ANOKA, Minnesota - December 13, 2017: Federal Premium is pleased to introduce an all-new cartridge that takes the popular MSR 15 platform to unheard of heights in long range precision and ballistic performance. The .224 Valkyrie produces flat trajectories, match-grade accuracy and supersonic velocities beyond 1,300 yards downrange.

"The .224 Valkyrie is based on a 30 Rem./6.8 SPC case necked down to .224 caliber," explains Mike Holm, Federal Premium Centerfire Ammunition Global Product Lane Director. "It beats the ballistics of all other MSR 15 cartridges, including the .22 Nosler, .223 Rem. and 6.5mm Grendel. Plus, it offers comparable performance to larger rounds like the 6.5mm Creedmoor, with roughly half the felt recoil and at a more economical price."

Shooters can review the technical specifications for the new round once it is approved by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) which is expected in January at the 2018 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. At that time, information such as chamber specifications and cartridge pressure standards, proof pressure range and barrel length/twist recommendations will be communicated. Cartridge and chamber drawings will also be available soon after SAAMI approves the cartridge for standardization.

Testing conducted by Federal Premium engineers using 24-inch test barrels with a 1:7 twist revealed the .224 Valkyrie offers up to 128 inches less drop and 69 inches less wind drift (with a 10 mph crosswind) at 1,000 yards than other MSR 15 rounds. The new cartridge also offers significant advantages in velocity and energy.

The .224 Valkyrie will initially be available in four loads: 90 grain Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing, 60 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint, 90 grain Fusion MSR and 75 grain American Eagle TMJ. These proven Federal Premium bullet offerings provide options for long range competitors, target shooters and hunters pursuing game from varmints up to deer sized animals.

Federal Premium engineers designed the .224 Valkyrie for gas-driven MSR 15 actions, but it's also extremely effective from bolt guns. "The easiest way for shooters to capitalize on the new cartridge is purchase a firearm from one of the many gun makers jumping on the .224 Valkyrie bandwagon," says Holm. "You can also buy a new upper and use it with your existing lower. A gunsmith or other person trained in building MSRs can also make the necessary modifications."

Part No. / Description / MSRP

• GM224VLKM1 / .224 Valkyrie 90 grain Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing / $31.95
• P224VLKBT1 / .224 Valkyrie 60 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip / $26.95
• F224VLKMSR1 / .224 Valkyrie 100 grain Fusion MSR / $28.95
• AE224VLK1 / .224 Valkyrie 75 grain American Eagle TMJ / $12.95

Reloading data will be available in spring of 2018, when SAAMI releases its load-building specifications. However, reloading die sets will be available from RCBS and other ammo-building components will also be offered by several popular brands.

Federal Premium is a brand of Vista Outdoor Inc., an outdoor sports and recreation company. For more information on Federal Premium, go to www.federalpremium.com.

To quote the Savage press release: "The competition-ready MSR 15 Valkyrie gets the most from the new cartridge's unprecedented capabilities with an upgraded 18-inch barrel with 5R rifling and a crisp two-stage trigger. Its Elite Series Cerakote finish forms a tough, protective layer on the upper and lower, and its adjustable mid-length gas system can be customized to specific ammunition for the most reliable cycling."

Full details about both the .224 Valkyrie cartridge and Savage MSR 15 platform are supposed to be available at the 2018 SHOT in January. It will be interesting to see how much of the cartridge's very high velocity is lost in an 18" barrel!

- Chuck Hawks