What is the .224 Valkyrie?
Dr. John Woods 02.06.18
The what? That’s right, you read it correct the first time. The .224 Valkyrie is the latest new kid on the block. It is not a wildcat or some pipe dream of a basement or garage ballistician making up newfangled cartridges. Apparently this one is the real deal. But, what exactly is it?
There are no shortcuts to the development of the .224 Valkyrie. Essentially it is a 90 grain round using a 6.8 bullet then necked down to the .224. In design the bullet is very stable at long range, reportedly out to 1000 yards. That’s rather impressive for a 90 grain pill travelling that far. So, our ears perked up.
Next, this new round was developed it seems in house by Federal ammunition. It outperforms the newish .22 Nosler, the 6.5 Grendel and the 5.56 in just about every way there is. Its engineered ballistics are scary close to the 6.5 Creedmoor, but able to deliver such out of an AR-15 platform. We’re still listening aren’t we?
Of these cartridges mentioned in comparison to the Valkyrie, this round has the energy delivery of the 6.5 Grendel, the drift of the 6.5 Creedmoor at 1000 yards and just a smidge short of the power of the Nosler. So, the .224 Valkyrie brings to the table the best impact data of all these three for both long range target popping as well as short range work with equal authority.
Additionally, this .224 round matches the 6.5 Creedmoor in range drop as well as drift influence factors. It has less recoil than the 6.5 Grendel and it holds its energy better at range. If a hunter is interested in these ballistics or the other cartridges, this one beats them in a smaller caliber. It is effective for a wide range of situations.
Again, the real sweet spot with this round is that it comes from an AR-15 platform. That really is sweet. Next, Federal is now selling four loads for the .224 Valkyrie including a 90-grain Sierra MatchKing, a 90 grain Fusion Soft Point, a 60 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip, and a 75 grain American Eagle Total Metal Jacket load. Check out Federal ammo at www.federalpremium.com.
Rifles? They’re coming. The Stag 15 Valkyrie is ready now. They have two models the 15 and 15L selling for $1180 and $1220. These are ARs and can be seen at www.stagarms.com. Airborne Arms has one, too at www.airbornearmsllc.com. Check out the .224 Valkyrie and the new rifles for it.
