Ammo Reports Team
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Hunting (deer, hogs, predators), precision rifle competition |
| Bullet Type | CX (Copper Alloy Expanding — monolithic lead-free) |
| Bullet Weight | 70 grains |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer, centerfire |
| Packaging | 20 rounds per box |
| Typical Price | $39.49/box — $1.97/round |
| Closest Competitors | Hornady BLACK 22 ARC 62 Gr ELD-M, Federal American Eagle 22 ARC 62 Gr FMJBT, Sig Sauer Elite Hunter 22 ARC 70 Gr HT |
Official Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | — | Not published |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | — | Not published |
| Bullet Weight | 70 gr | Manufacturer |
| Bullet Type | CX (Monolithic Copper Alloy Expanding) | Manufacturer |
| BC G1 | — | Not published |
| BC G7 | — | Not published |
| Manufacturer SKU | — | Not published |
| UPC | — | Not published |
| Reloadable | Yes | Brass case, Boxer primer |
Note: Hornady has not published muzzle velocity, muzzle energy, or ballistic coefficient data for this specific load in publicly available specification sheets at the time of writing. The 22 ARC cartridge is relatively new (introduced 2022), and factory ballistic data for the 70 Gr CX Superformance loading remains sparse across retail and manufacturer channels. The ballistics table below is therefore a calculated estimate. This page will be updated when official data is released or community-verified measurements are submitted.
Ballistics Table
Calculated estimate. Real-world results vary by barrel length, temperature,altitude, and lot. Community submissions will provide measured muzzlevelocity for comparison.
The 22 ARC is a centerfire non-magnum cartridge. Table zeroed at 100 yards, sight height 1.5″ above bore. Because Hornady has not published a muzzle velocity for this load, the estimate below uses a reasonable approximation of ~2,900 fps based on the Superformance line’s performance characteristics with a 70 gr projectile in a 24″ barrel. All values marked with ~ to indicate estimated status.
| Yards | ~Velocity (fps) | ~Energy (ft-lbs) | ~Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ~2,900 | ~1,307 | -1.5 |
| 100 | ~2,660 | ~1,099 | 0.0 ← zero |
| 200 | ~2,430 | ~917 | -4.2 |
| 300 | ~2,210 | ~759 | -15.1 |
| 400 | ~2,000 | ~622 | -34.6 |
| 500 | ~1,800 | ~504 | -64.8 |
Source note: Muzzle velocity is estimated, not manufacturer-published. All downstream values are Calculated from that estimate using standard drag modeling for a monolithic .224 bullet at approximately G7 BC 0.200. Do not use these values for precision holdover decisions without confirming against a chronograph.
Key takeaway: Even on estimated figures, the 70 Gr CX retains meaningful energy well past 300 yards — a meaningful advantage over lighter 22 ARC loads in the 55–62 gr range when hunting medium game. The heavier monolithic bullet sacrifices some initial velocity compared to lighter varmint loads but delivers more consistent terminal expansion at extended ranges. At 400 yards the estimated retained energy still exceeds 600 ft-lbs, which meets or exceeds minimum thresholds many hunters apply to whitetail deer. Actual barrel length will significantly affect these numbers — the 22 ARC was designed around a 24″ barrel, and shorter barrels will reduce velocity meaningfully.
The Hornady CX Bullet and Why It Matters in 22 ARC
The CX (Copper Alloy Expanding) bullet is Hornady’s lead-free monolithic hunting projectile, introduced as the successor to the GMX. It is constructed from a solid copper alloy with a polymer tip that initiates expansion on impact. Unlike cup-and-core bullets, the CX does not shed a lead core — it expands into four uniform petals while retaining nearly 95% of its original weight through the target. This makes it particularly relevant in the 22 ARC context for two reasons.
First, the 22 ARC was specifically engineered by Hornady in collaboration with Alexander Arms to extract maximum performance from AR-15 platforms using a 24″ barrel. Pairing that case design with a monolithic 70 Gr CX bullet produces a load that punches well above what the .223 Remington can achieve with comparable projectile weights. The longer, heavier bullet also stabilizes well in the 1:7.5″ twist rate that the 22 ARC specification calls for — a twist rate that would be marginal or insufficient for this bullet weight in many .223 rifles.
Second, the lead-free construction makes this load legal for hunting in California and other jurisdictions with restrictions on lead-core projectiles in hunting applications. Hunters pursuing deer or hogs in those states now have a genuinely capable option in a cartridge that fits standard AR-15 lowers — a combination that was not available before the 22 ARC existed.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- Whitetail deer and mule deer hunting inside 400 yards where a lead-free projectile is required or preferred
- Feral hog control where deep, weight-retaining penetration improves results on heavy-shouldered animals
- Hunters in California and other lead-restricted states who want an AR-15-compatible hunting load
- Precision hunters who want a single load that performs reliably at both close and extended ranges
- Shooters who prioritize terminal consistency over raw velocity and prefer monolithic construction
Not the right tool for:
- High-volume prairie dog or varmint shooting — the per-round cost is too high for volume use
- Competitive PRS or long-range target shooting where a match-grade open-tip bullet with published BC data is required
- Jurisdictions that restrict or prohibit hunting with expanding rifle ammunition — check local regulations
- Shooters running barrels shorter than 20″ where the velocity loss will reduce expansion reliability at distance
- Budget-conscious buyers — at nearly $2.00 per round, this is a premium-tier hunting load, not a practice load
Reliability Notes
No structured submissions yet.
Based on manufacturer claims and open-source reporting, the Hornady Superformance line uses a proprietary propellant blend designed to increase velocity without raising peak chamber pressure above SAAMI specifications. Hornady states that CX bullets are engineered to expand reliably across a broad velocity window, which is relevant for 22 ARC shooters using varying barrel lengths. The polymer tip is designed to resist deformation during magazine feeding in AR-15 platforms. No documented feeding or extraction issues specific to this load have appeared in open sources at time of writing. All notes here come from manufacturer claims and open-source product descriptions, not structured user data.
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Adv. Velocity | Price/box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady BLACK 22 ARC 62 Gr ELD-M | 62 gr | ELD-M (lead core) | ~0.395 | Higher MV | ~$28–$32 | Budget alternative; match-focused, not a hunting bullet |
| Hornady BLACK 22 ARC 75 Gr ELD-M | 75 gr | ELD-M (lead core) | ~0.420 | Lower MV | ~$30–$34 | Heavier match option; same platform, not lead-free |
| Sig Sauer Elite Hunter 22 ARC 70 Gr HT | 70 gr | HT (lead-free solid copper) | Not published | Similar | ~$38–$42 | Most direct competitor; same weight, lead-free, similar use case |
| Federal American Eagle 22 ARC 62 Gr FMJBT | 62 gr | FMJ (lead core) | ~0.310 | Higher MV | ~$22–$26 | Budget/training option; not suitable for hunting |
| Nosler Match Grade 22 ARC 70 Gr RDF | 70 gr | RDF (lead core, match) | ~0.400 | Similar | ~$36–$42 | Premium match load; not a hunting bullet; same weight class |
| Barnes Precision Match 22 ARC (if available) | Varies | OTM or lead-free | Not published | — | — | Check availability; Barnes lead-free options may fill similar role |
Note: The 22 ARC commercial ammunition market is still developing as of 2024. Competitor availability and pricing are subject to change as more manufacturers add loads. The Hornady 70 Gr CX is currently one of the only factory lead-free hunting loads available for this cartridge.
Price Reality
- Typical retail range: $37–$42 per box of 20 rounds; case pricing (typically 10 boxes/200 rounds) not widely available at time of writing
- Per-round cost: approximately $1.97–$2.10 depending on retailer
- The Hornady BLACK 22 ARC 62 Gr ELD-M runs roughly $28–$32/box — about $0.70–$0.90 less per round, but is not a hunting bullet and is not lead-free
- The Sig Sauer Elite Hunter 22 ARC 70 Gr HT is the most direct competitor at similar weight and construction, typically priced within $2–$4 of this load per box
- The Federal American Eagle 22 ARC 62 Gr FMJBT is the budget baseline at $22–$26/box, but serves an entirely different purpose
- Fair price benchmark: paying more than $45/box for this load would represent a meaningful premium over typical market pricing — shop accordingly if listings exceed that threshold
Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.
Where to Buy
Hornady Superformance 22 ARC 70 Gr CX (Box)
Affiliate links. These do not influence ratings, data, or any editorial content on this page.
FAQ
Does the 70 Gr CX bullet in this load meet lead-free hunting requirements in California?
Yes. The Hornady CX is a monolithic copper alloy bullet with no lead core, which qualifies it under California’s Nonlead Ammunition regulations for hunting with a centerfire rifle on wildlife management areas and other regulated lands. Hunters should verify current California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before each season, as requirements can be updated. The 22 ARC cartridge itself is legal for deer hunting in California provided the hunter holds the appropriate license and tags. Always confirm that your specific hunting unit does not impose additional restrictions beyond the statewide lead-free rule.
How does the 70 Gr CX compare to the Hornady GMX, which it replaced?
The CX bullet was introduced as an evolution of the GMX, using a similar monolithic copper alloy construction but with design changes intended to reduce bore fouling and improve feeding reliability in semi-automatic platforms. Hornady states the CX produces less copper fouling than the GMX in most applications. The terminal performance profile — deep penetration with controlled expansion and high weight retention — is comparable between the two designs. For practical hunting purposes, the CX is the current production option and the GMX has been largely phased out of Hornady’s factory ammunition lineup.
Is the 22 ARC cartridge suitable for whitetail deer at 400 yards with this load?
The 22 ARC 70 Gr CX is a capable deer cartridge at moderate to extended ranges when the shooter can place shots precisely. Estimated retained energy at 400 yards approaches 620 ft-lbs on a calculated basis, which many hunters consider a minimum threshold for ethical deer hunting. However, the small diameter of the .224 bullet means shot placement is more critical than with larger calibers — a marginal hit that might recover with a .30 caliber bullet may not perform as well with a 22 ARC load. Most experienced hunters using this cartridge for deer keep shots inside 300 yards as a practical field limit.
Can this ammunition be used in a standard AR-15 lower with a 22 ARC upper?
Yes. The 22 ARC uses a standard AR-15 lower receiver. The upper receiver, barrel, and bolt carrier group must be specifically chambered and configured for 22 ARC — it is not a drop-in swap from .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO. Hornady designed the cartridge around a 24″ barrel for optimal velocity, though 18″ and 20″ barrels are also commercially available. Shorter barrels will produce lower muzzle velocity, which may affect terminal expansion performance of the CX bullet at longer ranges. Magazine compatibility varies — consult your upper manufacturer for confirmed magazine recommendations.
Why doesn’t Hornady publish muzzle velocity for this Superformance load?
At time of writing, Hornady’s published ballistic data for the 22 ARC 70 Gr CX Superformance load is not available on their website or in standard industry data sources. This is not uncommon for newer cartridge/load combinations during the early stages of commercial availability. Hornady’s Superformance line is generally associated with velocity increases of 100–200 fps over standard loads through propellant optimization, but specific figures for this load have not been confirmed. This page will be updated with verified data when it becomes available from the manufacturer or through community-submitted chronograph measurements.
