TESTED: NEW Hornady 6mm 120gr A-Tip

Hornady just announced the all-new 120-grain 6mm A-Tip, featuring an impressive 0.340 G7 BC—about 12% higher than the 110-grain A-Tip. In this launch-day first look, I tested pre-production bullets in both 6×47 Lapua and 6mm Creedmoor, achieving a 0.435-inch five-shot group with zero load development. We also take the new A-Tip into the lab to measure its weight, diameter, and length consistency and see how it compares with Hornady’s outstanding 110-grain A-Tip.

Disclaimer

Ultimate Reloader LLC / Making with Metal Disclaimer: (by reading this article and/or watching video content you accept these terms). The content on this website (including videos, articles, ammunition reloading data, technical articles, gunsmithing and other information) is for demonstration purposes only. Do not attempt any of the processes or procedures shown or described on this website. All gunsmithing procedures should be carried out by a qualified and licensed gunsmith at their own risk. Do not attempt to repair or modify any firearms based on information on this website. Ultimate Reloader, LLC and Making With Metal can not be held liable for property or personal damage due to viewers/readers of this website performing activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website. By accepting these terms, you agree that you alone are solely responsible for your own safety and property as it pertains to activities, procedures, techniques, or practices described in whole or part on this website.

About Hornady’s New 6mm 120-Grain A-Tip Bullet

The story of Hornady’s new bullet starts with the venerable 6mm 110-Grain A-Tip. Several years ago, I conducted in-depth tests on the 110-Grain projectile, with fantastic results from my 6mm Dasher.

I wasn’t sure at the time how much better the 6mm A-Tip could get, until Hornady released a heavier version! The 6mm 120-Grain A-Tip has a 0.340 G7 BC, 1.424” length, and performs best with a minimum 1-7” twist barrel. A 1-7.5” twist can perform well in the right environmental conditions at the right altitude.

From Hornady:

The new 6mm 120 gr. A-Tip Match bullet delivers an exceptional ballistic coefficient of G1: .675 / G7: .340, making it the lowest-drag 6mm bullet currently on the market. Designed for shooters seeking maximum aerodynamic efficiency and outstanding long-range performance, the 120 gr. A-Tip brings a new level of capability to the 6mm category.

Our Results

We ran our traditional lab tests on this bullet, measuring the diameter, length, and weight of a sample of ten with A&D and Mitutoyo equipment. Here is the data!

The results were incredibly consistent, particularly the length results. This is largely due to the precise production of the machined aluminum tip. (Watch our Hornady bullet testing video to learn more!) Across the board, all of our 120-grain lab results beat our 110-grain lab results.

Though the minimum twist rate for this bullet is 1-7”, the two test rifles we had on hand were both 1-7.5” twist. I began our tests with my custom 6mm x 47 Lapua, one of my personal favorite builds. I built this rifle around a BAT Hammerhead action in a WOOX Furiosa Ultra chassis with a Krieger barrel I chambered on my Precision Matthews 1440HVT-2 lathe.

This rifle also sports a Timney Calvin Elite Custom Rem700 trigger, Leupold Mark 4HD 6-24×52, and Hawkins Precision M5 DBM. I’ve begun taking a fouling shot into the backstop before shooting groups to avoid first-shot flyers. I’ve noticed that this has helped significantly. My first three-shot group measured 0.246”. Five shots measured 0.435” at 100 yards.

I was thrilled with this as I have conducted zero load development with this bullet. I used the load data I used for testing Berger’s 6mm 120-grain Long Range Hybrid Target Bullet, substituting the Hornady projectile. I loaded 37.8 grains of Winchester StaBALL 6.5 in 6mm x 47 Peterson Brass on a Dillon 550. StaBALL 6.5 meters very consistently on progressive presses! My average velocity was 2,779 fps with an 11.3 fps SD.

Kyle Shields followed with his HOWA 6mm Creedmoor. I built this rifle on the channel and rebarreled it with an International Barrels blank and JGS custom reamer.

My work improved the performance of this rifle, but it is definitely more particular than my 6mm x 47. Kyle managed a 0.5” three-shot group with the same StaBALL 6.5 load. Five-shot groups were larger. This rifle and bullet combination would definitely require some load development and perhaps muzzle device changes. I’ve noticed changing the brake or suppressor on a rifle can have a significant effect on precision.

Conclusion

I was incredibly impressed by these bullets, particularly how they performed in my 6mm x 47 without load development.

They were incredibly consistent, more so than the 110-Grain A-Tip in weight, diameter, and length with an approximately 12% higher BC! I’m curious to see how these new bullets will perform in a faster 1:7 twist rifle and look forward to shooting long range when the fire danger subsides.