New A-Tip Match Bullets from Hornady Have Aluminum Tips

Hornady has a new line of A-Tip bullets, fitted with precision aluminum tips. These machined, aluminum tips resemble the plastic tips used in many other bullets, but Hornady says its aluminum tips are longer and more uniform than typical plastic tips. Also aluminum tips will not deform during flight:

“We wanted to incorporate aluminum tips in a full line of match bullets for years because we can make longer tips than we can with polymer materials,” said Joe Thielen, Assistant Director of Engineering. “This longer tip is a key component that helps move the center of gravity of the bullet rearward, thus enhancing in-flight stability and reducing dispersion.”

Hornady claims the new A-Tip bullets have more consistent bullet-to-bullet Ballistic Coefficients (BCs) than conventional fully-jacketed bullets or plastic-tipped bullets. Hornady’s new A-Tip bullets are pricey. Expect to pay from $75 to $85 per 100-ct box of 6mm, 6.5mm, and .30-Cal A-Tips. These bullets should be available by late June 2019 from Graf & Sons, Midsouth Shooters Supply, and other vendors.

There are currently five A-Tip bullet types in three calibers: 6mm (.243), 6.5mm (.264), and .308 (7.62mm). These have impressive claimed G1/G7 BCs for their respective sizes and weights. Here are the A-Tip Bullets that can be pre-ordered now for expected delivery in late June:

A special A-Tip bullet seating stem (shown above) is required for optimal bullet seating. A-Tip bullet BC values have been measured at Mach 2.25 and corrected back to ICAO Standard Atmosphere (sea level, 59° F, 29.92 inHg, 0% humidity). For Mach 2.0 and Mach 1.75 BCs, go to hornady.com/BC.

A Different Kind of Packaging
Hornady delivers A-Tip bullets in lot-specific 100-count sequences. Unlike most bullets, these new A-Tips are NOT bulk-washed (presumably so as not to dent/chip the tips. Hornady provides a polishing bag.

Here’s what Hornady explains:

“Right off the press, the projectiles are sequentially packed, for ultimate lot consistent performance, ensuring your projectiles are truly YOURS every step of the way. Think of it like shooting with clones of your load every time (100 in each box)! Minimal handling throughout the process means there’s less of a chance of YOUR bullet being marred, scuffed, or altered, which is why each box is packaged with a Polishing Bag for you to give the final buff to your beautiful new projectiles!”