Hornady's American Gunner in .380 Auto loads a 90gr XTP JHP at 1,000 fps, producing 200 ft-lbs of energy. The brass-cased round uses Hornady's XTP (eXtreme Terminal Performance) bullet, which has been a staple in their handgun lineup for over 30 years. This is Hornady's value-tier defensive offering, positioned below the Critical Defense line but using a bullet with its own strong reputation.

The XTP bullet uses a serrated jacket with pre-scored lines that control how the hollow point peels back on impact. This controlled expansion makes it predictable across a range of velocities. In .380, where every fps counts for bullet performance, that consistency matters. The XTP won't expand as aggressively as the FTX at the same velocity, but it tends to penetrate deeper. For shooters who prioritize penetration over maximum expansion diameter, the XTP is a well-documented performer in ballistic gel testing.

The American Gunner line targets shooters who want reliable defensive ammo at a lower cost than the Critical Defense or Gold Dot. It works in any .380 pocket pistol or subcompact and feeds without issues in most platforms. This load is a practical choice for concealed carry, especially if you like to shoot your carry ammo at the range occasionally without wincing at the per-round cost. It also works as a secondary defensive load to keep in a backup gun or vehicle pistol.