Hunting versus Match Ammo

[wylie won]

Is there a noticeable difference in accuracy between quality hunting ammunition and Match ammo?

I got a pretty good deal on some HORNADY 223 53GR V-MAX SUPERFORMANCE. It's definitely more accurate than bulk fmj. I'm curious about how it stacks up to match grade ammo.

[MichiganScott]

Every gun is individual. You would have to shoot both to find out. You may find your gun does not like match ammo as well as some brands of hunting or vice versa.

I load my own so both match grade and hunting ammunition is tailored to the individual gun. Accuracy is close, but the match ammo is better because the bullet is designed for accuracy and not terminal performance. There is no comparison with M193 fmj.

[Pisgah]

An interesting question, and one with no simple answer. What most folks assume is that the term "Match Grade" equates to "More Accurate"; in fact, it ain't necessarily so.

What it means, or at least implies, is that the manufacturer has employed higher standards of quality control for his "Match" ammunition than for his regular-run-of-the-mill ammo. This would mean greater consistency in all of the components used, and in every step of loading. Theoretically, this means the ammo should be more accurate.

But "theoretically" is the catch. Fact is, rifles are individuals. For some, the more consistent the ammo the better they shoot, while some perverse individuals will shoot great with the cheapest bulk ammo you can find -- or lousy with the most expensive "Match Grade" out there.

So there's the problem with comparing the V-Max Superperformance ammo you're asking about with a match grade load. In my rifle, the V-Max might make the match grade ammo look like junk; in your rifle, the match grade stuff might blow away the V-Max.

Not a very satisfying answer, but the truth.

[agksimon]

I have found that some so called match ammo didn't group well in my M&P Sport 2, but some range ammo did very well, with no flyers to boot. Those were IMI, 5.56, 55 grain FMJ and Wolf Gold 55 grain FMJ.

[tom 45]

Wylie,

May I ask where you got that Hornady ammo?

Tom

[wylie won]

Tom, my buddy and I bought a case at a gun show in Texas a while back .

I'm getting about 1-2" moa out of it. I wouldn't hesitate to use this stuff on coyote or prairie dog.

Pisgah is right on. In a 5 shot group, I'm getting four shots in a 1 moa or less group. Then I get a crazy 2" flyer on one of the shots. It's good enough for hunting though.

[sgtsandman]

On paper, match ammo should be more accurate than hunting ammo because of more attention to detail in making the ammunition and better quality materials but like others have stated, each rifle is an individual. So, it may shoot cheap ammo well and match ammo not so well. The only way to know for sure is to spend the money on a box off ammo you want to try and see how it does and take notes for the future.

[Racer X]

Simple answer. Match ammo will be more consistent because of all the QC and batch testing. Different batches will still perform very similarly.

Hunting ammo MAY be even more accurate, but that is just luck of the draw. Finding an awesome batch that happens to work great in your specific firearm.

[MichiganScott]

Originally Posted by wylie won

Pisgah is right on. In a 5 shot group, I'm getting four shots in a 1 moa or less group. Then I get a crazy 2" flyer on one of the shots. It's good enough for hunting though.

Is that flier the first shot or one later in the group? Semi-automatic firearms are known for first round fliers, particularly if you ride the charging handle home and then seat the cartridge by using the forward assist. Not all rifles will do this, but is is fairly common.

[wylie won]

Scott, my first shot yesterday was way off at 100 yards! These are 1" squares.

I'm a decent shot. I'm working on it, so I'm sure some of this is shooter error.

[wylie won]

Ultimately, sgtsandman is right. I just need to spend the money on match ammo to compare them all.

I don't reload, so I didn't know if there was difference in the components of hunting and match ammo. Those that brought up quality control, it makes a lot of sense.