Table of Contents

• Ammo
• Bullets
• Ballistics Calculator
• Critical Defense
• Bullet Cam
• Load Data
• Critical Duty
• Rapid Safe
• SST
• Conclusion

This is a company which was founded in the 40s by Joyce Hornady, who partnered up with Vernon Speer to start producing jackets for bullets. Having good foresight and proper business in instincts, Hornady bought equipment off the U.S. after the Second World War and began manufacturing high-quality ammunition. Later, in the 60s, the company began manufacturing several style cartridges for all kinds of rifles and pistols. The company’s motto is “Accurate. Deadly. Dependable.”, and you can say without a doubt that they have lived up to those three words. Hornady is based in Grand Island, NB, and they are one of the United States’ finest manufacturers of equipment and info on reloading/handloading components and ammunition.

Hornady Ammo

The company produces centerfire and rimfire ammunition for handguns, rifles, and shotguns of all calibers. Whether for varmints under 50 lbs., small game, medium or large game, or target shooting/match grade ammo – Hornady has got you covered.

Hornady Bullets

Bullets are a component in a cartridge, and they are basically the tip, the projectile. The cartridge is the name given to the entire package which includes the primer, the case, the bullet, etc.

Rifle bullets are ranged from .172” caliber to .510”.

Handguns bullets are ranged from .308” to .500”.

Hornady also has buckshots for sale: 00 buckshot, 000 buckshot, and #4 buckshot.

There are gas checks for sale, which go on as you cast your own cartridges, and seal in gases to protect the base’s structural integrity. It makes the bullet that much more powerful on impact, and enhances its overall performance.

Ballistics Calculator

The Hornady website has a nice little feature which enables you to calculate your ideal trajectory, depending on the distance, the ammo, and the firearm itself. Available in standard and metric measurements, the ballistic calculator may be able to save you time, money, and energy on your next hunting trip or your next plinking session.

There is a separate calculator available for longer distances, and it factors in many more variables, such as: the environmental changes such as wind speed, humidity, altitude, temperature, and air pressure; the bullet’s velocity, bore diameter, and barrel twist; and the firearm’s angle and sight height. If you want to get answers, this is one of the more comprehensive civilian ballistic calculators you can consult with.

Hornady Critical Defense 9mm

In 2008, Hornady introduced its Critical Defense line of ammunition, consisting of .380 ACP, .38 Special, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and many more popular – and less popular – calibers. Basically, it is a line designed explicitly for small, concealed carry, self-defense handguns. The 9mm Critical Defense round is probably their most popular, and it is available in 9X18 Makarov, and the ever-popular 9X19mm Parabellum. Later on, in 2015, the line was joined by the arrival of Critical Defense Lite, which added light-weighted 9mm bullets to the mix, weighing in at 100g, as opposed to the ordinary 115g. Less weight meant less recoil.

Hornady Bullet cam

In 2017, Vortex and Hornady teamed up for a memorable April Fools gag which had everybody talking. The idea is precisely what it sounds like – a camera installed on a bullet, which can give you live video feed as it sores to the target or misses it completely.

The 3-minute video they put out was pretty cool, had decent acting, quality dialogue, and great production value, and also – unless you know something about firearms and optics – it was totally believable. Honestly, I wouldn’t put it past someone to invent that, but at least for now, it is quite impossible.

Still, a very nice and memorable April Fools joke from Vortex and Hornady. May more companies learn to let their hair down a bit every now and then!

“Only $99.99 for 10 rounds!”

Load data

Being a company which is also dedicated to providing the public with information, supplies, and equipment regarding reloading, every so often Hornady will release a version of their Handbook of Cartridge Reloading. This is a comprehensive guide to everything a reloader needs to know, and it deals with every aspect of the process. The 10th edition of the handbook was released in 2017.

The company website’s ‘Load Data’ page publishes information which did not make it into the most recent handbook, and it primarily has bullets which became available after the latest version has been made public. The handbook is available in printed hardcover or ebook format, and includes over 1000 pages of information for the hand loader. It is the result of countless hours, rounds, loads, and individuals who have contributed to the Hornady line. Whatever didn’t make it, for whatever reason, can be found on the site’s Load Data page.

Hornady Critical Duty

The Critical Duty is a round meant for chambers ranging from 9mm to .45 ACP. It is a bullet meant for on-duty/tactical use. It differs from the Critical Defense in the fact that it is designed – more than anything – for full-sized, law-enforcement handguns. But there is an additional feature which makes it even more appealing to law-enforcement: the bullet’s InterLock band. It binds the core and the jacket together, and ensures maximal retention of weight on impact, resulting in more focused transfer of energy. These rounds cannot be reloaded. Hornady does not sell these as a standalone bullet for handloading, but only as a cartridge. The bullet itself is available at online retailers and gun shops across the country.

Hornady Rapid Safe

Firearms mean – or should mean – security and responsibility. Part of that duo is keeping your self-defense gun protected, yet accessible. The Hornady RapiD series of gun safes includes touch-free entry, plus key access, safety mechanisms which comply with the strictest of standards, heavy-duty construction, and an easy-to-mount design. The series includes the following models (Numbers obtained from hornady.com):

Hornady SST

The Super Shock Tip (SST) bullet was first introduced in 1998, and it was engineered for hunting purposes. With a wide range of calibers to choose from (.243” to .338”), it is a bullet which – true to its name – delivers a great shock and then rapidly expands, in order to make for a quick and efficient kill. The series is ideal for medium and large game, but there are also bullets in this product line which will be fit for varmints, small game, or even African-plain-type-of-dangerous game.

Conclusion

For 70 years now, Hornady has been supplying the public – as well as law-enforcement – with high-quality products and gear. Any faults to be found? Of course. Like any company in this business, the standards are strict and occasionally there will be a recall.

According to the company website, Hornady’s bankers thought the idea was sure to be a flop. A business which sells bullets for reloaders? Please. But Hornady was sure of it: there are others out there who want to be able to afford cheaper practice ammunition. He saw a need and filled it, and that is Business 101.

Now lead by Steve Hornady, Joyce’s son, it is known as a company you can trust through and through. Whether you use their rounds on varmints, game, targets made of paper, or ones wearing masks and walking out of a nearby bank, carrying sinister looks and big canvas bags with dollar signs on them – they are a great choice for your firearm.

Thanks for joining us here at Gunivore!

You may also enjoy our Top 5 Self Defense Handgun Calibers & Ammo

The post Hornady Manufacturing Company Review appeared first on Gunivore.

One of the most important and neglected responsibilities of owning a firearm is ensuring that it’s kept cleaned and lubricated. Over time, dirt, rust, and other fouling can build up and wear on your gun’s components, resulting in malfunctions and diminished accuracy. I can’t stress how important it is to do periodic deep cleanings and lubricant treatments to keep your weapon functioning properly. No matter what type of shooter you are, having a reliable and accurate weapon is a must. However, finding the right maintenance materials and methods can be tough –fortunately, we at Gunivore are here to help. In this review, we’re going to be taking a closer look at Hornady’s One Shot Gun Cleaner, but I recommend checking out our rundown on general firearm upkeep first.

Hornady Company and Products Overview

Although Hornady is by all means a small company, its impact on the gun industry has been anything but small. The Nebraska based company was established shortly after WWII by Joyce Hornady and Vernon Speer. With decades of combined experience in the munitions business already in their pocket, their partnership was created with the hope of mass producing ammunition and hand loading equipment.

To no surprise, their high quality rounds were an instant hit around the country. After becoming the largest independent producer of bullets in the world, the company set their eyes on making a competitive CLP (clean, lubricate, protect). In addition to Hornady’s standard gun cleaner and lube, they also produce a case lube designed for manual reloading and general gunsmithing.

Hornady One Shot Spray Lube Review

Hornady One Shot with DynaGlide Plus is almost the perfect CLP. You may have never heard of Hornady before, but that shouldn’t deter you from trying their revolutionary oil. Since it’s produced by a small Nebraskan company, Hornady’s oil hasn’t quite achieved worldwide acclaim yet. Nonetheless, those who have tried Hornady’s cleaner, tend to stick with it. In fact, it’s achieved a nearly universal 5-star rating, and reasonably so. Hornady’s engineering team formulated an extremely efficient cleaning agent which effectively eliminates the chances of your firearm malfunctioning.

After burning through carbon fouling and rust, the oil quickly penetrates into the metal components, lubricates, and leaves a thin protective film. Although it may not be the best lubricant, its protection against carbon buildup and extreme temperatures is world-class. The mysterious DynaGlide Plus formula is the key component to Hornady’s comprehensive protecting ability.

DynaGlide’s corrosion/rust prevention and remarkable load carrying capacity have enabled Hornady’s oil to easily exceed U.S Military and NATO specs. In the famous salt spray test, One Shot was able to withstand over 200 hours – two times more than the required specification for mil-spec. Hornady’s aerosol delivery provides the perfect quick and convenient dry application that won’t gum up. I’ve come across too many oils and lubes that run off and can do more bad than good for a firearm. Therefore, when I first tried One Shot (with the red nozzle for accurate application), I was thrilled to find how quickly it dried.

• Pros: Effectively smooths gun’s functioning, eliminates future mechanical fouling/buildup, super convenient.
• Cons: More expensive than competitive brands.

Hornady One Shot Spray Lube Ingredients

The best thing about Hornady’s One Shot Gun Cleaner and Lube is its fast drying ingredients which won’t get tacky or leave your gun feeling oily. Hornady’s nontoxic components offer an effective cleaning job without that overbearing stench you’d expect in a gun lubricant. Although One Shot doesn’t contain silicone or other dangerous ingredients, it still contains flammable chemicals, so be sure to use it in a well ventilated area, and avoid spraying it on a hot gun. Hornady’s One Shot DynaGlide Dry film technology is the key to their success. This formula is how Hornady remedies high volume shooting and barrel leading. Additionally, they added two corrosion inhibitors which basically create an impenetrable force field around the gun’s components.

Glock 27 found in a river, in property hold for 2 years. Cleaned with a Hornady Sonic Cleaner. How'd it do? pic.twitter.com/jZqXn38QlI

— Hornady (@TeamHornady) February 25, 2014

Where to Buy Hornady Spray Lube

Hornady’s One Shot Gun cleaners and lubes are available online and in stores across America. The easiest way to buy is definitely on Amazon because of their bigger stocks and lower prices. You can also purchase Hornady’s oils online at the company’s website as well as other mainstream firearm sites like Midway USA. In addition to these suppliers, sporting goods stores like Walmart and Cabela’s also offer Hornady products.

Hornady Lube vs. Hoppe’s, Ballistol, FrogLube and Rem Oil

Hornady’s sales can be misleading; though they may not sell as many units as old time favorites like Hoppe’s and Ballistol, their cleaners can still compete with some of the best. I found that Hornady’s oil works and dries faster than most other cleaners, so it’s ideal for shooters who clean often and looking for a quick treatment. One of the unique features of Hornady’s oils is their effectiveness on gunsmith tools and presses. As far as aerosol CLP’s go, Hornady’s could easily be the best. However, as an overall product, I would rank it up there right after powerhouses such as FrogLube, Hoppe’s, Ballistol, and Rem Oil.

Even though One Shot is above average as a whole, its ingredients are not. Nobody can really compare to Ballistol’s safe components, but Hornady is years behind when it comes to environmentally safe ingredients. Similarly, although it’s nearly impossible to compare any cleaner’s lubricating ability to FrogLube, Hornady actually comes pretty close. Overall, One Shot’s strengths and weaknesses balance out pretty well resulting in a comparable CLP.

Conclusion

My impression of Hornady’s gun cleaners and lubes is that they are solid quality boutique products with a price tag to match. As much as I love aerosols, I don’t like that Hornady doesn’t make liquids, greases, or wipes. Nevertheless, I’d recommend One Shot for those who methodically clean their guns as well as gunsmith connoisseurs. It’s definitely a must have product for manual re-loaders. Considering the diversity of shooters and maintenance needs out there, it’s comforting to know that there are products on the market which can handle just about anything. Hornady’s steadfast fan base has been growing more and more every year, and I hope their success continues. All things considered, Hornady isn’t a very universal gun cleaner, but those who go with One Shot will not be disappointed.

Check out our Smith & Wesson M&P, M&P 40, 500 Magnum and SD9VE reviews while you’re here at Gunivore!

The post Hornady Gun Oil Review: Get Horned With Hornady! appeared first on Gunivore.