A Very Different Approach to .357 Magnum Defensive Ammunition

The Norma NXD .357 Magnum 80 Grain load takes a fundamentally different approach from conventional heavy jacketed hollow-point ammunition.

Instead of using a 125-, 140- or 158-grain bullet that expands after impact, Norma's NXD – Non-eXpanding Defense projectile is an extremely lightweight 80-grain fluted copper-polymer matrix bullet designed to retain its shape rather than mushroom.

The result is a .357 Magnum load with very high published velocity and a distinctly different recoil and terminal-performance concept from traditional magnum revolver ammunition.

80-Grain NXD Copper-Polymer Projectile

The NXD projectile is produced from an injection-molded copper-polymer matrix.

That construction allows Norma to manufacture a full-caliber projectile at substantially lower weight than a conventional lead-core or solid-copper .357-caliber bullet.

The lighter projectile is what allows this load to reach Norma's published velocity of approximately 2,068 feet per second.

Non-Expanding by Design

NXD does not use a hollow cavity and is not intended to mushroom like a conventional jacketed hollow point.

Instead, the projectile incorporates a series of engineered flutes around the nose. Norma developed those channels to redirect fluid away from the projectile as it passes through a fluid medium.

This is why Norma calls the design Non-eXpanding Defense: the projectile's geometry is intended to perform its function without depending on expansion.

Why the Flutes Matter

The nose geometry is the defining feature of NXD ammunition.

As the projectile moves through a fluid medium, the flutes are designed to channel material outward rather than relying on a hollow point to open and increase bullet diameter.

Norma originally developed the concept in part to avoid one of the potential variables of hollow-point ammunition: a hollow cavity can sometimes become obstructed by clothing or other material before the projectile reaches its intended medium.

NXD eliminates the hollow cavity entirely.

2,068 FPS Published Velocity

Norma lists this exact 611640020 .357 Magnum 80-grain NXD load at approximately 2,068 fps.

That is an exceptionally high published velocity for a .357 Magnum handgun cartridge and is made possible largely by the projectile's unusually low 80-grain mass.

Actual velocity will vary with firearm, barrel length, cylinder gap, temperature and other test conditions.

Lightweight Projectile Changes the Recoil Character

Bullet weight plays a substantial role in recoil impulse.

At only 80 grains, the NXD projectile weighs roughly half as much as a traditional 158-grain .357 Magnum bullet.

Norma markets the lighter NXD projectile as producing less perceived recoil than conventional heavy defensive loads while still achieving very high velocity.

Individual shooters should evaluate recoil and controllability in the actual revolver or firearm in which the ammunition will be used.

NXD vs. Conventional .357 Magnum Hollow Points

Norma offers two very different approaches to defensive .357 Magnum ammunition.

• Norma NXD 80gr: lightweight, very high velocity, fluted, non-expanding copper-polymer projectile
• Norma Safeguard 158gr JHP: traditional heavyweight jacketed hollow-point projectile designed around expansion

Neither represents simply a different bullet weight of the same concept. They approach defensive ammunition from fundamentally different directions.

Shooters deciding between them should consider recoil, point of impact, projectile construction and performance from the specific firearm being used.

A Particularly Interesting Load for Lightweight Revolvers

Traditional full-power .357 Magnum ammunition can generate substantial recoil from compact and lightweight revolvers.

The NXD's unusually light projectile makes it an interesting alternative for shooters evaluating whether they can maintain better control with a lighter defensive load while retaining .357 Magnum chambering.

Because firearm weight, grip design and barrel length substantially affect felt recoil and velocity, the ammunition should still be tested in the individual revolver before relying on it.

Also Usable in .357 Magnum Rifles

This ammunition is chambered in .357 Magnum and may also be used in rifles properly chambered for .357 Magnum when the firearm manufacturer permits the ammunition type.

Velocity can increase substantially from longer barrels, so actual performance should not be assumed from handgun test figures alone.

20-Round Defensive Ammunition Box

Each factory box contains 20 rounds of Norma NXD .357 Magnum ammunition.

As with any ammunition intended for serious use, shooters should verify function, accuracy and point of impact through the exact firearm before relying on the load.

Manufacturer Identification

This listing is specifically for:

• Norma Product Number: 611640020
• UPC: 810036150224
• Caliber: .357 Magnum
• Projectile: 80 Grain NXD
• Quantity: 20 Rounds

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