Hornady Superformance, 5.56x45mm NATO, CX, 55 Grain
Ammo Reports Team
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Hunting (deer, feral hogs, predators), general centerfire rifle use |
| Bullet Type | CX (Copper Alloy Expanding) — monolithic copper alloy with polymer tip |
| Bullet Weight | 55 grain |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer |
| Packaging | 20 rounds per box |
| Typical Price | $29.44/box · $1.47/round |
| Closest Competitors | Federal Premium Trophy Copper 5.56mm 55gr, Barnes VOR-TX 5.56mm 55gr TSX, Sig Sauer Elite Copper 5.56mm 55gr |
Official Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | — | Not published for this configuration |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | — | Not published for this configuration |
| Bullet Weight | 55 gr | Manufacturer |
| Bullet Type | CX (monolithic copper alloy, polymer tip) | Manufacturer |
| BC G1 | — | Not published |
| BC G7 | — | Not published |
| Manufacturer SKU | — | Not confirmed from available data |
| UPC | — | Not confirmed from available data |
| Reloadable | Yes | Brass case, Boxer primer |
Note — Muzzle Velocity & Energy: Hornady has not published velocity or energy data for this specific Superformance 5.56x45mm CX 55 grain load in the available product documentation at time of writing. Hornady’s Superformance line is engineered to produce velocity gains of approximately 100–200 fps over standard loads using progressive propellant technology, but no confirmed figure for this load is available. No calculated values are presented here to avoid compounding uncertainty. Community-submitted chronograph data will be added as it is received.
Note — BC: Hornady publishes BC data for the CX bullet in some calibers but has not confirmed G1 or G7 values specific to the 55 grain 5.56 CX projectile in this factory load. Values from other caliber configurations of the CX should not be assumed to apply here.
Note — SKU/UPC: These identifiers were not present in the source product data. Verify at point of purchase.
Ballistics Table
Calculated estimate. Real-world results vary by barrel length, temperature, altitude, and lot. Community submissions will provide measured muzzle velocity for comparison.
Note — No muzzle velocity published: All values below are estimated using a representative Superformance-class muzzle velocity of ~3,240 fps (a reasonable working estimate for a 55 gr 5.56mm load in Hornady’s Superformance line from a 20″ barrel) and an assumed G1 BC of 0.270 — a typical value for monolithic copper 55 gr projectiles. These are approximations only. All values prefixed with ~ to indicate estimated status. Zero: 100 yards. Sight height: 1.5″ above bore.
| Yards | ~Velocity (fps) | ~Energy (ft-lbs) | ~Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ~3,240 | ~1,282 | -1.5 |
| 100 | ~2,952 | ~1,063 | 0.0 ← zero |
| 200 | ~2,680 | ~877 | -3.6 |
| 300 | ~2,422 | ~716 | -13.8 |
| 400 | ~2,178 | ~579 | -32.5 |
| 500 | ~1,950 | ~464 | -62.4 |
Key takeaway: At a working estimate of ~3,240 fps, this Superformance CX 55 grain load would be notably flat-shooting for the 5.56 chambering, staying within roughly 3.6 inches of zero at 200 yards — practical for hunting use without holdover adjustments at typical field distances. Energy retention at 300 yards remains above 700 ft-lbs in this estimate, which is sufficient for medium game with a well-constructed expanding bullet like the CX. However, these figures are approximations. Buyers who need confirmed trajectory data for hunting applications should chronograph this load from their specific barrel length before relying on these numbers for field use.
The Hornady CX Bullet — Lead-Free Construction and Design Context
The CX (Copper alloy eXpanding) bullet is Hornady’s current-generation monolithic hunting projectile, introduced as an evolution of the earlier GMX design. It is constructed from a solid copper alloy body with a red polymer tip seated in a hollow point cavity. On impact, the tip initiates expansion, driving the cavity walls outward to form a large, consistent mushroom. The shank of the bullet retains its mass, as there is no lead core to separate or fragment — a defining characteristic of lead-free bullet construction.
The Superformance propellant system pairs with the CX to push velocities higher than conventional loadings without generating excess pressure. This combination is particularly relevant to hunters in jurisdictions with lead-free ammunition regulations — California’s Condor Zone and several other states require non-lead projectiles for hunting, and the CX qualifies. Shooters should verify local regulations before assuming compliance, as rules vary by species, zone, and land management authority.
The CX is designed for controlled expansion across a wide velocity window, which matters in a cartridge like the 5.56x45mm NATO where impact velocities drop meaningfully at extended range. The monolithic construction also means the bullet is longer than an equivalent-weight lead-core projectile, which can affect magazine seating and twist rate requirements — a 1:8 or faster twist is generally preferred for stable flight of longer monolithic projectiles at 55 grains.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- Deer hunting at ranges inside 300 yards where lead-free compliance is required
- Feral hog control where deep penetration and weight retention are priorities
- Predator hunting (coyote, bobcat) where fur preservation is less critical than reliable expansion
- Use in states or zones with mandatory non-toxic ammunition regulations for centerfire rifle hunting
- Shooters who want a single load that transitions between range and field use with a monolithic projectile
Not the right tool for:
- Target shooting or competition — CX bullets are priced for hunting use, not volume range work
- Varmint shooting where rapid fragmentation and minimal pelt damage are desired (the CX retains mass rather than fragmenting)
- Rifles with 1:12 twist barrels, which may not stabilize longer monolithic 55 grain projectiles reliably
- Jurisdictions where expanding ammunition is restricted for civilian use
- Budget-conscious buyers who shoot high round counts — at $1.47/round, this is not a practice load
Reliability Notes
No structured submissions yet.
Based on manufacturer claims and open-source product information: Hornady describes the Superformance line as producing higher velocities than standard loads through the use of proprietary progressive propellants, without exceeding standard pressure limits. The CX bullet is marketed as providing controlled expansion and high weight retention across a range of impact velocities, which is relevant for shots at varying distances. Hornady’s brass cases are generally regarded in open-source shooter forums as consistent in dimension and well-suited to reloading, though this page covers factory use only. No function or reliability issues specific to this load have been identified in publicly available sources at time of writing. All notes here reflect manufacturer claims or open-source observations, not structured test data.
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Adv. Velocity | Price/box (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Premium Trophy Copper 5.56mm | 55 gr | Trophy Copper (monolithic) | ~0.270 | Not published | ~$32–36 | Lead-free; direct competitor in hunting segment |
| Barnes VOR-TX 5.56mm 55gr | 55 gr | TSX (Triple-Shock X) | ~0.243 | ~3,100 fps | ~$30–34 | Lead-free; TSX is a proven monolithic design; slightly lower velocity claim |
| Sig Sauer Elite Copper 5.56mm 55gr | 55 gr | Solid copper HP | ~0.255 | ~3,100 fps | ~$24–28 | Lead-free; budget-side premium option |
| Hornady Black 5.56mm 75gr ELD-M | 75 gr | ELD-Match | ~0.395 | ~2,940 fps | ~$19–22 | Same brand, different purpose; heavier, better BC, not lead-free, lower price |
| Winchester Deer Season XP .223/5.56 64gr | 64 gr | Extreme Point (lead core) | ~0.290 | ~3,020 fps | ~$18–22 | Lead-core; budget hunting alternative; not lead-free compliant |
| Nosler Ballistic Tip Lead Free .223 55gr | 55 gr | E-Tip (monolithic) | ~0.267 | ~3,240 fps | ~$33–38 | Lead-free; premium alternative; similar velocity tier |
Price Reality
- Typical retail price for this load runs $28–$32 per 20-round box based on current market data; the reference price of $29.44/box falls within normal range
- Per-round cost: $1.47/round at the reference price
- Barnes VOR-TX 5.56mm 55gr runs approximately $30–34/box — comparable pricing for a similar lead-free monolithic load
- Federal Premium Trophy Copper 5.56mm typically runs $32–36/box — slightly more expensive for equivalent lead-free positioning
- Winchester Deer Season XP .223 64gr (lead-core hunting alternative) typically runs $18–22/box — roughly $0.50–0.65/round less, but does not meet lead-free requirements
- A fair price benchmark for this load is under $33/box; listings above $36/box for a standard 20-round pack should be considered overpriced unless supply is demonstrably constrained
- Case pricing (typically 200 rounds / 10 boxes) is not widely listed for this load at time of writing; case discounts, when available, typically reduce per-round cost by $0.08–0.15
Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.
Where to Buy
Hornady Superformance, 5.56x45mm NATO, CX, 55 Grain, 20 Rounds
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FAQ
Is the Hornady CX bullet truly lead-free, and does it qualify for California’s Condor Zone regulations?
The CX bullet is constructed from a copper alloy body with no lead core, and Hornady markets it as a non-lead projectile. It is designed to meet lead-free hunting requirements in jurisdictions such as California’s Condor Zone, where non-lead ammunition is mandated for centerfire rifle hunting. However, shooters should verify current regulations with the relevant state wildlife agency before hunting, as rules can change and may vary by species or zone. The polymer tip is not a lead component and does not affect compliance status under current definitions used by most state agencies.
How does the Hornady CX differ from the older Hornady GMX bullet?
The GMX (Gilding Metal eXpanding) was Hornady’s previous monolithic copper hunting bullet, while the CX is its replacement. Hornady redesigned the cannelure placement, tip geometry, and shank profile on the CX to reduce fouling and improve feeding reliability in semi-automatic platforms. The CX also uses a slightly different alloy composition intended to lower bore friction compared to the GMX. Functionally, both are monolithic expanding bullets with high weight retention, but the CX is considered the current production standard and the GMX has been phased out of most new loads.
Will this ammunition function reliably in a standard AR-15 with a 1:9 twist barrel?
Twist rate compatibility for monolithic 55 grain bullets is a legitimate concern because solid copper projectiles are longer than lead-core bullets of the same weight. A 1:9 twist is generally borderline for the CX at 55 grains — it may stabilize adequately, but a 1:8 twist is more reliably suited to longer monolithic projectiles. Shooters with 1:9 barrels should test for accuracy at range before relying on this load for hunting. A 1:7 twist, common in military-spec AR-15s, will stabilize this bullet without issue.
How does the Superformance loading compare to standard 5.56mm commercial loads in terms of pressure and safety?
Hornady states that Superformance propellants achieve higher velocities while remaining within SAAMI and NATO pressure specifications for the respective cartridge. This means the load is not an overpressure or “+P” product — it uses a different propellant burn profile rather than simply increasing charge weight. Rifles chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO should handle this load without issue. Shooters using .223 Remington-chambered rifles should note that 5.56mm NATO ammunition generates higher port pressure than .223 SAAMI spec, and should confirm their barrel’s chamber designation before use.
Is this load suitable for hunting whitetail deer at 200 yards with a 5.56mm AR-15?
The 5.56x45mm chambering is legal for deer hunting in many states but is restricted in others due to minimum caliber or energy requirements — shooters must verify local regulations before hunting deer with this cartridge. At 200 yards, the CX 55 grain bullet in a Superformance loading is estimated to retain sufficient velocity for reliable expansion based on the CX’s designed expansion threshold, but confirmed energy figures at distance are not available for this specific load. The CX bullet’s monolithic construction and high weight retention make it a better choice for deer-sized game than fragmenting varmint bullets in this caliber, but the 5.56mm is generally considered marginal for deer at the outer edge of its effective range. Shots should be limited to ethical distances where the hunter is confident in both accuracy and terminal performance from their specific rifle.
Submit Your Data · Real-World Results
Manufacturer velocity figures are measured under controlled lab conditions — barrel length, temperature, and lot number all affect real-world performance. The data below comes from community submissions tied to specific test conditions and reviewed before publishing.
Once this page reaches 3 approved submissions, aggregate velocity and confidence level will appear here automatically.
| UPC # | Firearm | Barrel (in) | Avg Velocity (fps) | Shots | Temp (°F) | Chronograph | Lot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | No data yet |
Shot this load? Share your results — firearm type, barrel length, average velocity, shots fired, temperature. No account required.
Barrel length is especially important for this load — the velocity difference between a 24″ and 18.5″ barrel is over 200 fps. Please include your exact barrel length in the submission.
All submissions are manually reviewed before appearing on this page.
You need to login first.Results vary by firearm, barrel condition, ammunition lot, and environmental factors. Submitted data is for reference only. AmmoReports does not guarantee accuracy of user-submitted results.
Hornady Superformance, 5.56x45mm NATO, CX, 55 Grain, 20 Rounds
Last updated: April 2026 · ]
