First Look: Norma Monolithic Hollow Point 9 mm

After more than 100 years of producing some of the world's best hunting and match-grade ammunition, Norma announced its move into personal-defense ammunition with the launch of its Monolithic Hollow Point round in 9 mm. The new cartridge is constructed to offer the same level of accuracy and terminal performance that shooters have come to expect from the company, and the increased expansion power of the new round aims to set new standards in the growing arena of personal-defense ammunition.

“Our new MHP is likely the most expanding 9 mm bullet in the world,” said Paul Lemke, general manager for RUAG Ammotec USA. “It also reliably feeds and performs with unmatched terminal affect through expansion, in all barrel lengths/firearm platforms. Getting this performance from an all-copper projectile is a very big accomplishment for our entire team. We’re proud to offer this unique personal protection and home defense option people can trust when it matters most.”

Each of Norma's 9 mm Monolithic Hollow Point rounds are made entirely from copper, and the large, hollow point cavity in each projectile is designed for unprecedented expansion, offering a new level of threat-stopping power for today's concealed-carry market. The profile of the bullet itself is specially designed to feed reliably in today's defensive handguns and pistol-caliber carbines. Both powder loads and projectiles are tuned to provide consistent terminal performance at varying velocities, ensuring that barrel length is not a major deciding factor in the round's capabilities.

Offered initially in 9 mm only, the Norma Monolithic Hollow Point round is loaded with a 108-grain bullet, cold-formed from pure copper. Muzzle velocity, according to the company's packaging, measures 1,312 fps. Overall, this round is designed to produce 418 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. Each box contains 20 rounds of the company's MHP offering, and the suggested retail price per box is $22.48.