Description
Hornady's Superformance line takes the 5.56 NATO cartridge to a new level by pairing progressive propellants with their copper alloy CX bullets. You get all the speed benefits of premium ammunition without the typical downsides like increased recoil, muzzle blast, or temperature sensitivity that come with traditional hot loads.
What Makes Superformance Different
The key is in the propellant chemistry. These loads achieve 100 to 200 fps faster velocities while staying well within SAAMI pressure guidelines. That means your rifle experiences the same chamber pressures as standard ammo, so it's safe for semi-autos, lever guns, pumps, and any other platform you run. The flatter trajectory from the added velocity makes it easier to place accurate shots without extensive holdover calculations.
The CX Bullet Advantage
Hornady's CX (Copper alloy eXpanding) bullet is a monolithic design built from a solid copper-zinc alloy that won't separate on impact. The Heat Shield tip maintains consistent ballistic coefficients throughout the bullet's flight, and the expanded nose cavity delivers reliable expansion and deep penetration. Because it's lead-free, you get excellent clean-burning characteristics and easier barrel maintenance compared to traditional lead-core projectiles.
Quality That Shoots Straight
Each box uses virgin brass cases and Hornady's non-corrosive Boxer primers to ensure consistent ignition and reliable feeding across a wide range of rifle platforms. The rounds are loaded with clean-burning powders that reduce fouling, keeping your barrel in better shape between cleanings. You're getting factory ammunition that's reloadable if you decide to go that route later.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: 5.56 NATO
- Bullet Weight: 55 grains
- Bullet Type: CX (Copper Alloy eXpanding)
- Muzzle Velocity: 3175 fps
- Muzzle Energy: 1231 ft-lbs
- Ballistic Coefficient (G1): 0.270
- Case Material: Brass
- Primer Type: Boxer, Non-Corrosive
- Rounds per Box: 20
- Manufacturer: Hornady
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 812544
- UPC: 090255719932
What’s Included
- 20 rounds of Hornady Superformance 5.56 NATO ammunition
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this lead-free ammunition safe for all AR-15 rifles?
Yes. The CX bullets are made from a copper alloy, making them completely lead-free. Hornady specifically engineered Superformance rounds to be safe for all firearm types, including semi-auto rifles. The ammunition meets SAAMI pressure standards, so it won't create excess pressure in your rifle's chamber.
How much faster is this compared to standard 5.56 NATO loads?
Hornady's progressive propellants deliver 100 to 200 fps more velocity than conventional ammunition. This specific load reaches 3175 fps, which translates to a noticeably flatter trajectory and more energy downrange without the trade-off of increased recoil or muzzle blast.
Can I reload these brass cases?
Absolutely. The cases are virgin brass with Boxer primers, making them fully reloadable. The copper-zinc alloy of the bullets is harder than traditional lead-core bullets, so you may notice pressure signs at lower powder charges when handloading, but the cases themselves are high quality and suitable for reloading.
What game is this suitable for hunting?
The Superformance 55gr CX load is designed for medium game weighing 50 to 300 pounds. With reliable expansion and deep penetration from the monolithic copper bullet, it's an effective choice for deer, hogs, and similar-sized animals out to reasonable hunting distances.




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