Hornady 338 Cal 185gr CX

Hornady 338 Cal 185gr CX

The Hornady 338 Cal 185gr CX is a versatile bullet component engineered for hunters and handloaders seeking controlled expansion, deep penetration, and sub‑MOA accuracy in .338-caliber rifles. Weighing 185gr with a .338-inch diameter, the 338 Cal 185gr CX employs Hornady’s CX (Copper eXpansion) technology—with a bonded, polymer-tipped jacket and boat-tail base—delivering consistent terminal effects and aerodynamic performance on medium to large game.

The polymer-tipped, boat-tail design of the 338 Cal 185gr CX offers a G1 ballistic coefficient around 0.376, promoting flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift at typical muzzle velocities of 2,700–2,900 fps. This external performance, combined with Hornady’s precision molding and balanced jacket thickness, helps the 338 Cal 185gr CX achieve reliable expansion without fragmentation and maintain structural integrity through heavy hide.

Optimized for cartridges like .338 Winchester Magnum, .338-06, and 338 Lapua, the Hornady 338 Cal 185gr CX stabilizes effectively in rifles with 1:9 to 1:11 twist rates. The uniform bearing surface and concentric polymer tip ensure consistent seating depth and repeatable load performance. Handloaders using the 338 Cal 185gr CX report tight group sizes and accurate muzzle velocities when paired with high-quality brass and powders.

On game, the 338 Cal 185gr CX delivers expansion to roughly 1.5–2× its original diameter, while retaining over 85% of its mass. Hunters pursuing deer, elk, and similar-sized animals benefit from the deep penetration and homogenous mushrooming this bullet provides. The controlled expansion and structural integrity make the 338 Cal 185gr CX a trusted choice for ethical hunting across varied terrain.

Manufactured at Hornady’s Grand Island, Nebraska facility, each 338 Cal 185gr CX bullet is sold as a component only. Reloaders must supply suitable brass, powder, and primers. With rigorous quality control on weight consistency, tip alignment, and jacket bonding, the Hornady 338 Cal 185gr CX offers dependable accuracy, reliable terminal results, and consistent performance in large-bore .338-caliber applications.