Hornady CX .338 Caliber 225 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets Review

First Impressions of Hornady CX .338 Caliber 225 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets

The Hornady CX .338 Caliber 225 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets promise a lead-free, deep-penetrating solution for big game hunters and ethical harvesters. With a focus on consistent expansion and weight retention, Hornady aims to deliver a bullet that performs reliably across a wide range of distances. The copper alloy construction and the Boat Tail Soft Point (BTSP) design caught my attention, hinting at both accuracy and terminal performance.

My quest for a reliable, lead-free bullet for ethical elk hunting in my home state of Colorado drove me to try these. Lead bans are becoming more prevalent in hunting areas, and I needed a bullet I could trust to deliver humane kills without sacrificing performance. I’ve used traditional lead-core bullets for years, achieving great success. However, I’m always looking for advancements in ammunition technology that align with conservation and ethical hunting practices.

The packaging was standard Hornady, clean and functional. Upon opening, the bullets themselves looked precisely machined and uniform, reflecting Hornady’s reputation for quality control. Their weight and the polymer jacket gave them a solid feel, and the Boat Tail design suggested a stable flight path. Compared to my usual lead-core .338 rounds, these felt noticeably different due to the absence of lead.

I was initially drawn to the advertised consistent expansion and deep penetration claims. While other lead-free options exist, the combination of Hornady’s reputation and the CX bullet’s design features made it a promising choice. I was excited to see if these Hornady CX bullets could live up to the hype.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady CX .338 Caliber 225 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, simulating various hunting distances from 100 to 400 yards. The weather was mild with a slight crosswind, providing a reasonable test of the bullet’s stability. Setting up my .338 Winchester Magnum rifle, I carefully measured my shots at each distance. The BTSP design seemed to help stabilize the bullet, even in the wind.

The first shots at 100 yards were promising, grouping within an inch of my point of aim. As I moved further back, the groups opened up slightly. However, they were still consistently within acceptable hunting standards. I was impressed with the lack of copper fouling in my barrel after the first few rounds.

My biggest concern was how the all-copper construction would perform on impact. I set up some water jugs and ballistic gelatin to observe the bullet’s expansion and penetration. The bullets expanded rapidly in the water jugs, exhibiting impressive energy transfer. The gel blocks showed significant penetration depth, confirming the bullet’s ability to reach vital organs.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of range testing and practice, I felt confident enough to take the Hornady CX bullets into the field for an elk hunt. The rounds performed flawlessly during practice, showcasing consistent accuracy and reliable feeding. They held up well against recoil in my rifle and maintained their integrity even after repeated chambering.

On the third day of the hunt, I had the opportunity to take a shot at a mature bull elk at approximately 300 yards. The Hornady CX bullet performed admirably, dropping the elk with a single shot. Upon field dressing, I observed significant internal damage consistent with the advertised expansion and penetration. The bullet retained a significant portion of its weight, demonstrating its structural integrity.

Despite a full season of use, I’ve observed no significant wear and tear on the bullets. Cleaning my rifle after each range session revealed minimal copper fouling. The Hornady CX bullets have proven to be a dependable and reliable choice for ethical big game hunting, outperforming my initial expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady CX .338 Caliber 225 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets

Specifications

The Hornady CX .338 Caliber 225 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets boast a number of key specifications:

• Caliber: .338: This is a popular big-game caliber, known for its stopping power and versatility.
• Weight: 225 grain: A good balance of velocity and energy for a .338 caliber bullet.
• Bullet Type: Boat Tail Soft Point (BTSP): This design improves ballistic coefficient and long-range accuracy.
• Projectile Caliber: .338 Caliber: Ensures correct chambering and consistent performance in appropriately chambered rifles.
• Sectional Density: 0.281: Indicates the bullet’s ability to penetrate deeply.
• Jacket Material: Polymer: Reduces fouling and improves smooth passage through the barrel.
• Bullet Quantity: 50 Bullet: Standard packaging quantity for reloading or handloading.
• Bullet Core Material: Copper: Provides lead-free performance and consistent expansion.

These specifications translate to a bullet designed for accurate long-range shooting, deep penetration, and ethical kills. The Boat Tail design minimizes drag for flatter trajectories, while the all-copper construction expands reliably without fragmentation. The polymer jacket is critical for minimizing copper fouling, which can degrade accuracy.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady CX .338 Caliber 225 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets excel in delivering consistent and ethical terminal performance. Accuracy is on par with premium lead-core bullets, with reliable groups at various distances. Expansion is rapid and consistent, creating a significant wound channel.

Penetration is exceptional, ensuring that the bullet reaches vital organs even on large game animals. The lead-free construction provides peace of mind for hunters concerned about lead contamination. The bullet’s primary strength lies in its ability to combine accuracy, penetration, and reliable expansion in a lead-free package. A minor weakness could be that some rifles may require slight load adjustments to achieve optimal accuracy with all-copper bullets.

The Hornady CX .338 Caliber 225 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets meet and exceed expectations for a lead-free hunting bullet. They provide the performance necessary for ethical harvests while adhering to responsible hunting practices.

Design & Ergonomics

The bullet’s design is sleek and functional, with the Boat Tail and polymer jacket contributing to its aerodynamic profile. The all-copper construction is visibly different from traditional lead-core bullets, giving it a unique aesthetic. While bullets aren’t typically handled extensively, the Hornady CX bullets feel solid and well-made.

There’s no real “learning curve” associated with using these bullets for reloading. Standard reloading practices apply, although careful load development is recommended to ensure optimal performance in your specific rifle.

Durability & Maintenance

As components of ammunition, durability primarily refers to the bullet’s ability to withstand chambering, firing, and impact. The Hornady CX bullets are designed to maintain their structural integrity throughout these processes.

Maintenance is minimal, as these are single-use projectiles. Cleaning your rifle after shooting these bullets is important to remove any fouling and maintain accuracy. The polymer jacket helps minimize copper fouling, making cleaning easier compared to some other all-copper bullets.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady CX .338 Caliber 225 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets are designed to be used with standard reloading components. Reloading dies, brass casings, and primers are essential for creating custom ammunition with these bullets.

While the bullet itself isn’t customizable, handloaders have significant control over the final ammunition’s performance through powder selection and load development. The Hornady CX bullets are compatible with a wide range of reloading data. Many reloaders find success using data for similar weight and profile bullets.

Pros and Cons of Hornady CX .338 Caliber 225 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets

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Who Should Buy Hornady CX .338 Caliber 225 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets?

The Hornady CX .338 Caliber 225 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets are perfect for ethical hunters and conservationists who prioritize lead-free ammunition. Big game hunters seeking reliable terminal performance on elk, deer, and similar-sized animals will appreciate these bullets. Reloaders who enjoy crafting custom ammunition for optimal accuracy and performance will also find them appealing.

Hunters primarily concerned with budget and those who have rifles that consistently perform best with lead-core bullets might consider other options. Those who prefer to buy factory ammunition rather than reload may find limited availability of factory loads featuring these bullets.

Essential accessories include high-quality reloading dies, brass casings, and a reliable chronograph for load development.

Conclusion on Hornady CX .338 Caliber 225 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets

The Hornady CX .338 Caliber 225 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets offer a compelling combination of ethical hunting practices and reliable performance. While slightly more expensive than traditional lead-core bullets, the benefits of lead-free construction and consistent terminal performance justify the price for many hunters. The Hornady CX .338 Caliber 225 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets provide exceptional performance with its lead-free construction, consistent expansion, and deep penetration.

I would personally recommend these bullets to any hunter seeking a high-quality, lead-free option for their .338 caliber rifle. The Hornady CX bullets represent a step forward in responsible hunting ammunition and offer a guilt-free way to pursue big game. Upgrade your hunting experience today and experience the ethical power of the Hornady CX .338 Caliber 225 Grain Copper Solid Centerfire Rifle Bullets!