Hornady Manufacturing announced two new rifle loads ahead of the 2010 SHOT Show. Â One load is for the popular Soviet 7.62×39 cartridge found in AK-47, SKS and other rifles. Â The second load is in 6.5 Grendel, a medium power load designed to give AR-15 shooters power similar to that of the 7.62×39.
Hornady 7.62×39 V-MAX
Hornady announced a new load for the 7.62×39 cartridge. The new load in Hornady’s Custom line is a steel-cased, Berdan primed round topped with a 123 grain V-MAX bullet. Muzzle velocity is rated at 2350 fps, which puts energy at 1508 ft-lbs.
Hornady announced three new loads in the Critical Defense line of ammunition: .357 Magnum, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. Refer to the chart for specific loading information:
Claiming to be the “pinnacle in self defense ammunition,” Hornady lists the following benefits of the Critical Defense line of ammunition:
Unaffected by thick and heavy clothing, including denim and leather.
FTX bullet delivers superior controlled expansion and large, deep wound cavities over a wide range of velocities.
Clean burning and stable propellants reduce recoil in lightweight handguns, and perform consistently in all temperatures.
Minimal muzzle flash protects night vision.
Feeds reliably in pistols.
Shiny silver nickel plating prevents corrosion, and is easily visible in low light situations.
Bullets are cannelured and crimped to avoid bullet setback.
Bullets are custom designed for individual loads.
The most effective, consistent, and reliable self-defense ammunition available today.
Update
The Critical Defense line of ammunition has proved to be a solid performer, and the line has expanded even more to include such calibers as the 9×18 Makarov and the .22 WMR. Â The performance of the FTX bullets that Hornady loads in these rounds is excellent across a wide range of velocities and the loads are very reliable in many different firearms. Â Without a doubt, this line of ammunition is a real winner for the company.
Since the original introduction of these rounds, Hornady has also started a parallel line of ammo products called the Critical Duty line. Â The Critical Duty line of ammunition is designed for greater penetration and is marketed to law enforcement agencies. Â It meets all of the FBI testing protocols and offers the same reliable expansion and performance that people have come to expect from Hornady and the Critical Defense line. Â These rounds are all exceptional performers and do very well for anyone looking to defend themselves from a violent assault or attack on their person or on their family. Â Two thumbs up, so to speak.
One of the things Hornady is known for is the manufacture of its Dangerous Game Series ammunition: serious cartridges for hunting the largest game on Earth. These cartridges are loaded for the traditional big guns used to hunt elephant, hippopotamus and other large African game.
Expanding the line in 2009, Hornady has added four new calibers to the Dangerous Game lineup: 404 Jeffery, 416 Ruger, 470 Nitro Express, and the 500 Nitro Express.
All of the new offerings are loaded with both the DGS and DGX bullets.
Hornady Manufacturing recently announced a new line of personal protection ammunition: Critical Defense. The Critical Defense line of ammo is specially designed for small, compact firearms frequently carried concealed for self-defense.
The Critical Defense ammunition features a hollow point bullet the same style of “Flex Tip” polymer tip that Hornady uses in the LEVERevolution line of ammunition. The tip prevents the hollowpoint from being plugged with clothing and helps ensure expansion. Because of the Flex Tip technology, Hornady claims to achieve “100% reliable expansion every single time.”  Subsequent gel testing by independent parties seems to support this claim.
The new Hornady ammo is not designed to meet the FBI test protocols used by some law enforcement agencies when choosing ammunition. Rather, Critical Defense ammunition is designed to operate in small, concealed carry guns against clothed attackers–not through steel and glass as required by the FBI testing.  For ammo that meets FBI protocols, scroll down this page for information on the company’s new Critical Duty line of ammo.
Hornady has introduced new .22 WMR ammunition using the VMAX bullet. The new 22 Magnum cartridge pushes a 30 grain VMAX bullet at 2200 fps (322 foot/pounds of energy).
The V-MAX bullet is a polymer tipped hollow point that allows for excellent expansion while increasing the ballistic coefficient. Â Having a polymer tip ensures the bullet will expand because it prevents the hollow point from being clogged. Â Additionally, the tip compresses on impact, which in turn presses against the inside of the cavity, helping to force the bullet open.
Hornady claims that the new ammo is the “finest product in its class,” and offers “accuracy never seen before from this cartridge.” Reviews from shooters on MidwayUSA’s website have posted they are getting groups of .125″ – .781″ at 100 yards with this ammo. Â By any reasonable standard, those are very good groupings – especially out of a rimfire round.
This ammunition should be an excellent varmint round. Â I could see this being used by hunters to about 125 or so yards depending on the animal.
Hornady Manufacturing announced two new rifle loads ahead of the 2010 SHOT Show. Â One load is for the popular Soviet 7.62×39 cartridge found in AK-47, SKS and other rifles. Â The second load is in 6.5 Grendel, a medium power load designed to give AR-15 shooters power similar to that of the 7.62×39.
