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About Hard Cast Flat Nose (HCFN) Ammunition

These loadings feature hard cast lead bullets with a flattened nose design that provides excellent penetration and reliable feeding in both pistol and rifle applications. Developed primarily by manufacturers like Underwood, the Hard Cast Flat Nose bullet incorporates a hardened lead alloy construction that resists deformation while the flat nose design enhances energy transfer and creates clean wound channels. The HCFN design offers superior penetration through heavy bone and tissue while maintaining accuracy and reliable feeding characteristics. These types of loadings are well-suited for hunting applications and range training where deep penetration, consistent accuracy, and reliable performance on medium to large game or targets are essential for effective results.

Common Hard Cast Flat Nose (HCFN) Calibers

• 10mm: The 10mm Auto, often referred to as 10mm, is a potent handgun cartridge that was introduced in 1983. When compared to standard, non-specialty .357 Magnum loadings, the 10mm Auto is capable of producing higher energies. Specialty 10mm Auto loadings are on par with specialty, high performance .357 Magnum loadings. The cartridge is often compared to the 9mm Luger and .45 ACP as they are common semi-automatic cartridges of the time. The 10mm Auto essentially has high velocities, like 9mm Luger, and larger, heavier projectiles, like .45 ACP, providing shooters with a versatile and capable round. The 10mm Auto will notably have a stout and snappy recoil impulse which is accompanied by flat trajectories.
• 9mm: The 9mm Luger cartridge is easily the most common handgun round in common use. The caliber goes by many names, often being referred to as 9mm NATO, 9mm Parabellum, 9x19mm, or just generically “9mm”. The cartridge’s origins can be traced back to the early 20th century and is the brainchild of Georg Luger. Originally found in firearms such as the Borchardt C-93 and the P-08 Luger pistol, the round has become a common chambering for handguns in civilian and military use from the 20th century onward. Firearms such as pistols and submachine guns in 9mm Luger have commonly been used by military and law enforcement personnel across the globe, leading to the round establishing a reputation for being a reliable service cartridge.
• .45 ACP: The .45 ACP, or .45 Automatic Colt Pistol, cartridge is the brainchild of prolific firearm designer John Moses Browning. Originally developed in 1904, the cartridge is closely associated with the 1911 pistol, an iconic service pistol chambered in .45 ACP. Beyond its use in handguns, the cartridge is well-known for being used in submachine guns such as the Thompson and M3 “Grease Gun.” The .45 ACP notably served the United States and allied nations throughout both World Wars and in many of the conflicts throughout the 20th century.
• .44 Magnum: The .44 Magnum was developed by Elmer Keith and Smith & Wesson in the 1950s alongside the Model 29 revolver. Known for its powerful recoil and impressive stopping power, the .44 Magnum was popularized in mainstream culture through films like Dirty Harry. Today, it remains a popular choice for handgun hunting, plinking, and self-defense.
• .45-70 Government: The .45-70 Government was introduced in 1873 and originally designed for the Springfield Model 1873 “Trapdoor” rifle. Known for its powerful punch and long history in American firearms, the .45-70 remains a favorite for big game hunting and historical firearms enthusiasts.

Firearms that Use Hard Cast Flat Nose (HCFN) Ammo

• Pistols
• Rifles

Read Related Articles

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• Who Makes 10mm Auto Ammo?
• .45 Auto vs .45 ACP: What Is The Difference?
• All About .45-70 Government