The first step of a Precision Hunter build is to choose a caliber capable of the name. For that, American Rifleman's Joe Kurtenbach selected one of his favorite cartridges—the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Just days before the annual NASGW showcase, Hornady has rolled out its new-for-2016 product announcements. Chief among them, as far as hunters are concerned, is the upcoming Hornady Precision Hunter line.
Hornady's Precision Hunter line was already due to expand in 2017, with the addition of .270 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, .280 Remington, .300 Winchester Short Magnum and .300 Weatherby Magnum. But, thanks to the skyrocketing interest in 6mm Creedmoor, the folks from Grand Island, Neb., are adding it to the line, too.
Most modern bullets use polymer tips, but polymer melts at 320-345 degrees Fahrenheit, while bullets can reach temperatures greater than 800 degrees during flight. To counter this, Hornady created the ELD-X hunting bullet with its Heat Shield Tip, which sports a melting point above 700 degrees and degrades far less, making for a more accurate bullet with a higher ballistic coefficient. The company then loaded it in its Hornady Precision Hunter ammo line.
The Ruger American has some great features—hammer-forged barrel, reliable action, crisp trigger—but many would not consider the molded, polymer stock to be among them. With that in mind, American Rifleman's Joe Kurtenbach went with an aftermarket solution in his quest to build a precision hunting rifle.
Ammunition companies have been trying for decades to build a better bullet, especially the tipped variety. There are plenty of options on shelves, and for most hunters there’s no reason to upgrade. But wait. What about those seeking perfection and wanting to push the envelope to 600 yards or beyond? That’s the trend today.