“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 Line Director. “It beats the ballistics of all other MSR 15 cartridges, including the .22 Nosler, .223 Rem. and 6.5 Grendel. Plus, it offers comparable performance to larger rounds like the 6.5 Creedmoor, with roughly half the felt recoil—and at a more economical price.”
Initial hunting offerings from Federal include a 60-grain Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint with an advertised velocity of 3300 fps for $26.95 per 20-round box, and a heavier 90-grain Fusion MSR load with an advertised velocity of 2700 fps for $28.95 per 20-round box. Initial target loads from Federal include a 90-grain Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing with an advertised velocity of 2700 fps for $31.95 per 20-round box, and a 75-grain American Eagle TMJ with an advertised velocity of 3000 fps for $12.95 per 20-round box. All published velocities were produced using a 24-inch barrel.
The new MSR Recon has an 18-inch, 5R rifled barrel, making for a compact, maneuverable and accurate rifle. To provide the reliable consistency necessary to hit targets at long range, the rifle’s accuracy potential is further enhanced by an adjustable two-stage trigger. The Recon also has an adjustable gas block and a mid-length gas system. A couple other stabilizing accessories that aid shooters in placing rounds on fur at extended distances are a Hogue pistol grip and a UBR Gen 2 adjustable stock. The barrel has a muzzle brake to help tame muzzle jump and recoil, ideal for quick follow up shots. The new Savage .224 Valkyrie Recon’s MSRP is set at $1499.