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

4 MAT 49 Viet Minh The French National Forces Paratroopers
4 MAT 49 Viet Minh The French National Forces Paratroopers

The MAT-49: France's Mid-20th Century SMG

After World War II, the French military was left with a hodgepodge of leftover submachine guns. After several years, the army consolidated on a standard service rifle, the MAS-49, and a standard submachine gun: the MAT-49.

New for 2026: Pedersoli 1805 Baker Rifle

Pedersoli now offers an authentically styled 1805 Baker Rifle for collectors, re-enactors and enthusiasts.

Gun of the Week: Benelli M4 EXT Tactical Shotgun

Benelli's semi-automatic workhorse shotgun continues to evolve and improve.

The Armed Citizen® Feb. 6, 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.

New for 2026: Tool Collections from Real Avid

Real Avid just released some new tool collections to help with cleaning, optics mounting and other firearm-related chores.

Review: Bersa M2XI Pistol

The M2XI represents a new area for Argentinian firearm manufacturer Bersa, and this budget 2011 shoots above its price point.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.