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

Kimber 1911 Ds Warrior Gotw 1
Kimber 1911 Ds Warrior Gotw 1

Gun of the Week: Kimber 1911 DS Warrior LW

In 2026, Kimber developed its 1911 DS Warrior, an American-made, double-stack design that is intended to be an affordable entry point into Kimber's double-stack handgun line.

The Armed Citizen® April 24, 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.

Spin Difference: The Impact of Barrel Twist Rates on Terminal Performance

When most shooters think of rifling-twist rates, they mostly think of rifles with their high BC projectiles, but the rpm of a bullet also plays a part in terminal performance.

Beretta's 1301 Tactical vs. A300 Ultima Patrol Shotguns: Which Should You Choose?

Ever since Beretta launched the A300 Ultima Patrol shotgun in 2024 as a less-pricey alternative to the 1301 Tactical, shotgunners have debated whether the 1301 is worth the extra cost. Let's examine them both.

ZEV Technologies Escaping Washington State’s Hostile Political Climate

ZEV Technologies announced it is moving its headquarters and manufacturing operations out of Washington state to Utah’s Second Amendment-friendly business climate.

U.S. v. Hemani Arguments

On March 2, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in U.S. v. Hemani. The case involves a defendant who is fighting a federal indictment for possessing a firearm while being a marijuana user.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.