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We’ve had great fun subjecting Hornady Critical Defense ammunition to all sorts of abusive tests. It’s supposed to expand after passing through all sorts of potential barriers – every time. Check out some of our “Will It Expand” reports!

Articles

Videos

Hornady Critical Defense vs. Leather and Fabric Black-eyed Peas
Hornady Critical Defense vs. Flour Rocks
Hornady Critical Defense vs. Grape Jelly Flour
Hornady Critical Defense vs. Spam E-mail Spam
Hornady Critical Defense vs. Rocks Honey Bear
Hornady Critical Defense vs. Cowboy Boots Grape Jelly
Hornady Critical Defense vs. Black-eyed Peas Spam
Hornady Critical Defense vs. Butt Modulating Yogurt

Critical Defense Ammo Buyers Guide

Critical Defense Ammunition  9mm Luger  115 Gr Ftx  20 Ct Hornady Ammo 9mm Luger 115gr Crt Defense 25/Box

9mm 115 grain

We’ve had good success with the 9mm Critical Defense load. It expands well after passing through leather and clothing as well as Spam. BUY NOW: Hornady Ammo 9mm Luger 115gr Crt Defense 25/Box

Critical Defense Ammunition  38 Special+p  110 Gr Ftx Hornady Ammo 38 Spcl+p 110gr Crt Defense 25/Box

.38 Special +P 110 grain

We shot the .38 Special +P 110 grain Critical Defense load through two layers of heavy leather – out of a short barrel revolver – and it still expanded perfectly. BUY NOW: Critical Defense Ammunition 38 Special+p 110 Gr Ftx 25/Box

Hornady Ammo 40 S&W 165gr Critical Defense Hornady Ammo 40 S&W 165gr Critical Defense

.40 S&W 165 grain

The .40 S&W load has taken plenty of hollow point abuse, yet we have continued to get good results. It’s expanded after passing through rock and the cloggiest stuff known to hollow points – flour.

BUY NOW: Hornady Ammo 40 S&W 165gr Critical Defense

357mag125ftxhornady-25

.357 Magnum 125 grain

We’ve found it to expand in rocks and bears so far. We’re still testing. Stay tuned… BUY NOW: Hornady Critical Defense 357 Magnum FTX 25/box

45acp185ftxhornady-20

.45 ACP 185 grain

BUY NOW: Hornady Critical Defense 45 ACP 185 grain FTX 20/box

Critical Defense Ammunition  380 Auto  90 Gr Ftx  20 Ct Critical Defense Ammunition  380 Auto  90 Gr Ftx  20 Ct

.380 ACP 90 grain

.380’s in general are a tad light on both bullet weight and velocity. Hornady Critical Defense uses a polymer flex tip plug that helps with more consistent expansion, especially after penetrating barriers. BUY NOW: Critical Defense Ammunition 380 Auto 90 Gr Ftx 20 Ct