upper, or at the minimum a new barrel, modified bolt with proper bolt face, and 6.8-compliant mags. In this video, a shooter runs a tactical course using a rig chambered for the .224 Valkyrie. You can see how it functions 100%. This video also provides ballistic comparisons with other “enhanced performance” AR15 cartridges.
.224 Valkyrie vs. .22-250 Remington
The Social Regressive explains: “There are two key reasons why the 224 Valkyrie is unique and desirable. First, it is specifically designed to fit the limitations of the AR-15 platform. It does so even when loaded with gigantic bullets, like the 90-grain SMK that Federal announced. .22-250 Rem is too long and too fat to work in the AR-15 platform; it needs an AR-10 bolt and magazine.”
Image from .224 Valkyrie Video from The Social Regressive, linked below.
“Does this mean that the 22-250 is now outmoded? Not even close. Varminters depend upon its flat trajectory and inherent accuracy. It’s a handloader’s dream cartridge, and the factory ammunition out there works well, too. If, however, you want a semiauto platform or you want to shoot longer distances, .224 Valkyrie looks like it will be the logical choice [with fast twist-rate barrels and high-BC bullets].”
New Savage MSR 15 in .224 Valkyrie
Savage Arms has a new AR15-platform rifle chambered in .224 Valkyrie. This will debut at SHOT Show 2018. The new Savage MSR 15 Valkyrie has some nice features: crisp two-stage trigger, adjustable gas system, and tough Cerakote finish on lower and upper. The 5R-rifled, 18″-long barrel comes from the factory with an effective muzzle brake. MSRP is $1499.00. We wish the barrel was a bit longer (at least 22″), but the adjustable gas system is a nice feature that lets you tune the cycling for your ammo and shooting discipline.
Savage has high hopes for this rifle. With 90gr Federal factory ammo, it produces only half the recoil of larger cartridges with similar long-range performance. Here is a video showing a prototype Savage with a 22-inch barrel. The Ammo was Federal Premium pushing a 90gr SMK at 2680 fps. Note how “calm” the rifle stays on the bags. There is no muzzle lift and rearward recoil is minimal (see 0:10). You could work a varmint field very effectively with this rifle.
Savage MSR 15 Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.Similar Posts:
- New Hot-Rod .224 Valkyrie Cartridge from Federal
- 224 Valkyrie Video Showcase — Field Tests and Reloading Info
- Hodgdon Releases Load Data for .224 Valkyrie
- Valkyrie Velocity: Barrel Cut-Down Test with 60, 75, 90 grainers
- .224 Valkyrie Barrel Cut-Down Velocity Test — 4 Ammo Types
Tags: .224 Valkyrie, 22-250, AR15, Federal Premium, Guns America, msr 15, Savage Arms, The Social Regressive
Interesting but personally Id rather see the round in 6mm than .224.
A 223 bullet is way to light for PRS. It will never make it. That said they sure are pushing this thing hard.
Just Checked Graf & Son and no dies or brass or ammo listed as yet, so when will it be available. Hornaday had 6.5 Creedmoor stuff out quick after rollout didn’t they?
Marketing at its best! Put the 204 Ruger data in there for varminting.
Midsouth has dies listed on their site and MidwayUSA has ammo… I’d bet when the 1st of the year comes most vendors will be stocked.
I can get 2700 fps out of my 223 gas gun with 90g berger bullets and a 26″ kreiger barrel 7 twist. So why do I need this??
.223, .224 , 5.56 mm… Why, after almost fifty years, are the AR-fanboys still trying to convince us that this is a useful, functioning weapon? Mr. Stoner designed it in .308 for a reason. High-powered BB guns are just that …my .02 cents worth, for what that’s worth . lol
So why did they not campare the 224V to the 224 Grendel? or how about the 6mm Grendel? (hint the grendel case is larger)