Get Loaded For Bear With Hornady Backcountry Defense Ammo

Hornady has a new line of handgun ammo for people who go into bear country. The Backcountry Defense lineup is optmized for putting down four-legged predators. This ammo is loaded with the new Hornady Dangerous Game Handgun (DGH) bullet, which offers the straight-line penetration needed for the thick muscle and bone found in bears.
Hornady @ TFB:
- Hornady Unveils .22 ARC Cartridge And Three New Loadings
- NEW Hornady V-Match Ammunition Loaded With ELD-VT Bullets
- TFB Review: Hornady BLACK 6.5 Grendel
- Department of Defense Chooses 6.5 Creedmoor Ammo from Hornady
- The ARC Bulks Up: Hornady's New .338 ARC
The Backcountry Defense caliber options include many of the usual suspects for bear defense guns, as well as a few surprises. The load options include:
- 9mm Luger +P - 25 rounds per box
- 357 Magnum - 25 rounds per box
- 10mm Auto - 20 rounds per box
- 44 Remington Magnum - 20 rounds per box
- 454 Casull - 20 rounds per box
- 460 S&W Magnum - 20 rounds per box
- 500 S&W Magnum - 20 rounds per box
All are loaded with the DGH bullet, with a protected point. Unlike hollow point defensive bullets, which balance expansion and penetration, deep penetration is the key for dangerous game bullets. That penetration needs to be in a straight line to hit the vitals, even when they are protected by layer upon layer of fur, bones, fat and animal rage. Flat-pointed bullets are ideal for this use because they offer minimal deformation and tend to travel straight through tissue.
From the manufacturer:
“In the remote wilderness, there is no 911, and yelling “Hey bear!” doesn’t always work. Stay at the top of the food chain – Hornady Backcountry Defense™ handgun ammunition.
For those backcountry encounters when a reliable round can be a lifesaver, Hornady introduces Backcountry Defense™ ammunition. Featuring the DGH™ (Dangerous Game Handgun) bullet, providing maximum penetration and no deflection, Backcountry Defense™ delivers peace of mind from your favorite backcountry sidearm. Available in popular cartridges from 9mm up to 500 S&W.”
Find out more at www.hornady.com

AKA @fromtheguncounter on Instagram. Gun nerd, reloader, attorney, and mediocre hunter.
More by Daniel Y
Comments
Join the conversation
They have 9mm and no .45 Colt??? We have black bears around here so no need for artillery level stuff but if I lived in brown bear country I'd be carrying heavy hardcast options in .45 Colt and .44 mag.
It largely has to do with Hornady's production setup. They use the same equipment as for the hollow points. They use a harder antimony/lead core and the front of the jacket is curled back into it.