Hornady Superformance 5.56x45mm NATO 55 gr Copper Alloy eXpanding (CX) Ammunition: Elevating Performance for the Modern Hunter and Shooter

For discerning hunters and precision-focused shooters seeking an uncompromising advantage, the Hornady Superformance 5.56x45mm NATO 55 grain Copper Alloy eXpanding (CX) ammunition stands out as a true game-changer. This isn't just another box of rounds; it's a meticulously engineered solution designed to address critical challenges in ballistic performance, terminal effectiveness, and firearm compatibility. Whether you're a seasoned deer hunter using a modern sporting rifle, an enthusiast looking for the utmost in accuracy, or someone navigating areas with lead-free ammunition requirements, understanding the capabilities of this Hornady offering is paramount.

Why Choose Hornady Superformance for Your 5.56x45mm NATO Rifle?

In the world of rifle ammunition, achieving superior performance often comes with trade-offs. More velocity can mean more pressure and recoil. Greater terminal effect might mean less accuracy or poor compatibility with certain firearms. Hornady's Superformance line, however, redefines these expectations, delivering an unprecedented blend of speed, flat trajectory, and devastating terminal performance without the typical drawbacks.

What problem does Hornady Superformance solve for shooters?
Many shooters grapple with the desire for higher muzzle velocity to achieve flatter trajectories and reduce wind drift, but they want to avoid increased recoil, which can affect follow-up shots and shooter comfort. Traditional propellants often limit how much velocity can be gained before reaching unsafe pressure levels. Hornady's innovative approach with Superformance directly addresses this by utilizing highly efficient propellants that accelerate the bullet for a longer duration within the barrel. This results in a significant velocity increase—up to 200 feet per second (fps) higher than conventional ammunition—without generating additional peak pressure. This ingenious design means you get the benefits of increased speed (3175 fps muzzle velocity with the 55 gr CX) without the added stress on your firearm or the increased recoil felt by the shooter.

Who is this ammunition for?

This ammunition is ideal for:

• Medium Game Hunters: Specifically designed for applications like deer, antelope, and smaller wild boar, where precise shot placement and reliable terminal performance are critical for an ethical harvest.
• Lead-Free Mandate Adherents: As more regions implement lead-free hunting regulations, the monolithic copper alloy CX bullet offers an environmentally responsible and highly effective alternative to traditional lead-core bullets.
• AR-15 and Modern Sporting Rifle Users: Its 5.56x45mm NATO chambering makes it perfectly suited for the vast majority of AR-platform rifles, which are increasingly popular for hunting.
• Versatility Seekers: Compatible and safe for use in all types of firearms, including semi-autos, traditional lever guns, and pump-action rifles, making it a truly universal choice for various shooting platforms.
• Accuracy Enthusiasts: The combination of increased velocity, flatter trajectories, and reduced wind drift inherently translates to improved downrange accuracy, especially at extended distances.

The Science Behind Superformance: Unpacking the Velocity Advantage

At the core of Superformance technology lies a revolutionary understanding of propellant burn rates. Unlike conventional powders that reach peak pressure rapidly and then decline, Hornady's proprietary Superformance propellants are engineered for a more progressive and sustained burn. This allows the bullet to continue accelerating for a longer period within the barrel, leveraging more of the available barrel length for propulsion. The result is a significant boost in muzzle velocity—up to 200 fps faster than standard loads—without exceeding safe pressure limits.

What does this mean for your shot?

• Flatter Trajectories: A higher muzzle velocity means the bullet spends less time in the air to reach its target. This translates to a flatter trajectory, significantly reducing the need for holdovers at various ranges. For hunters, this simplifies aiming and increases the effective range of their rifle.
• Reduced Wind Drift: The faster a bullet travels, the less time crosswinds have to exert force upon it. This minimizes wind deflection, a major factor in missed shots at longer distances, contributing directly to improved accuracy.
• Enhanced Terminal Performance: Greater velocity at impact means more kinetic energy is delivered to the target. This amplifies the effectiveness of the bullet's design, ensuring maximum energy transfer and reliable expansion, which are vital for quick, humane kills in hunting scenarios.

The CX™ (Copper Alloy eXpanding) Bullet: A Monolithic Marvel

The 55-grain Copper Alloy eXpanding (CX) bullet is a testament to Hornady's commitment to innovation and ethical hunting. This is a monolithic bullet, meaning it is constructed from a single piece of copper alloy, as opposed to traditional bullets with a lead core and copper jacket.

Key Features and Benefits of the CX™ Bullet:

• Lead-Free Construction: The primary advantage for many hunters. Being entirely lead-free, the CX™ bullet is compliant with regulations in areas requiring non-toxic ammunition, making it an environmentally responsible choice without sacrificing performance.
• Exceptional Weight Retention: Unlike lead-core bullets that can shed significant weight upon impact, the solid copper alloy construction of the CX™ bullet ensures near 100% weight retention. This is crucial for deep penetration, allowing the bullet to reach vital organs even after encountering bone or tough hide.
• Consistent, Controlled Expansion: The CX™ features a streamlined profile and a large, deep hollow point cavity with an optimized polymer tip (often referred to as a Heat Shield® tip in similar Hornady designs, optimizing ballistic coefficient and initiating expansion). This design ensures rapid and reliable expansion upon impact, even at a wide range of velocities. The expanding petals create a wide wound channel, maximizing energy transfer and ensuring a swift, ethical harvest.
• Superior Ballistic Coefficient (BC): The sleek profile of the CX™ bullet, often incorporating features like a boat tail and aerodynamic polymer tip, contributes to a high ballistic coefficient. A higher BC means the bullet retains its velocity and energy more efficiently downrange, further enhancing accuracy and terminal performance at extended distances.
• Reduced Fouling: Monolithic copper bullets generally produce less barrel fouling compared to jacketed lead-core bullets, contributing to consistent accuracy over longer shooting sessions and extending the time between cleanings.

5.56x45mm NATO for Hunting Medium Game

While the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge is often associated with target shooting and military applications, the right bullet selection can transform it into a highly effective medium-game hunting round. The Hornady Superformance 55 gr CX load is precisely that transformation.

Is 5.56 NATO suitable for hunting?
Yes, with the appropriate ammunition. The key is using a bullet designed for hunting, which provides reliable expansion and penetration. Standard FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) military-spec ammunition is not suitable for hunting as it typically pencils through without significant energy transfer or expansion. The 55 gr CX, with its aggressive expansion and deep penetration capabilities, allows the 5.56x45mm NATO to humanely take medium-sized game like whitetail deer, mule deer, and various hog species.

Ethical Hunting Considerations:
Choosing the right ammunition is a critical component of ethical hunting. The Hornady CX bullet's design ensures maximum energy transfer and a wide wound channel, leading to quick, humane kills. This minimizes animal suffering and reflects the responsible hunter's commitment to a clean harvest. While the ammunition empowers the hunter, consistent practice and precise shot placement remain paramount for achieving these outcomes.

Unmatched Versatility and Reliability

One of the significant advantages of Hornady Superformance ammunition is its inherent reliability across a broad spectrum of firearms. The careful balance of pressure and velocity means it operates flawlessly in various action types.

Firearms Compatibility:
The fact that Superformance is "safe in all types of firearms including semi-autos, lever guns, and pump actions" highlights its versatility.

• Semi-Automatic Rifles (e.g., AR-15s): The consistent pressure curve and optimized gas port timing prevent issues commonly found with other high-velocity loads, ensuring reliable cycling without excessive wear or risk of malfunction. This is particularly important for hunters who prefer the fast follow-up shot capability of an AR-15.
• Lever Guns: For those who appreciate traditional platforms, Superformance offers modern performance without compromise.
• Pump-Action Rifles: Similarly, pump-action rifles benefit from the consistent feeding and extraction provided by this meticulously engineered ammunition.

This broad compatibility makes the Hornady Superformance 55 gr CX a top choice for hunters who might use the same caliber in different rifle configurations or for those who simply value unfailing performance in their preferred firearm.

Hornady: A Legacy of Precision and Innovation

For over 75 years, Hornady has been at the forefront of ammunition manufacturing, earning a reputation for uncompromising quality and groundbreaking innovation. Their mantra, "Ten bullets through one hole," isn't just a marketing slogan; it's a philosophy embedded in every product they create. From their meticulously manufactured components to their advanced ballistic laboratories, Hornady consistently pushes the boundaries of performance. Choosing Hornady Superformance 5.56x45mm NATO 55 gr CX means you're not just buying ammunition; you're investing in decades of expertise, rigorous testing, and a commitment to helping shooters achieve their full potential.

Whether you are preparing for deer season, seeking to improve your long-range accuracy, or simply demand the best lead-free option for your 5.56x45mm NATO rifle, the Hornady Superformance 55 gr CX ammunition delivers exceptional results. This product, like many other high-quality firearms and accessories, is readily available to support your shooting and hunting endeavors at DEGuns. Trust in Hornady and experience the difference that superior engineering makes in the field and at the range.

---

Hornady Superformance 5.56x45mm NATO 55 gr CX Ammunition Specifications

Key Product Details	Performance Characteristics	Identifiers & Packaging
Brand: Hornady	Muzzle Velocity: 3175 fps	UPC: 090255719932
Model: Superformance	Muzzle Energy: 1231 ft lbs	MPN: 812544
Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO	Game Type: Medium	SKU: 140606
Bullet Type: Copper Alloy eXpanding (CX)	Application: Hunting	Rounds Per Box: 20
Bullet Weight: 55 gr		Boxes Per Case: 10
Casing Material: Brass