HITS calculator
The "Hornady Index of Terminal Standards" calculator is a resource designed to help hunters choose effective bullet/cartride 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, Ballistics Coefficient, and Impact Velocity and delivers a rating that will fall into one of the four classifications below. Bullet construction is also a 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.
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.
More Information:
- Learn more about H.I.T.S. classifications.
- See our Ballistics Calculator.
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
Recommended muzzle velocity range: 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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