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Hornady Superformance 22 ARC 70 Gr CX

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Ammo Reports Team 11 22 ARC

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Data is based on official manufacturer sources. Found an error? Send us the source link.

Official-data note: Product identity, item number, box count, test-barrel length, muzzle figures, and the 0-500 yard trajectory were checked against current Hornady material. The G1 value shown is retained from Hornady catalog data; a G7 value was not found for this bullet. The UPC is retailer-listed. Case material, primer type, and reloadable status were not explicitly stated for the exact factory load.

Manufacturer: Hornady. Exact official product pages and technical documents are recorded in the editorial verification log. Any retailer-listed field is labeled.

Ballistics Table

Official Hornady manufacturer data. Test barrel: 24 inches. Manufacturer trajectory: 200-yard zero. Hornady does not list wind drift in the factory table.

Source note: Hornady publishes exact velocity, energy, and trajectory through 500 yards for SKU 81539. Hornady does not publish values beyond 500 yards or wind drift for this table, so no calculated extensions are added.

Key takeaway: Hornady lists 3,125 fps and 1,518 ft-lbs at the muzzle. At 500 yards, the factory table reports 2,008 fps, 627 ft-lbs, and 38.1 inches of drop with the manufacturer 200-yard zero.

The Hornady CX Bullet and Why It Matters in 22 ARC

The CX (Copper alloy eXpanding) is Hornady’s one-piece, nonlead copper-alloy hunting bullet. Hornady describes the CX design as providing controlled expansion, deep penetration, and up to 95% weight retention. Its Heat Shield tip is intended to resist aerodynamic heating and help maintain consistent bullet geometry in flight.

Hornady designed the 22 ARC for AR-15 and bolt-action rifles, with a maximum overall length of 2.260 inches and a 1:7-inch twist specification. This factory load pairs the cartridge with a 70 gr CX monolithic copper-alloy expanding bullet. Hornady’s published ballistic table uses a 24-inch test barrel.

Second, the lead-free CX construction can be relevant where current hunting regulations require nonlead projectiles. Hunters must verify caliber, projectile, season, and location rules before use.

Best Uses

Good fit:

• Hunting applications where local regulations permit 22 ARC and a lead-free expanding projectile is appropriate
• Feral hog control where deep, weight-retaining penetration improves results on heavy-shouldered animals
• Jurisdictions requiring nonlead projectiles, after verifying cartridge, game, season, and location rules
• 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
• Locations or ranges where current rules do not permit this projectile type
• Hunting at distances where actual impact velocity and terminal suitability have not been verified for the specific rifle
• Budget-conscious buyers doing high-volume practice, because this is a premium hunting load rather than bulk training ammunition

Reliability Notes

Hornady describes the 22 ARC as designed for AR-15-length platforms and bolt actions, but no standardized manufacturer reliability-test results were found for exact factory SKU 81539 across multiple firearms. Confirm feeding, extraction, ignition, accuracy, and point of impact in the specific rifle before hunting use.

Competitors

Price Reality

Retail prices and availability change. Compare the current store listings below and verify item 81539 and the exact 20-round package before purchase. Price is not used to determine the technical data or editorial conclusion.

Where to Buy

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