First Impressions of Hornady CX .264/6.5mm Caliber 120 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets
For years, I’ve been a dedicated reloader, always chasing that perfect combination of accuracy, consistency, and ethical terminal performance. That’s what drew me to the Hornady CX .264/6.5mm Caliber 120 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets, promising lead-free performance without sacrificing ballistic integrity. This is a big deal in my book, considering the increasing restrictions on lead ammunition in certain hunting areas.
I needed a bullet that could deliver consistent expansion and penetration on medium-sized game like deer and antelope, while also being compliant with regulations. My go-to bullet for my 6.5 Creedmoor has always been a lead-core projectile, but the writing is on the wall regarding lead bans. That is why I sought out an alternative that could provide similar performance.
Upon opening the box, I was immediately impressed with the uniform appearance of the bullets. They had a clean, sleek profile, and the polymer tip looked precisely seated. Comparing these to Barnes TTSX and Nosler AccuBond Long Range, the Hornady CX bullets appear to be more streamlined, likely contributing to a higher ballistic coefficient.
I was excited to see if these Hornady CX bullets could live up to the hype. My initial impression was positive, and I was eager to get to the reloading bench and, ultimately, the range and hunting fields.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady CX .264/6.5mm Caliber 120 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Hornady CX bullets was at my local shooting range, prepping for an upcoming deer hunt in Montana. The weather was typical for late summer: hot and dry, with a slight crosswind. I carefully worked up a load using Hodgdon H4350, a powder I’ve had great success with in my 6.5 Creedmoor.
The initial groups were promising, hovering around 1 MOA. This indicated good potential for further refinement. I did experience a few flyers in the initial stages, which I attributed to needing to fine-tune the powder charge and seating depth.
I was pleasantly surprised by the relatively mild recoil, considering these are monolithic copper bullets. It also showed that they could reach impressive speeds without a lot of powder.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of load development and range sessions, the Hornady CX bullets continued to impress. The sweet spot for my rifle turned out to be a powder charge that produced consistent sub-MOA groups at 100 yards. I even managed a few groups around 0.5 MOA on a calm day.
The bullets proved to be exceptionally durable, with no signs of deformation or damage during handling and loading. Cleaning my rifle after shooting these bullets was also noticeably easier compared to lead-core projectiles. There was significantly less copper fouling in the barrel.
Compared to my previous experiences with lead-core bullets, the Hornady CX offered comparable accuracy and terminal performance. The confidence I gained during testing made me comfortable taking them into the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady CX .264/6.5mm Caliber 120 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets
Specifications
The Hornady CX .264/6.5mm Caliber 120 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets are designed for hunters seeking lead-free performance without compromising on accuracy or terminal ballistics. These bullets are constructed from a copper alloy.
Key specifications include:
- Caliber: .264 / 6.5mm
- Weight: 120 grains
- Bullet Type: Boat Tail Soft Point (BTSP)
- Sectional Density: 0.246
- Jacket Material: Polymer
- Bullet Core Material: Copper
- Fabric/Material: Copper Alloy
- Quantity: 50 bullets per box
These specifications translate to a bullet that offers a good balance of ballistic coefficient, penetration, and expansion. The boat tail design aids in reducing drag and improving long-range accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady CX bullets are designed to deliver consistent expansion and deep penetration. This is crucial for ethical and effective hunting. I observed excellent expansion in my gel testing, with the bullets typically retaining over 95% of their original weight.
Accuracy is a standout feature of these bullets. With careful load development, they are capable of producing match-grade accuracy in most rifles. The main weakness that I found was the price.
The Hornady CX bullets meet and exceed my expectations for a lead-free hunting bullet. They provide the accuracy and terminal performance I need while complying with environmental regulations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady CX bullets feature a streamlined design with a polymer tip and a boat tail. This combination results in a high ballistic coefficient and improved long-range performance.
The bullets feel solid and well-made, reflecting Hornady’s commitment to quality. Their uniform shape and weight make them easy to handle and load. There’s no learning curve to using these bullets, assuming you are a reloader already.
Durability & Maintenance
The monolithic copper alloy construction ensures that the Hornady CX bullets are incredibly durable. They are resistant to deformation during handling and firing.
The lack of a lead core also means that there is less fouling in the barrel, making cleaning easier and faster. This durability translates to a longer barrel life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady CX bullets are primarily components for reloading, and as such, don’t come with accessories. However, they can be paired with a wide range of reloading equipment, such as different powders, primers, and cases.
These bullets are compatible with most 6.5mm rifles and reloading dies. They can be used in various cartridges, including 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 Grendel, and 260 Remington.
Pros and Cons of Hornady CX .264/6.5mm Caliber 120 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets
Pros
- Excellent Accuracy: Capable of producing sub-MOA groups with proper load development.
- Consistent Expansion: Delivers reliable and predictable expansion on game animals.
- Deep Penetration: Provides sufficient penetration for ethical kills on medium-sized game.
- Lead-Free: Compliant with environmental regulations and suitable for use in lead-restricted areas.
- Reduced Fouling: Monolithic copper construction minimizes barrel fouling.
Cons
- Price: More expensive compared to traditional lead-core bullets.
- Load Development: May require more extensive load development to achieve optimal accuracy.
Who Should Buy Hornady CX .264/6.5mm Caliber 120 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets?
The Hornady CX .264/6.5mm Caliber 120 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets are perfect for hunters who are required to use lead-free ammunition or who simply prefer a more environmentally friendly option. These bullets are also ideal for reloaders who value accuracy, consistency, and ethical terminal performance.
Hunters targeting medium-sized game like deer, antelope, and sheep will find these bullets to be a reliable and effective choice. Those primarily focused on varmint hunting or target shooting may find the cost prohibitive.
A quality reloading setup is a must-have for achieving the best results with these bullets. You’ll also want to use premium brass and a consistent powder measure.
Conclusion on Hornady CX .264/6.5mm Caliber 120 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets
The Hornady CX .264/6.5mm Caliber 120 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets are a top-tier choice for hunters and reloaders seeking lead-free performance. While they may be more expensive than traditional lead-core bullets, the benefits they offer in terms of accuracy, consistency, and environmental friendliness make them well worth the investment.
The price is justified by the overall performance. This, coupled with the ethical aspect of using lead-free ammunition, makes it worth it.
I would definitely recommend these bullets to anyone looking for a high-quality, lead-free option for their 6.5mm rifle. Give the Hornady CX bullets a try and experience the difference for yourself!