HRNDY BACKC 357MAG 165GR DGH 25/250

Description

Hornady’s Backcountry Defense line was built around a specific problem: when you’re deep in the field and a threat appears, it’s rarely a paper target at a known distance. The .357 Magnum has long been a backcountry revolver staple, and this load treats it accordingly — prioritizing deep, straight penetration over rapid expansion, because brush, heavy clothing, and thick-hided animals all demand a bullet that keeps its course rather than dumping energy in the first inch of tissue.

The 165-grain DGH (Deep Groove Hollow) bullet is the heart of the design. The hollow cavity is not optimized for dramatic expansion the way a self-defense hollowpoint would be. Instead, it’s configured to vent gases as the bullet travels, which reduces lead fouling at the muzzle and allows faster, cleaner follow-up shots without the smoke obscuring your sight line — a practical advantage in dim or enclosed shooting environments. The brass casing is reloadable, which matters to the handloader who shoots enough backcountry practice to care about component cost.

At 1,510 fps muzzle velocity and 835 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, this is a full-power .357 load, not a downloaded compromise. The 165-grain weight sits above the more common 125- and 158-grain defensive offerings, trading some velocity for a heavier frontal diameter and greater sectional density — a trade that generally favors penetration depth, which is the point. Each box contains 25 rounds.

Shipping and availability: This item must ship to a licensed FFL dealer for transfer.