Grizzly Cartridge Company
Grizzly Cartridge Company builds hard-hitting handgun ammunition for hunters and big-bore revolver shooters, best known for wide long nose gas check (WLNGC) hard-cast bullets that penetrate deep on game animals where expanding hollow points fall short. The lineup spans everything from 9mm and .380 ACP defensive loads up to 45-70 Govt lever-gun ammo, giving revolver and lever-action hunters a dedicated source for hunting-grade loads most mainstream ammo makers don't prioritize.
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Wide Long Nose Gas Check: Grizzly's Signature Hunting Bullet
The wide long nose gas check (WLNGC) design is a hard-cast lead bullet with a gas check base to protect against leading at higher velocities, built for straight-line penetration rather than expansion. This makes it a favorite among handgun hunters pursuing deer, hogs, and black bear with a revolver — where deep, reliable penetration through heavy bone and muscle matters more than a wide wound channel. Grizzly loads this bullet design across 357 Mag, 44 Mag+P, and 45 Colt+P.
Grizzly for Handgun Hunting: 44 Mag, 357 Mag, and 45-70
Grizzly's 44 Mag+P 240gr JHP and 320gr WLNGC loads cover both expanding and deep-penetration needs for big-bore revolver hunters, while the 357 Mag lineup offers 180gr and 200gr WLNGC loads for lever guns and revolvers chambered in that cartridge. The 45-70 Govt 300gr JHP load brings the same hunting-focused philosophy to lever-action rifles, a common secondary platform for hunters who also carry a Grizzly-loaded revolver.
Everyday Carry and Range Loads: 9mm, 380 ACP, and 10mm
Beyond big-bore hunting rounds, Grizzly also loads defensive and range ammunition in 9mm, 380 ACP, and 10mm Auto, including +P pressure options in 9mm for shooters who want more velocity from a compact carry pistol. These loads use standard jacketed hollow point and full metal jacket flat point bullets rather than Grizzly's signature hard-cast design, giving carry and range shooters a straightforward option from the same brand.
Choosing Between JHP and WLNGC for Your Use Case
For self-defense or general target shooting, Grizzly's jacketed hollow point (JHP) loads behave like standard defensive ammunition, expanding on impact. For hunting, especially where deep penetration through heavy game is the priority, the WLNGC hard-cast loads are the better choice — they're designed specifically not to expand, driving straight through for a reliable exit wound and blood trail.
Frequently Asked Questions: Grizzly Cartridge Company
What is WLNGC ammo?
Wide long nose gas check — a hard-cast lead bullet design with a gas check base, built for deep straight-line penetration on big game rather than expansion, common in Grizzly's big-bore hunting loads.
Is Grizzly ammo good for hunting with a revolver?
Yes — Grizzly is specifically known for handgun-hunting loads in calibers like 44 Mag and 357 Mag, with WLNGC bullets designed for the penetration hunters need on deer, hogs, and similar game.
Does Grizzly make defensive ammo too?
Yes — Grizzly also offers standard JHP and FMJ loads in 9mm, 380 ACP, and 10mm Auto for carry and range use, separate from their hunting-focused hard-cast lineup.
See Also: Handgun Ammo • 357 Magnum • 44 Magnum • 45-70