Cadex Rifles Guide: CDX-X145, X60 and Current Lineup

Last updated on September 9th, 2026

Cadex rifles cover a much wider range than the enormous 14.5×114 rifle that drew attention at SHOT Show 2024. The current line runs from hunting and competition rifles through tactical multi-calibre systems to the CDX-X60 extreme-range platform.

This guide explains where the CDX-X145 launch rifle fits, why current Cadex material uses the X60 name for the expanded large-action family, and which Cadex model groups suit more realistic precision-rifle roles.

Quick answer: the 2024 CDX-X145 was Cadex’s 14.5×114 launch configuration. Cadex’s current catalogue presents the related large platform as the CDX-X60, with 14.5×114 and 12.7×114 UA configurations. Cadex has not published a simple formal rename statement, so the safest description is that the current X60 presentation expands the X145 lineage.

Cadex Rifle Lineup at a Glance

Model suffixes, barrels and chamberings vary within these families. The table is a map of Cadex’s current catalogue, not a substitute for the model specification sheet. For most civilian precision shooters, the R7, Seven S.T.A.R.S., CDX-30/300/33 or Kraken families are more relevant than the X60.

CDX-X145 vs CDX-X60: What Changed?

Cadex used the CDX-X145 name when it unveiled a 14.5×114 extreme-long-range and anti-materiel rifle at SHOT Show 2024. The launch configuration was described with a 40-inch barrel, four-round magazine, folding stock and a weight of about 20.3kg before its complete optic and support package.

The current Cadex catalogue instead uses CDX-X60 for the large platform and lists both 14.5×114 and 12.7×114 UA configurations. Canadian Firearms Reference Table material also contains records across the X145 and X60 names. That establishes continuity in the family, but it does not justify claiming Cadex issued a one-line rename announcement when none is cited.

Searches for either name should therefore lead to the same factual explanation. A specification from the 2024 display should not automatically be assigned to every current X60 configuration, and a current X60 specification should not be retroactively presented as part of the original launch rifle.

Cadex CDX-X60 Specifications

The table describes the current catalogue, not a promise that every market receives every option. A platform of this scale may be restricted to institutional supply, export-controlled configurations or other highly specific channels.

Why 14.5×114 Changes the Whole Rifle

A 14.5×114 cartridge is not simply a slightly larger .50 BMG. Its physical size and military origin force the action, bolt, magazine, barrel, muzzle brake and chassis into a different engineering class from an ordinary precision rifle. The rifle’s mass is part of recoil management, not excess weight that can casually be removed.

Large cartridge dimensions do not by themselves guarantee precision. Extreme-range hit probability still depends on consistent ammunition, measured velocity, reliable drag data, stable launch conditions, a correctly mounted optic, accurate environmental inputs and a safe range long enough to verify the solution. Weak ammunition data can waste the theoretical capability of the largest rifle.

Ammunition is also a support problem. Availability, projectile consistency, storage, transport and approved use are all more difficult than with .338 Lapua Magnum, .375-class ELR cartridges or .50 BMG. Before discussing a rifle purchase, a serious user would need a documented ammunition and facility plan.

Action, Chassis and Recoil Management

The current X60 uses a large 416 stainless receiver and a four-lug bolt with a 50-degree throw. A shorter bolt rotation can help clearance beneath a large optic, but the length and force of the complete cycle still reflect the cartridge. The detachable four-round magazine is also a specialist component rather than a commodity magazine.

Cadex specifies its DX2 EVO trigger with selectable single-stage or two-stage operation. That gives the user a familiar precision-rifle interface inside an otherwise exceptional system. An ambidextrous three-position safety allows safe handling states appropriate to loading, unloading and firing procedures.

The Xtreme chassis provides a folding adjustable stock, long inclined top rail, night-vision bridge, M-LOK interfaces and a centre-balance carry handle. Folding reduces transport length, but it does not turn the rifle into an individually portable field rifle. Rifle, ammunition, optic, front support, rear support, tools and hard case form one system.

The MX3-ST muzzle brake, rifle mass and firing support work together. Hearing and blast management would be mandatory around any rifle of this scale. A light sporting bipod, improvised bench or casual rear bag should not be assumed adequate.

Optics and Ballistic Support

An X60 optic needs much more than a large magnification number. Recoil resistance, tracking repeatability, return to zero, useful elevation travel, reticle visibility and mount integrity are fundamental. The rail inclination and the scope’s internal adjustment range need to be planned as one system.

At extreme distance, mirage can make maximum magnification less useful than expected. Resolution, contrast and a readable first-focal-plane reticle can matter more than the top number on the ring. The complete workflow also needs a suitable laser rangefinder, weather measurements, a verified ballistic solver and a method for observing impacts.

Mount and fastener selection is not the place to improvise. Tube diameter, ring spacing, rail inclination, eye relief and manufacturer torque values should be documented. Tracking should be tested at a controlled shorter distance before a large elevation correction is trusted.

How the Main Cadex Families Compare

For most readers, the useful buying lesson is to work backwards from available range distance and ammunition. A rifle that can be fired and verified regularly will build more practical capability than an exceptional system that rarely leaves its case.

CDX-X60 vs Other ELR Rifles

Our Barrett MRAD review, CheyTac M200 guide, PGM Ultima Ratio review and Accuracy International AXSR guide cover systems that are still specialised but much closer to established precision-rifle use.

Range, Transport and Ownership Reality

A safe impact area, approved range rules and transport procedures matter before ballistic potential. A property or range that permits ordinary centrefire rifles is not automatically suitable for these cartridges. The advertised distance of a range also does not establish that its construction or danger area supports them.

Australian law varies by state and territory, while defence products and components can also involve international export controls. Do not infer civilian availability from a trade-show display, foreign registry record or catalogue. Confirm the exact model with the relevant registry, a licensed dealer and Cadex’s authorised channel.

Servicing is part of the same decision. Barrels, brakes, magazines, bolts and action components are specialist items. A prospective institutional user would need an approved maintenance route, spares plan and training process, not just a purchase price.

Who Is a Cadex X60 Actually For?

The X60 makes sense where an organisation has a documented requirement for its cartridge class and already controls the ammunition, facility, transport and technical support. It is also an interesting engineering subject for ELR readers.

It is not a first precision rifle, normal hunting rifle or shortcut to long-range skill. Recreational shooters will generally gain more from a conventional magnum or competition cartridge they can chronograph, true and practise with repeatedly. The best precision rifles guide covers much more usable starting points.

Cadex Rifles FAQ

Is the CDX-X145 now called the CDX-X60?

Cadex launched the CDX-X145 name in 2024. Its current catalogue presents the expanded large platform as the CDX-X60. The available official material supports describing the X60 as the current continuation or expansion of that lineage, but not quoting a formal rename announcement that Cadex has not published.

What calibre is the Cadex CDX-X60?

The current catalogue lists 14.5×114 and 12.7×114 UA configurations. The original CDX-X145 launch rifle was shown in 14.5×114.

What is the biggest Cadex rifle?

In the current catalogue, the CDX-X60 sits at the top of the extreme-range / anti-materiel group. It is physically and logistically beyond Cadex’s .408, .50 BMG and conventional magnum precision families.

Which Cadex rifle is best for long-range target shooting?

That depends on discipline and available range. The CDX-R7 competition models, Seven S.T.A.R.S. PRO, CDX-30/300/33 families and Kraken are more plausible starting points than the X60. Choose a cartridge that can be sourced and fired often enough to build verified data.

Can Australian civilians buy a CDX-X60?

Do not assume so. Availability and classification depend on jurisdiction, exact configuration, authorised supply and current law. Ask the relevant registry and a licensed dealer about the specific model.

Final Verdict

The CDX-X145 earned attention because a 14.5×114 bolt-action precision rifle is extraordinary. The more useful current explanation is that Cadex now presents the large family as the CDX-X60, adds a 12.7×114 UA option and retains the four-round, specialist-system concept.

For readers searching Cadex rifles, the X60 should be context rather than the whole story. Cadex’s R7, Seven S.T.A.R.S., CDX-30/300/33 and Kraken families are more relevant to regular precision shooting. The X60 belongs where its cartridge is a defined organisational requirement and every supporting part of the system already exists.