Latest Loads: Barnes 52-gr. Match Burner

Barnes Bullets is best known for its leadless projectiles, such as the famous X-series; however, the company also manufactures top-notch lead-core bullets—the Match Burner bullets are one example. Available in 52-, 69- and 85-gr. weights, the flat-base, hollow-point bullets are built to competition-quality tolerances, yet sell for around $0.20 to $0.22 each, making them perfect for formal competition, marksmanship practice or plinking. The .223 Rem. load below features the 52-gr. Match Burner, which is easily stabilized in all twist rates common to the chambering. Given its respectable performance in a no-frills MSR with a “pencil”-profile, 16.2" barrel on a hot, humid day; I can only imagine the load’s capabilities in a precision or varmint rifle with a full-length “bull” barrel in cooler conditions.