Hornady Announces New Handgun Ammo for 2015

by
posted on October 20, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
hornadycrdeflt.jpg

Hornady's lineup for 2015 includes a new line of handgun ammunition—American Gunner, available in seven loads: .380 Auto; 9 mm Luger; 9 mm +P; .357 Mag.; .38 Spl.; .40 S&W; and .45 Auto. Preliminary offerings feature legendary XTP (eXtreme Terminal Performance) bullets.

As an expansion to its popular Critical Duty line, a .357 Mag. load has been added, which meets established FBI protocol standards for penetration and terminal performance through all common urban barriers.

A 135-gr. FlexLock bullet features patented Hornady Flex Tip technology enhances barrier protection and prevents clogging, while an InterLock band locks the jacket and core together for high weight retention. As with all the Critical Duty loads, the .357 Mag. features low-flash propellants and nickel-plated cartridge cases. Watch more in the video below:

And rounding out the personal-defense loads, the Critical Defense Lite in 9 mm Luger was offered as a reduced-recoil option for shooters looking to minimize the felt recoil of their lightweight, compact personal protection handgun. In fact, shooters will feel a 27-percent reduction in recoil compared to standard loads.

This new load features a 100-gr. FTX bullet with a unique pink Flex Tip, signifying that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Critical Defense Lite will go to help fund breast cancer research. For more, watch below:

Latest

Springfield Armory Hellcat 380 Gun of the Week
Springfield Armory Hellcat 380 Gun of the Week

Gun of the Week: Springfield Armory Hellcat in .380 ACP

Springfield's latest Hellcat chambering makes the small pistol easier to shoot.

New for 2026: Stoeger M3000 Sporting Shotgun

Stoeger adds a new sporting model to its M3000 semi-automatic shotgun line.

New for 2026: Shadow Systems Axio Pistol Platform

A duty-size handgun platform joins the Shadow Systems family of 9 mm pistols.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 30, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: Hi-Point HP-15 Carbine

In 2025, Hi-Point Firearms surprised the firearm community with the news that it would offer a complete line of HP-15 carbines and pistols. Since then, the company has expanded their offerings.

New for 2026: Springfield Armory Saint Victor .300 BLK 9.5” Pistol

Springfield Armory’s Saint Victor family now has a pistol in .300 BLK.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.