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Ballistics Resource

The "Hornady Index of Terminal Standards" calculator is a resource designed to help hunters choose effective bullet/cartridge combinations for any hunting situation in the world.

Traditional muzzle energy figures do not take into account for the manner in which energy is transferred from the bullet to game animals. HITS factors in Bullet Weight, Sectional Density, Ballistic Coefficient, and Impact Velocity and delivers a rating that will fall into one of the 4 classifications below. Bullet construction is also very important factor to consider. If you have questions as to which Hornady bullet is right for you, there is a quick performance reference listed at the bottom of the page.

Bullet Weight (grains)
must be between 10 grains and 800 grains
Bullet Diameter (inches)
must be between .100" and 1.000"
(to the nearest thousandth, .224" or .308" etc.)
 or select
Impact Velocity (fps)
must be between 100 and 4400 fps

The Hornady Index of Terminal Standards (H.I.T.S.) is intended as a guideline to help hunters compare cartridge and bullet combinations. Beginners and seasoned hunters alike will find these standards useful when sorting through online chat room discussions and gun shop “hype” to make sense of an onslaught of varying information.

The index considers variables such as impact velocity, ballistic coefficient, sectional density and bullet weight. Bullet construction is another important factor in determining the best combination. H.I.T.S. is intended for use with hunting bullets, as match bullets may perform unpredictably on game animals.

Remember, H.I.T.S. is merely a guideline to help you choose the proper bullet/cartridge combination. Be sure to consider impact velocity and bullet construction and select a bullet that is appropriate for your situation. A quick reference guide of Hornady bullets is listed below.

The H.I.T.S. rating on Hornady ammunition is based on: 100 yard impact velocities for rifles, muzzleloaders, and shotguns and 50 yard impact velocities for handguns.

Hornady Bullet Guide

V-MAX™ and Traditional Varmint - Rapid, explosive expansion.
Recommended muzzle velocity range: 2000 to 4000+ fps

InterBond™ - Rapid, controlled expansion with deep penetration.
Recommended muzzle velocity range: 2000 to 3600 fps

SST® (Super Shock Tip) - Rapid, controlled expansion with deep penetration.
Recommended muzzle velocity range: 2000 to 3300 fps

Traditional Hunting InterLock™ (RN, SP, SP-RP, FP, HP) - Controlled expansion with deep penetration.
Recommended muzzle velocity range: 2000 to 3300 fps

FTX™ (available only in factory loaded ammunition) - Rapid, controlled expansion with deep penetration.
Recommended muzzle velocity range: Handgun 800 to 2100 fps and Rifle 1800 to 3000 fps.

DGX™ Dangerous Game eXpanding - Deep penetration with highly controlled expansion.
Recommended muzzle velocity range: 1700 to 3000+ fps

DGS™ Dangerous Game Solid - Deepest penetration with NO expansion.
Recommended muzzle velocity range: 1700 to 3000+fps

FMJ (rifle and handgun) - No expansion, deep penetration.
Recommended muzzle velocity range: N/A

XTP™ - Controlled expansion with deep penetration.
Recommended muzzle velocity range: 700 to 1500 fps

XTP MAG™ - Controlled expansion with deep penetration at higher velocities than the original XTP.
Recommended muzzle velocity range: 1200 to 2300 fps

FPB™ and SST-ML w/ Flex-Tip® technology - Rapid, controlled expansion with deep penetration.
Recommended muzzle velocity range: 800 to 2300 fps

A-MAX™ and BTHP Match - Rapid, explosive expansion with limited penetration.
Recommended muzzle velocity range: 2000+ fps.
These bullets are not recommended for hunting medium and large game.

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