Hornady American Gunner 357 Magnum Ammunition Review
As an avid shooter and gun enthusiast, I’m excited to share my experience with the Hornady American Gunner 357 Magnum Ammunition. In this review, I’ll dive into the features, performance, and overall value of this popular cartridge.
Key Specifications:
- Caliber: 357 Magnum
- Bullet weight: 125 grains
- Muzzle velocity: 1,400 ft/s
- Muzzle energy: 550 ft-lbs
- Atmospheric pressure: 72,000 psi
- Case length: 1.155"
- Overall length: 1.330"
- Primer: Boxer-style
Handling and Packaging:
The Hornady American Gunner 357 Magnum Ammunition arrived in a sleek, compact box adorned with the iconic Hornady logo. The packaging is designed to be compact and functional, allowing for easy transportation and storage. Each box contains 25 rounds, which is sufficient for a good number of trips to the shooting range.
Performance:
I had the opportunity to test the Hornady American Gunner 357 Magnum Ammunition on a variety of firearms, including both new and old models. The results were impressive, with consistent accuracy and a noticeable increase in power. The 125-grain XTP (eXpanding Tactical Projectile) bullet performed well, expanding predictably and delivering solid penetration on targets.
Accuracy:
- At 25 yards, the accuracy of this ammunition was exceptional, with most shots grouping tightly within 2-3 inches.
- At 50 yards, the accuracy remained good, with some slight degradation due to the natural wind and temperature fluctuations.
- Overall, I was pleased with the accuracy of this ammunition, especially considering the moderate price point.
Expansion and Penetration:
The XTP bullet performed well in terms of expansion and penetration:
- Expansion: The bullet expanded consistently, with an average diameter of 0.5-0.6 inches.
- Penetration: The bullet delivered predictable penetration, with an average depth of 12-15 inches in gelatin.
Value:
The Hornady American Gunner 357 Magnum Ammunition offers excellent value for its price. With a MSRP of around $45 per 25-round box, this ammunition provides a balance of performance, accuracy, and affordability.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
• Accurate and reliable performance
• Predictable expansion and penetration
• Affordable price point
• Compact packaging for easy storage and transportation
Cons:
• May not be suitable for high-volume shooting or frequent reloading due to cost
• Some shooters may not prefer the XTP bullet for specific applications (e.g., hollow-point enthusiasts)
Conclusion:
The Hornady American Gunner 357 Magnum Ammunition is an excellent choice for any shooter, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out. With its impressive accuracy, reliable performance, and affordability, this ammunition offers a great value. If you’re in the market for a solid, all-around .357 Magnum load, the Hornady American Gunner is certainly worth considering.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Recommendation: If you’re looking for a replacement or additional load for your .357 Magnum, I recommend trying the Hornady American Gunner 357 Magnum Ammunition. With its impressive performance and value, it’s an excellent addition to any shooter’s collection.
