Hornady CX .338 Caliber 185 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets Review

First Impressions of Hornady CX .338 Caliber 185 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets

The Hornady CX .338 Caliber 185 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets represent a significant shift in projectile technology, moving away from traditional lead-core bullets to a solid copper construction. This lead-free design not only adheres to increasingly stringent environmental regulations but also promises enhanced terminal performance and deep penetration, crucial for ethical and effective hunting. As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless bullets come and go, but the Hornady CX piqued my interest due to its potential to combine environmental responsibility with superior ballistic capabilities.

I was specifically looking for a reliable .338 caliber bullet that offered consistent expansion and deep penetration for hunting larger game like elk and moose in varied terrain. My previous experiences with traditional lead-core bullets often resulted in fragmentation, especially at higher velocities or upon impact with bone, leading to less-than-ideal results. I chose the Hornady CX hoping it would provide a more predictable and humane terminal performance.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the sleek, uniform appearance of the bullets. They are visually distinct from lead-core projectiles, possessing a polished copper finish and a precisely engineered boat tail design. The build quality felt exceptional, with no visible imperfections or inconsistencies. Compared to similar solid copper bullets from Barnes or Nosler, the Hornady CX appeared to have a more streamlined profile, potentially contributing to a higher ballistic coefficient and flatter trajectory.

I was cautiously optimistic. While solid copper bullets have proven their worth in many applications, their performance can be sensitive to velocity and proper bullet seating. I was eager to see how the Hornady CX would perform in real-world conditions, both in terms of accuracy and terminal ballistics.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady CX .338 Caliber 185 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at a private shooting range in Montana, known for its challenging winds and varying elevation. I paired the Hornady CX bullets with my trusted .338 Winchester Magnum rifle, carefully following Hornady’s recommended load data. The first few shots revealed excellent accuracy, grouping within 1 MOA at 100 yards.

The wind proved to be a factor, but the bullet’s high ballistic coefficient seemed to mitigate its impact, maintaining a relatively flat trajectory even at longer ranges. I also tested the bullets in slightly damp conditions, simulating a typical mountain hunting environment. The CX’s performance remained consistent, showing no signs of instability or degradation. I was impressed by the ease of loading and the overall consistency of the rounds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of rigorous testing, the Hornady CX .338 Caliber 185 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets continued to impress. I’ve put approximately 200 rounds downrange with consistent accuracy and reliable feeding. There were no malfunctions or issues with bullet seating during reloading.

The bullets displayed excellent durability, showing no signs of deformation or fragmentation during handling or firing. Cleaning my rifle after using the CX bullets was noticeably easier than with traditional lead-core ammunition. There was significantly less copper fouling in the barrel. Compared to my previous experiences with other copper bullets, the Hornady CX exhibited a smoother bore ride, contributing to its consistent accuracy and reduced fouling.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady CX .338 Caliber 185 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets

Specifications

The Hornady CX .338 Caliber 185 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets offer several key specifications that contribute to their overall performance. These include:

• Caliber: .338 – A versatile caliber suitable for a wide range of game animals, from deer to elk and moose.
• Bullet Weight: 185 grain – A lighter weight within the .338 caliber range, designed for higher velocities and flatter trajectories.
• Bullet Type: Boat Tail Soft Point (BTSP) – The boat tail design enhances ballistic coefficient, improving long-range accuracy and reducing wind drift; the soft point initiates expansion upon impact.
• Projectile Caliber: .338 Caliber – Ensures proper fit and function in .338 caliber rifles.
• Sectional Density: 0.231 – Indicates the bullet’s ability to penetrate; a higher number generally means better penetration.
• Jacket Material: Polymer – Enhances bullet stability and reduces copper fouling in the barrel.
• Bullet Quantity: 50 Bullet – Standard packaging quantity for reloading.
• Bullet Core Material: Copper – Lead-free construction, environmentally friendly and offering consistent expansion.
• Manufacturer: Hornady – A reputable manufacturer known for quality and innovation.

These specifications are significant because they directly impact the bullet’s trajectory, accuracy, and terminal performance. The lighter weight and boat tail design contribute to a flatter trajectory and reduced wind drift, while the solid copper construction ensures deep penetration and reliable expansion, vital for ethical hunting.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady CX .338 Caliber 185 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets excel in several key areas. Accuracy is exceptional, consistently achieving sub-MOA groupings in my rifle. The bullet’s high ballistic coefficient allows for a flatter trajectory and reduced wind drift, making it easier to make accurate shots at longer ranges.

Terminal performance is also impressive, with the bullet expanding reliably upon impact and penetrating deeply, even through bone and tough tissue. One potential weakness is the bullet’s lighter weight, which might make it slightly more susceptible to wind drift compared to heavier .338 caliber bullets. However, the benefits of a flatter trajectory and higher velocity often outweigh this minor drawback. Overall, the Hornady CX exceeds my expectations, offering a combination of accuracy, reliability, and terminal performance that is difficult to match.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady CX bullets are meticulously designed with a streamlined profile and a precisely engineered boat tail. The solid copper construction provides a uniform weight distribution and consistent dimensions. The polymer jacket contributes to smooth bore ride and reduces copper fouling.

The bullets are easy to handle and load, with no sharp edges or imperfections. The design is optimized for both accuracy and terminal performance, making it a versatile choice for a variety of hunting applications. There is virtually no learning curve associated with using these bullets, making them accessible to both experienced reloaders and those new to solid copper projectiles.

Durability & Maintenance

The Hornady CX .338 Caliber 185 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets are built to last, with a solid copper construction that resists deformation and fragmentation. They are also relatively easy to maintain, as the polymer jacket reduces copper fouling in the barrel. With proper storage and handling, these bullets should provide consistent performance for many years.

Regular cleaning of the rifle barrel is still recommended, but the reduced copper fouling makes the process much easier and less time-consuming. The solid copper construction also means that these bullets are less susceptible to corrosion or degradation compared to lead-core projectiles.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady CX .338 Caliber 185 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets do not come with any specific accessories. However, they are compatible with a wide range of reloading components and accessories. Reloading dies, brass cases, and primers designed for .338 caliber cartridges can be used with these bullets.

The Hornady CX bullets are also compatible with various .338 caliber rifles and barrel lengths. Customization options include adjusting the powder charge to optimize velocity and accuracy for a specific rifle. Be sure to use Hornady’s reloading data. The bullet’s consistent dimensions and weight also make it a good candidate for custom handloads.

Pros and Cons of Hornady CX .338 Caliber 185 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets

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Who Should Buy Hornady CX .338 Caliber 185 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets?

The Hornady CX .338 Caliber 185 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets are perfect for ethical hunters seeking a high-performance, lead-free projectile for larger game. Reloaders who prioritize accuracy, penetration, and consistent terminal performance will also benefit from these bullets. Individuals hunting in areas with lead restrictions or those who simply prefer a more environmentally friendly option should consider the Hornady CX.

This product might not be ideal for budget-conscious shooters or those who primarily engage in high-volume target practice. Shooters who require the absolute highest ballistic coefficient for extreme long-range shooting might also prefer heavier .338 caliber bullets. A must-have accessory is a high-quality reloading manual with load data specific to solid copper bullets and the Hornady CX.

Conclusion on Hornady CX .338 Caliber 185 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets

In summary, the Hornady CX .338 Caliber 185 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets are an excellent choice for hunters and reloaders who demand top-tier performance and environmental responsibility. While the price point is higher than traditional lead-core bullets, the benefits of enhanced accuracy, deep penetration, and reliable expansion justify the investment.

The Hornady CX bullets deliver exceptional value, providing a consistent and ethical hunting experience. I would wholeheartedly recommend these bullets to anyone seeking a lead-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on performance. Upgrade your .338 Winchester Magnum today and experience the difference for yourself!