Description
The Hornady American Gunner 357 Magnum 125-grain load hits a sweet spot for anyone wanting full magnum power without the premium price tag. You get the legendary XTP bullet that's been trusted for decades, loaded to 1500 fps with 624 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. This isn't watered-down practice ammo that could double as self-defense if needed, it's legitimate magnum performance you can shoot regularly.
What Makes American Gunner 357 Special
Hornady pairs traditional, time-tested load recipes with their current manufacturing standards. The XTP bullet handles expansion reliably across a wide range of velocities, expanding to roughly 1.5 times its original diameter. You'll get deep penetration and consistent performance whether you're running this through a full-size revolver or a shorter barrel, though you'll definitely feel the recoil in a snub nose. The brass cases and quality primers mean cycling through these rounds gives you the same reliability you'd expect from Hornady's premium lines, just at a more reasonable cost per round.
Practical Performance for Real Shooting
This load works for target practice, hunting medium-sized game, and personal protection. The 125-grain weight is the most popular choice in the .357 Magnum world for good reason, offering the velocity and expansion characteristics that work well in revolvers. In testing, the XTP performed excellent expansion in ballistic gelatin with good penetration and weight retention. You can run hundreds of these through your gun without the punch wearing you out, which means more practice time and better fundamentals.
Loaded to conventional velocities ensures reliable feeding in any .357 Magnum revolver. Made in the USA with matched propellants and consistent components, so shot-to-shot performance stays predictable downrange.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .357 Magnum
- Bullet Weight: 125 grain
- Bullet Type: XTP Jacketed Hollow Point
- Muzzle Velocity: 1500 fps
- Muzzle Energy: 624 ft-lbs
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.151
- Case Type: Brass
- Primer Type: Non-corrosive
- Rounds Per Box: 25
- Manufacturer: Hornady Manufacturing
- Model: American Gunner
- Manufacturer Part Number: 90504
- UPC: 090255905045
What’s Included
- 25 rounds of .357 Magnum ammunition
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this American Gunner 357 load work in any .357 Magnum revolver?
Yes. These are loaded to conventional velocities and will function reliably in any .357 Magnum gun. If you're shooting from a short-barrel revolver like a snub nose, you'll experience some recoil, but the round will still perform as designed.
Is the 125-grain XTP suitable for both target shooting and hunting?
Absolutely. The 125-grain XTP from Hornady is one of the most versatile bullet weights in the caliber. It shoots flat, expands reliably, and performs well on medium-sized game. It's a solid choice for practice that won't break the bank, and capable enough for field use if that's your plan.
What makes the XTP bullet different from standard hollow points?
Hornady's XTP has been designed with precise serrations that divide the bullet into symmetrical sections, enabling controlled expansion even at lower velocities. The jacket thickness varies down the length of the bullet to manage expansion without fragmenting, giving you consistent performance across different barrel lengths and shooting situations.
How does the American Gunner line compare to Hornady's premium ammunition?
American Gunner gives you the same quality components and ballistics expertise as Hornady's higher-end lines but at a more accessible price point. You're getting proven loads with excellent brass and primers, just without the premium brand markup. It's a smart choice if you plan to shoot regularly without sacrificing performance.






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