Hornady Load Data

Hornady Manufacturing Company, founded in 1949 by Joyce Hornady in Grand Island, Nebraska, is a globally recognized leader in the production of high-quality bullets and ammunition. The company was born out of Hornady's dissatisfaction with the post-World War II bullet market, which lacked consistency and accuracy. Driven by the belief that "accurate bullets are never obsolete," Hornady set out to create ammunition that offered precision, reliability, and performance—values that still define the brand today.

Hornady’s operations began with the production of .30 caliber bullets for hunting. Over the decades, the company expanded its offerings to serve a wide range of shooting disciplines, including big game hunting, varmint control, competitive shooting, law enforcement, and personal defense. A key milestone came in the 1960s with the launch of the InterLock bullet, featuring a mechanical ring that locks the core and jacket together. This design significantly improved weight retention and penetration, setting a new standard for hunting bullets.

Hornady's product line now includes some of the most advanced and trusted projectiles in the industry. The V-MAX bullet, tailored for varmint hunting, is designed with a polymer tip for enhanced ballistic efficiency and explosive expansion. The ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag – Expanding) and ELD Match bullets feature Heat Shield™ tips that maintain aerodynamic integrity at long ranges. The ELD-X is optimized for hunting, while the ELD Match is a top choice for precision shooters and competitors.

The SST (Super Shock Tip) bullet provides a blend of flat trajectories, controlled expansion, and deep penetration, making it suitable for a wide range of game. For hunters seeking non-lead solutions, the GMX (Gilding Metal Expanding) bullet offers monolithic copper alloy construction, delivering high weight retention and deep penetration on large game.

Hornady also leads in self-defense and law enforcement ammunition. The Critical Defense line incorporates patented FTX (Flex Tip Expanding) technology to ensure consistent expansion and performance even through heavy clothing. The Critical Duty series is designed to meet FBI protocols, offering superior barrier penetration and terminal ballistics for professional use.

Throughout its history, Hornady has remained at the forefront of bullet innovation, with a relentless focus on engineering excellence, quality control, and real-world performance. Today, the company continues to serve hunters, marksmen, competitive shooters, and professionals worldwide, reinforcing its legacy as one of the most trusted names in ammunition manufacturing.