Let’s Talk About **Hornady Superformance .222 Remington 35 Grain NTX Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Hornady Superformance .222 Remington 35 Grain NTX Centerfire Rifle Ammunition is a varmint hunter’s dream, promising blistering speeds and lead-free performance. This ammunition boasts Hornady’s renowned quality, coupled with Superformance technology, aiming to deliver flat trajectories and devastating terminal effects. It’s designed for those who prioritize ethical hunting with lead-free projectiles.
My search for the perfect .222 Remington load for prairie dogs and ground squirrels led me here. I wanted a lead-free option that still packed a punch and wouldn’t require significant scope adjustments compared to my previous loads.
Upon opening the box, the shiny brass cases and precisely seated NTX bullets gave off an immediate impression of quality. The cartridges felt consistent in weight and dimensions, suggesting meticulous manufacturing. Compared to cheaper bulk ammunition, these exude a level of refinement.
I chose the Hornady Superformance .222 Remington 35 Grain NTX over other brands primarily for its reputation for accuracy and the lead-free NTX bullet. I also considered Winchester’s lead-free options and some hand-loading recipes, but Hornady’s Superformance line consistently receives high praise for its velocity and consistency. My first impression was excitement – could this be the perfect blend of speed, accuracy, and ethical hunting I’d been searching for?
Real-World Testing: Putting **Hornady Superformance .222 Remington 35 Grain NTX Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I tested the Hornady Superformance .222 Remington 35 Grain NTX at my usual prairie dog hunting grounds in eastern Montana. The weather was typical for late spring – sunny with a moderate wind of around 10-15 mph. From the first shot, I noticed the significant increase in velocity compared to my previous .222 loads.
The flat trajectory was immediately apparent, making hits on distant targets much easier. The ammunition was easy to use, requiring no special adjustments to my rifle or technique other than confirming zero. My initial surprise was the effectiveness of the NTX bullet on small varmints – the terminal performance was devastating, exceeding my expectations for a lead-free projectile.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Hornady Superformance .222 Remington 35 Grain NTX has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve put approximately 500 rounds through my rifle with zero malfunctions. The ammunition exhibits no signs of degradation even after being stored in less-than-ideal conditions (occasional temperature fluctuations in my truck).
There’s no noticeable wear and tear on my rifle’s action or barrel that I can attribute to the Superformance load. Cleaning is straightforward; standard bore solvent and patches are all that’s required. This ammunition significantly outperforms my previous hand-loaded lead rounds in terms of velocity and flat trajectory.
Breaking Down the Features of **Hornady Superformance .222 Remington 35 Grain NTX Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Specifications
Manufacturer: Hornady. Hornady is a well-respected name known for quality and innovation.
Caliber: .222 Remington. The .222 Remington is a classic varmint round known for its accuracy and moderate recoil.
Number of Rounds: 20. The standard box of 20 rounds is typical for higher-performance ammunition.
Bullet Type: Frangible. This type of bullet is designed to fragment upon impact, minimizing ricochet risks and ensuring humane kills on varmints.
Bullet Weight: 35 grain. A light bullet weight contributes to the high muzzle velocity.
Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass cases are reloadable and provide excellent sealing in the chamber.
Muzzle Velocity: 3760 ft/s. This high velocity is a key feature of the Superformance line, resulting in a flatter trajectory.
Muzzle Energy: 1099 ft-lbs. Adequate energy for effective varmint hunting.
Application: Varmint. Optimized for use on small game such as prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and woodchucks.
Package Type: Box. Standard packaging for centerfire rifle ammunition.
Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers are reliable and reloadable.
Sectional Density: 0.1. This low sectional density contributes to the bullet’s rapid expansion.
G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.17. A relatively low ballistic coefficient means the bullet will be more affected by wind and lose velocity faster than bullets with higher BCs.
These specifications combine to create a fast, flat-shooting, and effective varmint round. The high velocity extends the effective range, while the frangible bullet design ensures humane kills and reduces the risk of ricochets in populated areas.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady Superformance .222 Remington 35 Grain NTX performs exceptionally well in its intended role. Accuracy is excellent, with consistent sub-MOA groups achievable in my rifle. The flat trajectory allows for precise shots out to 300 yards with minimal holdover.
The frangible NTX bullet delivers devastating terminal performance on small varmints, resulting in quick and humane kills. The only minor weakness is its susceptibility to wind due to the lower ballistic coefficient. This ammunition more than meets my expectations, providing a significant upgrade in performance compared to my previous loads.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition itself is well-designed and consistently manufactured. The brass cases are clean and polished, and the bullets are seated precisely. The cartridges feed smoothly from my rifle’s magazine and chamber reliably.
There’s no real “ergonomics” to speak of with ammunition, but the ease of loading and reliable cycling contribute to a positive shooting experience. There is virtually no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
As loaded ammunition, durability isn’t a primary concern, but the Hornady Superformance .222 Remington 35 Grain NTX appears to be well-sealed and resistant to moisture. Proper storage is always recommended to maintain consistent performance. Cleaning my rifle after using this ammunition is no different than cleaning after using any other centerfire load.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come directly with the ammunition itself. However, choosing the correct optic is crucial to maximizing the performance of this high-velocity round. A scope with accurate and repeatable adjustments for elevation and windage is essential for long-range varmint hunting.
While not directly related to the ammunition, a quality reloading setup would allow shooters to reuse the brass cases, tailoring loads to their specific rifles and preferences. This ammunition is compatible with any rifle chambered in .222 Remington and designed to handle high-velocity loads.
Pros and Cons of **Hornady Superformance .222 Remington 35 Grain NTX Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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Pros
- Extremely high velocity: Offers a flatter trajectory for longer-range shots, minimizing holdover.
- Lead-free NTX bullet: Environmentally friendly and compliant with lead-free hunting regulations.
- Excellent accuracy: Consistently delivers sub-MOA groups in my rifle.
- Devastating terminal performance: The frangible bullet design ensures humane kills on varmints.
- Reliable feeding and cycling: Functions flawlessly in my rifle with no malfunctions.
Cons
- Lower ballistic coefficient: More susceptible to wind drift compared to bullets with higher BCs.
- Higher price point: More expensive than standard lead-core ammunition.
Who Should Buy **Hornady Superformance .222 Remington 35 Grain NTX Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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This ammunition is perfect for varmint hunters who prioritize ethical hunting with lead-free projectiles and demand high performance. It is ideal for those who hunt in areas with lead restrictions or who simply prefer to use non-toxic ammunition. This is a must-have for serious varmint hunters.
This ammunition may not be the best choice for high-volume shooters on a tight budget. Those who primarily hunt in areas with dense cover where long-range shots are not possible might find more affordable options equally suitable.
A quality scope with accurate windage and elevation adjustments is a must-have accessory to fully utilize the capabilities of this ammunition. A good rangefinder can also be beneficial for accurately judging distances.
Conclusion on **Hornady Superformance .222 Remington 35 Grain NTX Centerfire Rifle Ammunition
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The Hornady Superformance .222 Remington 35 Grain NTX Centerfire Rifle Ammunition is a top-tier varmint round that delivers exceptional performance in terms of velocity, accuracy, and terminal effect. The lead-free NTX bullet makes it an ethical choice for hunters who care about the environment. While it is more expensive than standard ammunition, the performance gains justify the price for serious varmint hunters.
The price is justified by the combination of high velocity, excellent accuracy, and the use of a lead-free projectile. I would wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for the best possible performance from their .222 Remington rifle. If you’re serious about varmint hunting and want a lead-free option that doesn’t compromise on performance, look no further than the Hornady Superformance .222 Remington 35 Grain NTX. Go forth and eradicate those pesky prairie dogs!