Hornady's 135-grain MonoFlex is part of their Handgun Hunter line, designed specifically for taking game with a semi-automatic pistol. The all-copper bullet reaches 1315 fps and generates 518 ft-lbs of energy. Unlike traditional lead-core bullets, the monolithic copper construction retains nearly 100% of its weight after impact. That means the bullet keeps driving forward through hide, bone, and muscle instead of shedding fragments along the way.

This load is purpose-built for handgun hunting of medium game like whitetail deer, hogs, and javelina. The MonoFlex design uses a polymer-filled hollow point that initiates reliable expansion even at lower impact velocities downrange. Copper bullets typically require higher velocities to expand properly, and Hornady engineered the MonoFlex tip to solve that problem. Hunters in California and other states with lead ammunition bans can use this round where conventional JHP loads are prohibited.

The 135-grain weight is lighter than most 10mm hunting loads, which provides flatter trajectory and less muzzle rise for faster follow-up shots on running game. The tradeoff is less raw energy than the heavier 180-grain XTP at 650 ft-lbs. But the all-copper construction compensates with deeper penetration per grain of bullet weight. For 10mm hunters who want a legal, effective, lead-free option for medium game inside 75 yards, this MonoFlex load is one of the few purpose-designed choices on the market.