Setting aside the idea of a melting tip (they are smarter than I am so I'll reserve judgment on that) - what they've done is provide a product with an out for those people who say "Why use a match/paper punching bullet on game? It's unethical!!!" - regardless of actual performance of the AMAX on critters - there were a lot of people who wouldn't use it because it's not labeled a "hunting bullet".
Notice the focus on the tips of the OTM types - the irregularities - that's a marketing deal. Does it really matter? I don't know - I don't shoot that long, I don't shoot bergers, I don't own a Doppler. I do know that they don't look as nice and immediate thought would be - they can NOT be as consistent in the air as something with a tip like the Hornady offering. Does that really matter? Dunno - people kill big things at long ranges with OTM types and Bergers. It works obviously but we don't really know if there's an issue because I'm not shooting them myself.
At the end - Hornady has a new bullet, it's going to compete in the minds of those purchasers who say "you can't shoot match bullets at deer - need hunting bullets, but I also want to shoot long range so I get Berger Hunting VLDs"
IMO - that's what these are aimed at (pun there).
Regardless of if the heat resistant tip is BS or truth - I sincerely doubt that Hornady has introduced a bullet that is garbage front to back.
I like and use Hornady products - admit it. The Amax's I have all measured exactly the diameter they are supposed to with 2 different set of verniers. Doesn't mean much I suppose - really but they are consistent, box to box - bullet to bullet. IME
