Hornady Superformance 6.5 Creedmoor 120gr GMX — 500 Rounds

The Hornady Superformance 6.5 Creedmoor is Hornady’s lead-free, high-velocity hunting load in the most popular precision rifle cartridge — a 120-grain GMX solid copper bullet at 3,050 fps, producing 2,414 ft-lbs at the muzzle.

At $1.60 per round for 500 rounds, it is the most affordable lead-free option in the 6.5 Creedmoor category.

Superformance — What the Velocity Claim Means

Hornady developed Superformance propellants specifically to increase muzzle velocity 100–200 fps over conventional loads without increasing chamber pressure, felt recoil, or muzzle blast.

For the Hornady Superformance 6.5 Creedmoor, 3,050 fps is meaningfully faster than most conventional 120-grain loads and compensates for the energy deficit that lighter bullets typically have relative to heavier hunting loads.

The GMX Bullet

GMX stands for Gilding Metal eXpanding. Gilding metal is a copper-zinc alloy — the entire bullet, with no lead core.

Lead-free. The Hornady Superformance 6.5 Creedmoor qualifies under California’s Condor Zone regulations and similar lead-free hunting requirements. For hunters who need lead compliance in 6.5 Creedmoor, this is one of the two lead-free options currently in this category alongside the Barnes VOR-TX Long Range 127gr.

Polymer tip. Initiates expansion on impact and improves BC over a flat-meplat copper bullet.

Cannelure groove. Controls petal expansion depth and maintains structural integrity at Superformance velocities. At 3,050 fps, the GMX arrives at impact with more energy than a conventional 120-grain load and needs this structural control to avoid over-expansion.

Monolithic construction. Near-100% weight retention through penetration — no lead core to separate.

Lead-Free in 6.5 Creedmoor — The Two Options

Two lead-free 6.5 Creedmoor loads are currently in this category:

• Barnes VOR-TX Long Range 127gr LRX BT — 127gr, solid copper, $1.83/round, 300 rounds
• Hornady Superformance GMX 120gr — 120gr, GMX copper alloy, $1.60/round, 500 rounds

Choose the Barnes for a heavier bullet with a longer ogive engineered specifically for 400–700-yard terminal performance. Choose the Hornady Superformance 6.5 Creedmoor for the larger case count and lower per-round cost — the better volume option.

Both qualify under California’s lead-free hunting regulations.

Specifications

• Caliber: 6.5mm Creedmoor
• Bullet: 120 grain, GMX (Gilding Metal eXpanding, solid copper-alloy)
• Muzzle velocity: 3,050 fps
• Muzzle energy: 2,414 ft-lbs
• Application: Deer, medium to large game, lead-free hunting
• Lead free: Yes — California-compliant
• Cartridge case: Brass, reloadable
• Primer: Boxer centrefire
• Quantity: 500 rounds (25 × 20-round boxes)
• Hornady Item Number: 180200 / Mfg. 81490

Browse the 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition category. Technical specifications are published by SAAMI and by Hornady directly. Safe storage guidance is available from the NSSF.

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SHORT DESCRIPTION (above Add to Cart)

Hornady Superformance 6.5 Creedmoor. 120-grain GMX solid copper-alloy bullet — lead-free, California Condor Zone compliant. 3,050 fps, 2,414 ft-lbs. Superformance propellant for 100–200 fps velocity gain without added pressure. Brass case, reloadable. Hornady Item 180200. 500 rounds (25 × 20-round boxes). Lead-free hunting load. Not a match/target bullet.

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💬 Before You Go — Hunting Lead-Free in 6.5 Creedmoor?

Running Superformance GMX? Leave a review with the species and the range — and tell us whether you chose this over the Barnes VOR-TX LR for the case count, the velocity, or another reason. That comparison is what the next California hunter is making. And if you came looking for a load we don’t carry, tell us. 🎯

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Please purchase and use ammunition responsibly and in accordance with all federal, state and local laws. Ammunition cannot be shipped to all jurisdictions — verify legal shipment to your address before ordering. Buyers must be of legal age in their jurisdiction. Not for sale to prohibited persons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this lead-free? Yes — GMX is solid gilding metal (copper-zinc alloy), no lead core. Qualifies under California’s Condor Zone regulations and similar lead-free hunting requirements.

What does Superformance mean? Hornady’s progressive propellant formulation that increases velocity 100–200 fps over conventional loads without increasing chamber pressure, recoil, or muzzle blast. The 3,050 fps figure reflects this.

How does it compare to the Barnes VOR-TX Long Range 127gr also in this category? Both are lead-free 6.5 Creedmoor. Barnes is 127gr with an LRX bullet engineered specifically for 400–700-yard expansion; this is 120gr GMX at 3,050 fps with more velocity and a larger case count (500 vs 300). Barnes: $1.83/round. This: $1.60/round.

Is the GMX a monolithic copper bullet? Solid gilding metal (copper-zinc alloy) — functionally monolithic with near-100% weight retention on penetration.

Can I reload the brass? Yes — standard Hornady brass, Boxer-primed.

Is there really a firearms FFL disclaimer in the description? Yes — it was imported from a firearms product page by mistake. It doesn’t apply to ammunition and will be removed.

How many rounds is 500? 25 × 20-round boxes.

What’s the per-round cost? $800 / 500 = $1.60 per round.