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1-800-338-3220
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1-800-338-3220
THE ANATOMY OF A 
HORNADY® BULLET
1.	 THE MEPLAT
Defined as “the diameter of the end 
of the tip of the projectile.” Careful 
attention is paid to the meplat because its 
diameter and uniformity contribute to the 
aerodynamic efficiency of the bullet.
2.	 THE TIP*
Hornady® is recognized as a world leader 
in bullet tip development. Although small, 
the tip has a bigger impact on overall 
performance than perhaps any other 
portion of the bullet. Innovations such 
as DVRT™ (Drag variability Reduction 
Technology)t have led to breakthroughs in 
accuracy and aerodynamic efficiency. At 
extended range, the proper tip can reduce 
vertical stringing, retain downrange 
velocity and energy, and initiate expansion.
3.	 THE JACKET
Using advanced manufacturing processes 
and decades of bullet engineering 
experience, we precisely control jacket 
thickness for optimum controlled 
expansion. Our AMP® bullet jackets* 
have virtually zero runout and near 
zero wall thickness variation.
4.	 THE CORE
Hornady® bullets have three core varieties. 
First, the traditional swaged lead core 
provides uniformity and balance for 
consistent performance and accuracy. Second, 
the nontraditional lead-free core (NTX®) offers 
a phenomenal option when non-lead bullets 
are required. Lastly, our coreless monolithic 
one-piece copper alloy bullets won’t separate 
and deliver deeper penetration.
5.	 THE CANNELURE*
The cannelure provides a consistent crimp 
location, and works with the InterLock® ring 
to control expansion. Cannelures are also 
found in select Hornady® bullet lines where 
semi-automatic or lever gun use is desired.
6.	 THE INTERLOCK® RING*
The raised InterLock® ring is embedded 
in the bullet’s core, ensuring the core and 
jacket remain locked during expansion to 
retain mass and increase penetration. This is 
found in many Hornady® hunting bullets, but 
is not used in match or varmint offerings.
7.	 THE BASE
Hornady® bullets primarily come in two 
styles: boattail and flat base. A boattail 
design is used to lower the drag at extended 
range, while the traditional flat base design is 
often used for shooting at moderate range.
*Not found on all bullets.
Base
Head 
Height
Bearing 
Surface
Meplat
(MAY-plah)
Tangent 
Ogive
Base
Line
Secant 
Ogive
SECANT OGIVE DESIGN
Pioneered by Hornady,® this technology broke new ground in ballistic engineering and 
is now used in bullets for everything from match to varmint shooting. The secant ogive 
is a geometrically developed design that creates the most ballistically efficient profile, 
yet retains the optimum bearing surface. The combination of the slender point and 
increased bearing surface results in lower drag, increased stability, flatter trajectories, 
and amazing accuracy.
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