Hornady Superformance 338 Win Mag 225 Grain SST

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Hornady Superformance 338 Win Mag 225 Grain SST (Box)
Official SpecValue
ManufacturerHornady
Cartridge338 Winchester Magnum
Product LineSuperformance
Bullet Name / Bullet TypeSST – polymer-tipped, mechanically locked lead-core hunting bullet
Bullet Weight225 gr
Manufacturer SKU82233
UPCNot found
Rounds per Box20
Muzzle Velocity2840 fps
Muzzle Energy4029 ft-lb
Ballistic Coefficient G1Not found
Ballistic Coefficient G7Not found
Case MaterialBrass
PrimerNot found
ReloadableNot found
Test Barrel Length24 in
Zero Distance200 yd
Sight Height1.5 in
Intended UseBig game hunting
Product StatusListed by manufacturer; production status not independently confirmed
Closest CompetitorsFederal Premium Trophy Bonded Tip 338 Win Mag 225 gr, Winchester Expedition Big Game 338 Win Mag 225 gr ABLR, Nosler Trophy Grade 338 Win Mag 225 gr AccuBond (comparison identities/specifications require individual verification)

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

Verification note: Verified against the official Hornady product record. Not found means the field was not confirmed from the sources reviewed.

Ballistics Table

Manufacturer-published reference. Zero: 200 yd. Sight height: 1.5 in. Test barrel: 24 in. Only verified published rows are shown. No interpolated distances or independently calculated trajectories are included.

Distance (yd)Velocity (fps)Energy (ft-lb)Drop (in)
028404029-1.5
100266235401.7
200249131000
30023262704-7.3
40021682348-21.1
50020162030-42.2

Key takeaway: These are reference ballistics, not a guaranteed hunting distance. Retained energy alone does not establish expansion, penetration or suitability for a particular shot. Actual velocity and point of impact depend on the rifle, ammunition lot and conditions. Confirm the rifle’s zero and measured performance before relying on a trajectory.

The Hornady SST Bullet and Superformance Propellant System

The Super Shock Tip (SST) bullet is a polymer-tipped, lead-core projectile designed to initiate rapid and consistent expansion across a wide range of impact velocities. The red polymer tip drives rearward into the lead core on impact, initiating expansion while the InterLock ring – an internal jacket feature that mechanically locks the jacket to the core – resists jacket-core separation at high velocity. This makes the SST a versatile choice across a broad range of distances where impact velocity can vary considerably.

What separates this load from standard 338 Win Mag offerings is the Superformance propellant blend. Rather than simply increasing powder charge, Hornady engineered a propellant mixture that burns more efficiently across the full length of the barrel, generating higher muzzle velocity without a corresponding increase in peak pressure or felt recoil signature beyond what the caliber already produces. Hornady markets Superformance for increased velocity. The exact factory rating is shown above; this claim does not establish the gain in every rifle.

Best Uses

Good fit:

  • Big game hunting where this exact expanding-bullet load meets the needs of the hunt.
  • Comparing factory ammunition in the same rifle while recording group size, velocity, lot number and conditions.
  • Hunters comparing projectile construction and practical accuracy, rather than muzzle velocity alone.

Limitations:

  • No fixed ethical hunting range follows from the energy column alone.
  • Factory test-barrel results may differ from an individual rifle. A fixed velocity loss per inch is not assumed.
  • This page does not establish lead-free certification for the exact product.

Reliability Notes

No structured AmmoReports firing-test submissions are recorded in this article. Manufacturer reference data must be kept separate from independent chronograph, accuracy and terminal-performance tests. No unverified forum consensus, accuracy guarantee, case-life estimate or claim of recall-free status is presented as a measured result.

Competitors

Load / reference nameListed weightListed bulletVerification
Federal Premium Trophy Bonded Tip 338 Win Mag 225 gr225 grTrophy Bonded TipIdentity and comparative specifications not verified
Winchester Expedition Big Game 338 Win Mag 225 gr225 grNosler AccuBond Long RangeIdentity and comparative specifications not verified
Nosler Trophy Grade 338 Win Mag 225 gr AccuBond225 grAccuBondIdentity and comparative specifications not verified
Remington Core-Lokt 338 Win Mag 225 gr225 grCore-Lokt PSPIdentity and comparative specifications not verified
Hornady Precision Hunter 338 Win Mag 230 gr ELD-X230 grELD-XIdentity and comparative specifications not verified
Barnes VOR-TX 338 Win Mag 225 gr TTSX225 grTTSX (lead-free)Identity and comparative specifications not verified

The original comparison list is retained for identification and follow-up. Listed names, weights and projectile labels are not independently confirmed product records. Unverified BC, velocity, price and performance claims have been removed. A handload reference, if listed, is not a factory-ammunition equivalent.

Price Reality

Compare the exact cartridge, projectile, weight, SKU and package quantity before comparing offers. Box and case listings can use different UPCs. Cost per round should be calculated from a current store offer, including shipping and applicable taxes. No undated retail-price benchmark or current-stock claim is asserted here.

Where to Buy

Hornady Superformance 338 Win Mag 225 Grain SST (Box)
Hornady Superformance 338 Win Mag 225 Grain SST (Box)
Ammunitiondepot.com

Affiliate links. These do not influence ratings, data, or editorial content.

FAQ

What exact factory load does this page cover?

Hornady Superformance, 338 Winchester Magnum, 225 gr SST – polymer-tipped, mechanically locked lead-core hunting bullet. Manufacturer identifier: 82233.

Are the ballistic figures manufacturer data or an independent test?

The table reproduces verified manufacturer-published reference values. It is not an AmmoReports firing test. Published distances are retained without interpolation.

Is this an expanding hunting bullet or a match projectile?

The identified hunting projectile is SST – polymer-tipped, mechanically locked lead-core hunting bullet. Its construction should not be substituted with data from another bullet carrying the same weight.

Will a different barrel produce the published velocity?

Factory velocity is a reference for the stated test conditions. Barrel, chamber, ammunition lot and temperature can change the result. Measure the actual rifle; no fixed loss or gain per inch is guaranteed.

Can other magnum cartridges be substituted?

Use only the exact chambering specified by the firearm manufacturer. 338 Winchester Magnum is a distinct cartridge; a similar caliber name, bullet diameter or magnum designation does not establish interchangeability.

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