Hornady American Gunner 40 S&W Ammo: A Close Look
As an avid shooter and enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for reliable and effective ammunition for my .40 S&W pistol. Recently, I had the opportunity to put the Hornady American Gunner 40 S&W ammo to the test, and I’m excited to share my thoughts and opinions on this product.
Product Specifications
Before we dive into my experience with the ammo, let’s take a look at the product specifications:
- Caliber: 40 S&W
- Grain weight: 180gr
- Package: 20 rounds per box
- Muzzle velocity: 1,200 feet per second
- Muzzle energy: 450 foot-pounds
- Jacket: XTP (Extreme Terminal Performance)
- Primer: 230° Flat No. 36
Out of the Box Experience
When I first opened the box, I was impressed with the packaging. The Hornady American Gunner ammunition is neatly arranged in a compact box, making it easy to store and transport. The box itself is also sturdy and well-constructed, with a clear label indicating the product name and specifications.
Performance at the Range
I fired the Hornady American Gunner 40 S&W ammo at a local indoor range, using my trusty .40 S&W pistol. I was eager to see how this ammo would perform in terms of accuracy, expansion, and penetration.
Here are my findings:
- Accuracy: I was impressed with the accuracy of the Hornady American Gunner 40 S&W ammo. The rounds grouped tightly together, with most shots falling within a 2-inch circle at 15 yards. This made it easy to hit my target with precision.
- Expansion: The XTP jacket did its job well, expanding reliably and consistently. This was evident in the range’s backstop, where I observed a evident "tattoo" or "scar" caused by the expanding bullets.
- Penetration: As expected, the 180gr bullets delivered sufficient penetration, consistently traveling 10-12 inches of 10% ball gelatin.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of my experience with the Hornady American Gunner 40 S&W ammo, including both the positives and negatives:
Pros:
• Accurate: The ammo performed well in terms of accuracy, with tight grouping and consistent shooting.
• Reliable: The XTP jacket and 230° Flat No. 36 primer worked together seamlessly, resulting in reliable expansion and penetration.
• Affordable: Compared to other .40 S&W options, the Hornady American Gunner ammo is relatively affordable, making it a great value for shooters.
• High-quality packaging: The compact box and neat arrangement of rounds made it easy to store and transport.
Cons:
• Limited availability: At the time of writing, the Hornady American Gunner 40 S&W ammo was not widely available at local retailers. This might make it more difficult to find for some shooters.
• Higher recoil: The 180gr bullets generated more recoil than lighter options, which might be a consideration for some shooters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hornady American Gunner 40 S&W ammo is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and accurate .40 S&W option. While it may not be perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you’re looking for a new ammo to test or upgrade your .40 S&W sidearm, I’d recommend giving the Hornady American Gunner a try.
Recommendation
Based on my experience, I’d highly recommend the Hornady American Gunner 40 S&W ammo to:
• Shooters who value accuracy and reliability
• Shooters who prefer a more substantial bullet weight
• Shooters who want a reliable expansion and penetration
However, those who prioritize lighter recoil or are particular about availability might want to consider alternative options.
