9mm Nosler ASP 115gr vs. CCI Blazer 9mm 115gr FMJ vs. Hornady Personal Defense: Which Is Better?
When selecting 9mm ammunition, shooters often compare premium self-defense rounds against cost-effective range ammo. Three popular options are the 9mm Nosler ASP 115gr, CCI Blazer 9mm 115gr FMJ, and Hornady Personal Defense 115gr. While all share the same bullet weight and caliber, they serve different purposes. In this article, we will analyze their ballistics, terminal performance, and best-use cases to determine which round is better for different applications.
Ballistics Comparison
The Nosler ASP 115gr has the highest muzzle velocity (1250 fps), which translates to a flatter trajectory and better energy retention over distance. The Hornady Personal Defense 115gr has the lowest muzzle velocity (1135 fps) but is designed for superior expansion and penetration consistency.
Terminal Performance
Nosler ASP 115gr: Designed for self-defense, this round features a bonded jacketed hollow point (JHP) that expands upon impact. The bonding prevents jacket separation, ensuring deep penetration and controlled expansion.
CCI Blazer 115gr FMJ: As a range and training round, the FMJ bullet does not expand upon impact. It is less effective for self-defense due to over-penetration risks and reduced stopping power.
Hornady Personal Defense 115gr: Features a Flex Tip Expanding (FTX) bullet, designed for optimal expansion, deep penetration, and improved performance through barriers such as clothing.
Accuracy & Recoil
All three rounds have similar ballistic coefficients (~0.130), meaning they experience similar aerodynamic properties. However, due to its higher velocity, the Nosler ASP 115gr tends to have a slightly flatter trajectory, which can improve accuracy at longer distances.
This image shows the drop of each of the bullets out to 100 yards.
This image shows the drop in more detail than the above picture can show.
In terms of recoil, the Nosler ASP 115gr produces the most muzzle energy, resulting in slightly more felt recoil compared to the CCI Blazer 115gr FMJ and Hornady Personal Defense 115gr, which are more manageable.
Cost & Availability
One of the biggest differences between these three rounds is their price and availability:
Nosler ASP 115gr: Premium self-defense ammo tends to be more expensive, often costing over $1 per round.
CCI Blazer 115gr FMJ: A budget-friendly range round, often available for around $0.30 per round, making it a great option for practice.
Hornady Personal Defense 115gr: Typically costs around $1 per round, similar to Nosler ASP, due to its specialized design for personal defense.
Best Use Cases
Final Verdict
If you need a self-defense round, the Nosler ASP 115gr and Hornady Personal Defense 115gr are both excellent choices. Nosler offers bonded JHP construction, while Hornady uses FTX technology for enhanced barrier penetration.
If you are looking for affordable range ammo, the CCI Blazer 115gr FMJ is the best option due to its lower cost and availability.
For competition shooters, all three rounds have merit: Nosler and Hornady for precision and CCI Blazer for cost-effective practice.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your intended use. A combination of Nosler ASP or Hornady Personal Defense for carry and CCI Blazer for training is the most practical approach for those who train regularly and carry for self-defense.