First Impressions of **Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 100 Grain Copper Solid CX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 100 Grain Copper Solid CX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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I’ve been a 6.8 SPC enthusiast since its inception, drawn to its ballistic advantages over the .223 in shorter AR-15 platforms, making it ideal for hunting whitetail in dense brush. My main issue was finding a consistently reliable and terminally effective round; I had previously relied on the Hornady GMX line. When I saw the GMX line discontinued and replaced with the CX, I had to test it.
Upon receiving the Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 100 Grain Copper Solid CX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition, the packaging was standard Hornady fare – clean, informative, and secure. The rounds themselves were visually appealing, with the copper CX bullet presenting a sleek, modern profile. Initial inspection revealed consistent case dimensions and clean primer pockets.
Compared to the GMX, the CX bullet appeared to have a slightly harder polymer tip and a different ogive. I initially chose the Hornady CX over similar offerings from Federal or Remington, primarily due to Hornady’s long-standing reputation for accuracy and the purported controlled expansion of the CX bullet. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; I hoped the CX would live up to the GMX performance I had come to expect, but the reviews I had read left me with serious doubts.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 100 Grain Copper Solid CX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 100 Grain Copper Solid CX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition at my local shooting range and during a whitetail hunt in Central Texas. The range conditions were ideal – clear skies, minimal wind, and a temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The Texas hunt was a mix of dry, dusty conditions during the day and cold, damp conditions in the early morning and late evening.
The ammunition fed reliably in my AR-15 platform rifle, with no malfunctions experienced in over 100 rounds fired. Accuracy was acceptable, producing groupings of around 1.5 MOA at 100 yards, but I found the accuracy to be less consistent than the GMX rounds I had previously used. The most concerning aspect was its terminal performance; the one deer I harvested was shot at ~120 yards, a broadside shot through the vitals, and exhibited minimal expansion with a pencil-like exit wound.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and hunting trips, the Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 100 Grain Copper Solid CX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition has proven to be reliably inconsistent in its terminal performance. While the ammunition consistently cycles and chambers without issue, expansion on game has been unpredictable, ranging from minimal to moderate. This lack of consistent expansion significantly impacts its effectiveness as a hunting round.
There are no noticeable signs of wear and tear on the brass casings after firing, and they resize easily for reloading. Cleaning is straightforward, with minimal fouling observed in the barrel after extended use. Compared to my previous experiences with the GMX ammunition, the CX is a definite disappointment; the GMX offered consistently devastating terminal performance, which is what any ethical hunter seeks.
Breaking Down the Features of **Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 100 Grain Copper Solid CX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Specifications
Manufacturer: Hornady.
Caliber: 6.8mm Remington SPC.
Bullet Weight: 100 grain.
Bullet Type: Boat Tail Soft Point (BTSP).
Bullet Core Material: Copper.
Cartridge Case Material: Brass.
Primer Style: Centerfire.
Muzzle Velocity: 2550 ft/s.
Application: Medium Game.
Number of Rounds: 20.
Package Type: Box.
The high muzzle velocity is intended to provide a flat trajectory and sufficient energy for effective terminal performance at reasonable hunting ranges. The brass casing ensures reliable feeding and extraction in semi-automatic rifles, while the centerfire primer offers consistent ignition.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 100 Grain Copper Solid CX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition performs adequately in terms of cycling and accuracy, but its terminal performance is questionable. The accuracy, while not match-grade, is sufficient for hunting medium-sized game at typical ranges (under 200 yards). The inconsistent expansion of the CX bullet on game is a significant weakness.
The ammunition cycles reliably and extracts cleanly from my AR-15, but I question whether it meets expectations as a premium hunting round. The Hornady GMX line produced far better terminal performance. The main weakness is the CX bullet’s inconsistent expansion.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition’s design is visually appealing and appears well-constructed, with consistent dimensions and a clean finish. The brass casings are high-quality and resize easily for reloading. The ammunition is standard weight for 6.8 SPC rounds, making it comfortable to carry during extended hunts.
The Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 100 Grain Copper Solid CX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition presents no real ergonomic issues, feeding smoothly from standard 6.8 SPC magazines. There is a slight learning curve associated with understanding the ammunition’s trajectory and ballistic performance at different ranges.
Durability & Maintenance
The brass casings are durable and can withstand multiple reloadings with proper care. The copper CX bullet resists deformation during feeding and chambering, ensuring consistent performance. Maintenance is minimal; simply cleaning the rifle barrel after use is sufficient.
The ammunition is expected to last for many years if stored properly in a cool, dry place, and it should remain ready to use when needed. Regular cleaning of the rifle after shooting will help prolong the life of the firearm and maintain accuracy.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 100 Grain Copper Solid CX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition is designed to be used in any 6.8mm Remington SPC chambered rifle. While there are no direct accessories for the ammunition itself, rifles chambered in 6.8 SPC can be customized with a variety of optics, stocks, and triggers to enhance accuracy and performance. The ammunition is compatible with standard 6.8 SPC magazines from various manufacturers.
Pros and Cons of **Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 100 Grain Copper Solid CX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Pros
- Reliable cycling in AR-15 platforms.
- Acceptable accuracy for hunting medium-sized game.
- High-quality brass casings suitable for reloading.
- Consistent ignition with centerfire primers.
- Hornady name recognition and reputation.
Cons
- Inconsistent bullet expansion on game.
- Terminal performance is unpredictable.
- Does not live up to the performance of the discontinued Hornady GMX line.
Who Should Buy **Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 100 Grain Copper Solid CX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 100 Grain Copper Solid CX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition might be suitable for hunters who prioritize reliable cycling and acceptable accuracy over consistent terminal performance. If you already have a 6.8 SPC rifle and are looking for a factory-loaded round for target practice or general hunting, this ammunition could suffice, but it would not be my first choice.
Hunters seeking consistent and reliable expansion on medium-sized game should skip this product. Reloaders may find some value in the high-quality brass casings, but the CX bullet’s performance issues remain a concern. A must-have modification for this ammunition would be replacing the CX bullet with a more reliable expanding projectile for reloaders.
Conclusion on **Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 100 Grain Copper Solid CX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Overall, the Hornady Custom 6.8mm Remington SPC 100 Grain Copper Solid CX Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition is a disappointment given Hornady’s reputation and the potential of the 6.8 SPC cartridge. While it cycles reliably and offers acceptable accuracy, the inconsistent bullet expansion and unpredictable terminal performance make it difficult to recommend for serious hunters.
The value proposition is questionable, as the price does not justify the inconsistent terminal effects. I would not personally recommend this ammunition for hunting purposes unless Hornady addresses the issues with the CX bullet’s expansion. If you’re looking for reliable terminal performance in 6.8 SPC, explore other options.