.224 Valkyrie Ammo: Overview, Ballistics, Best Uses & Factory Ammo
Overview of the .224 Valkyrie
The .224 Valkyrie is a high-performance rifle cartridge designed for long-range shooting, hunting, and precision competition, particularly in AR-15 platforms. Introduced in 2017 by Federal Premium Ammunition, this cartridge was engineered to outperform .223 Remington, .22 Nosler, and 6.5 Grendel in terms of trajectory, wind resistance, and energy retention at extended ranges.
The .224 Valkyrie is ideal for shooters looking to push the AR-15’s effective range beyond 1,000 yards while maintaining low recoil and superior ballistic efficiency.
Best .224 Valkyrie Ammo We Sell at ProArmory
At ProArmory, we offer a selection of top-quality .224 Valkyrie ammunition to meet your shooting needs:
History of the .224 Valkyrie
The .224 Valkyrie was developed to provide AR-15 users with a long-range capable round that outperformed 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington. Federal Premium based the .224 Valkyrie case on the 6.8 SPC but necked it down to accept high-BC .224-caliber bullets, allowing it to fire heavier projectiles with less drop and drift.
Its primary design goals included:
- Supersonic velocity past 1,300 yards, exceeding the capabilities of other AR-15 cartridges.
- Better ballistic coefficients (BC) and higher energy retention at long distances.
- Reduced recoil compared to 6.5 Grendel and 6mm ARC, making it a comfortable option for precision shooting and varmint hunting.
Since its launch, the .224 Valkyrie has become a favorite among long-range target shooters, hunters, and competitive marksmen.
Best Purposes for the .224 Valkyrie
The .224 Valkyrie shines in several shooting applications:
- Long-Range Precision Shooting – Its flat trajectory and high BC bullets make it perfect for competition and PRS-style matches.
- Varmint and Predator Hunting – The high velocity and energy make it effective against coyotes, foxes, and prairie dogs at extended distances.
- Target Shooting and Plinking – Due to low recoil and affordable factory ammo options, it’s an excellent choice for recreational shooting.
- Tactical and Defensive Use – While not as common for self-defense, the high velocity and accuracy make it an effective option in AR-15 platforms.
Why Choose .224 Valkyrie?
Shooters select .224 Valkyrie ammo over other AR-15 cartridges for the following reasons:
- Superior Long-Range Performance – Capable of staying supersonic past 1,300 yards, outperforming .223 Remington and 6.5 Grendel in trajectory and energy.
- Flatter Trajectory & Less Wind Drift – The high-BC bullets allow for better performance in windy conditions and at extended distances.
- Low Recoil – Similar to 5.56 NATO, making it ideal for competition and precision shooting.
- AR-15 Compatibility – Works within standard AR-15 lowers with a 6.8 SPC bolt and magazine, providing long-range capabilities without needing a larger AR-10 platform.
Ballistics of the .224 Valkyrie
Factory-loaded .224 Valkyrie ammo typically fires 60- to 90-grain bullets at speeds between 2,700 and 3,300 fps, offering exceptional accuracy and minimal drop.
.224 Valkyrie Ballistics Table
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Bullet Weight
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Muzzle Velocity (fps)
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Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs)
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Drop @ 300 yds (inches)
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Energy @ 300 yds (ft-lbs)
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Drop @ 500 yds (inches)
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Energy @ 500 yds (ft-lbs)
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60 gr V-MAX
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3,300 fps
|
1,451 ft-lbs
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-6.2
|
876
|
-42.5
|
544
|
|
75 gr BTHP
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3,000 fps
|
1,498 ft-lbs
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-7.8
|
915
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-48.2
|
588
|
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88 gr MatchKing
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2,700 fps
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1,426 ft-lbs
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-9.2
|
950
|
-55.1
|
632
|
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90 gr ELD Match
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2,675 fps
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1,425 ft-lbs
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-9.8
|
960
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-58.3
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642
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Differences Between .224 Valkyrie, 6.5 Grendel, and 6mm ARC
Many shooters compare .224 Valkyrie vs. 6.5 Grendel vs. 6mm ARC when choosing a long-range AR-15 cartridge.
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Feature
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.224 Valkyrie
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6.5 Grendel
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6mm ARC
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Bullet Diameter
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.224"
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.264"
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.243"
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Muzzle Velocity
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2,700-3,300 fps
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2,300-2,800 fps
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2,600-2,750 fps
|
|
Energy at 500 yds
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540-640 ft-lbs
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750-850 ft-lbs
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800-900 ft-lbs
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|
Effective Range
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1,300+ yards
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1,000+ yards
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1,200+ yards
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Recoil
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Low
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Moderate
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Moderate
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Best Use
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Long-range shooting, varmint hunting
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Big game hunting, target shooting
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Precision shooting, hunting
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Which One Should You Choose?
- .224 Valkyrie – Best for long-range shooting with an AR-15 due to its flat trajectory and low recoil.
- 6.5 Grendel – Superior for hunting larger game like deer due to its heavier bullets and higher energy.
- 6mm ARC – A balanced choice between hunting and precision shooting, offering excellent ballistics in an AR-15.
Best Factory Ammo for .224 Valkyrie
Federal Premium 90gr Sierra MatchKing
- Best Use: Long-range target shooting and PRS matches
- Why Choose This Ammo?: Provides exceptional accuracy and consistency for precision rifle competitions.
Hornady 60gr V-MAX
- Best Use: Varmint hunting and self-defense
- Why Choose This Ammo?: Offers high velocity and explosive expansion, making it an ideal choice for predators and small game.
Federal 75gr FMJ-BT
- Best Use: Target shooting and practice
- Why Choose This Ammo?: A budget-friendly round that maintains accuracy and consistency for training purposes.
Hornady 88gr ELD Match
- Best Use: Precision rifle shooting and competition\
- Why Choose This Ammo?: Designed for long-range stability and match-grade accuracy, making it one of the top choices for serious competitors.
Final Thoughts on .224 Valkyrie
The .224 Valkyrie is a revolutionary AR-15 cartridge, providing long-range precision, low recoil, and superior ballistics. Whether you're a competitive shooter, long-range marksman, or varmint hunter, .224 Valkyrie ammo offers elite performance in a lightweight, flat-shooting platform.
