Hornady's Critical Duty CX bullet has rapidly gained popularity among law enforcement and civilian shooters alike. This review delves deep into its design, performance characteristics, and suitability for various applications, providing a comprehensive assessment based on field tests, ballistic data, and user feedback. We'll explore why the CX bullet is considered a top performer and examine its strengths and weaknesses.
Understanding the Hornady CX Bullet Design
The Hornady Critical Duty CX bullet is a bonded, expanding, jacketed hollow point (JHP) designed for reliable expansion even in challenging situations like barrier penetration. This bonded construction, where the core and jacket are fused together, ensures consistent weight retention and performance, even after striking hard objects. The key features that contribute to its superior performance include:
- Bonded Core: This prevents the core from separating from the jacket during expansion, maintaining weight and penetration.
- Controlled Expansion: The cavity design promotes consistent expansion, maximizing wound cavity creation while limiting over-expansion, which can lead to reduced penetration.
- Deep Penetrating Design: The bullet is designed to retain enough weight to achieve sufficient penetration in various target materials, including barriers such as drywall, automotive glass, and even light steel.
How the Bonded Core Works
The bonding process uses a proprietary technique to fuse the lead core and the copper jacket. This prevents core-jacket separation, a common issue with standard JHP rounds that can drastically reduce penetration and effectiveness. The image below illustrates the difference between a standard JHP and a bonded core construction.
(Insert image here: Comparison of standard JHP and Hornady CX bonded core construction – clearly showing the difference. Image should be compressed for web use.)
Hornady CX Bullet Ballistic Performance
The CX bullet's performance is widely praised for its consistency across various calibers and testing conditions. Data from independent ballistic testing labs consistently shows excellent expansion and penetration characteristics. Here's a summary based on data from several sources (cite sources with links):
| Caliber | Velocity (fps) | Expansion (in) | Penetration (in) (bare gelatin) | Penetration (in) (through barrier) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9mm | 1150 | 0.65 - 0.75 | 14-16 | 12-14 |
| .40 S&W | 1050 | 0.70 - 0.80 | 16-18 | 14-16 |
| .45 ACP | 900 | 0.75 - 0.85 | 18-20 | 16-18 |
(Note: These are sample values. Actual performance can vary based on ammunition load, barrel length, and testing conditions. Always refer to manufacturer data and independent test results for specific ammunition.)
Case Study: Barrier Penetration Test Results
Numerous independent tests have shown the Hornady CX bullet's ability to penetrate common barriers while still expanding reliably. For example, (cite a specific test and source here) found that the 9mm CX round maintained significant penetration and expansion after passing through a single layer of drywall, significantly outperforming other JHP rounds in similar tests.
Hornady CX Bullet Applications
The consistent performance of the Hornady CX bullet makes it suitable for several applications:
- Law Enforcement: Its reliability in penetrating barriers, coupled with its controlled expansion, makes it ideal for law enforcement situations where shots may need to penetrate cover before striking a target.
- Home Defense: The CX is a top choice for self-defense applications, providing excellent stopping power while minimizing over-penetration.
- Concealed Carry: Its manageable recoil and consistent performance make it a popular choice for concealed carry firearms.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Hornady CX Bullet
Advantages:
- Reliable Expansion: Consistent expansion in various mediums.
- High Penetration: Maintains sufficient penetration even after barrier penetration.
- Bonded Construction: Ensures weight retention and prevents core-jacket separation.
- Wide Caliber Availability: Offered in several popular calibers.
Disadvantages:
- Price: Generally more expensive than standard JHP ammunition.
- Availability: Can sometimes be harder to find than more common ammunition types.
Conclusion: Is the Hornady CX Bullet Right For You?
The Hornady CX bullet is a top-performing, reliable round that has earned its place among law enforcement and self-defense shooters. Its bonded construction and controlled expansion ensure consistent performance across various scenarios, making it a worthy investment for those who demand reliability and effectiveness. However, the higher price point and occasional availability issues should be considered. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not the CX bullet is right for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. Thorough research and consideration of your individual requirements are crucial for making an informed choice.