The Hornady Handgun Hunter .40 S&W 135-grain MonoFlex Lead-Free Brass 20-round box is a specialized centerfire handgun hunting cartridge engineered specifically for medium game harvesting, hog hunting, whitetail deer, and tactical field use in lead-restricted zones. A primary failure point when utilizing standard hollow-point handgun loads on tough game animals is bullet clogging from thick hide or jacket-core separation upon bone contact, which severely compromises penetration and terminal energy delivery. Hornady completely resolves this field vulnerability by pairing a monolithic copper-alloy bullet with an elastomer-filled tip cavity, guaranteeing 95%+ weight retention, barrier-blind bullet performance, and deep, crushing penetration through heavy tissue and bone.
The technical advantage focuses on mass-driven deep penetration paired with velocity-independent expansion mechanics. Launching its lightweight 135-grain MonoFlex projectile at a snappy muzzle velocity of 1,130 FPS, this load delivers a flat trajectory and high downrange kinetic energy from handgun-length barrels. Mechanically, the MonoFlex bullet is machined from a single piece of copper alloy, eliminating core separation variables. The elastomer tip insert occupies the hollow-point cavity to prevent hide and muscle from jamming the nose; upon impact, the plug compresses backward into the core to mechanically force rapid, uniform petal expansion even at standard handgun velocities. Featuring a 0.101 G1 Ballistic Coefficient (BC), the bullet maintains flight stability and straight-line penetration.
Slinging its 135-grain MonoFlex bullet at 1,130 FPS, this specialized .40 S&W cartridge is optimized for smooth, non-binding mechanical operation across semi-automatic hunting handguns and carbines. Assembled in premium reloadable virgin brass cases fitted with sensitive, non-corrosive Boxer primers and clean-burning propellants, it maintains stable chamber pressure curves and low residue buildup in slide rails and barrel locks. The smooth elastomer tip profile acts like a full metal jacket during feed-ramp transit, eliminating misfeeds and ensuring positive chamber sealing with effortless casing extraction.
Key Benefits
- Solid Monolithic Copper Alloy Body: Single-piece construction eliminates jacket-core separation to retain 95%+ weight for deep vital penetration.
- Elastomer-Filled Expansion Tip: Compresses on impact to force immediate, uniform petal expansion while preventing cavity clogging from hide or bone.
- 100% Non-Toxic Lead-Free Design: Fully compliant with state and federal non-toxic hunting regulations without sacrificing terminal energy.
- High-Velocity 1,130 FPS Output: Delivers flat trajectories and hard-hitting impact energy from standard handgun-length barrels.
Technical Specification
- Ballistics: .40 S&W | 1,130 FPS Muzzle Velocity | 0.101 G1 Ballistic Coefficient | Lead-Free Handgun Hunting Profile
- Projectile: 135 Grain | MonoFlex (Monolithic Copper Alloy) | Elastomer Tip Insert | Lead-Free
- Case/Primer: Premium Virgin Reloadable Brass Case | Non-Corrosive Boxer Primed | Clean-Burning Propellant
- Logistics: 20 Rounds Per Box | Hornady Handgun Hunter Series
- Dimensions: .40 S&W Geometry | Semi-Auto Pistol & Carbine Configuration | SKU: 91361
- Application: Handgun Hunting, Medium Game, Hog Hunting, Whitetail Deer, and Lead-Free Zones
- Standards: Non-Toxic Lead-Free Compliant | SAAMI Compliant | Hornady Factory Precision Quality Benchmarks
SMKW sources proven field ammunition backed by consistent manufacturing standards and verified ballistic performance. When your application requires non-toxic compliance with predictable terminal results, this load meets the mechanical requirements without compromise.
