Enter a new era of defensive ammunition performance with Hornady's .38 Special Critical Defense Lite 90gr FTX. This sophisticated defensive round represents the perfect balance of shooter comfort and terminal effectiveness, combining reduced recoil characteristics with Hornady's proven FTX bullet technology. Designed to excel in compact revolvers and meet the needs of recoil-sensitive shooters, this innovative ammunition delivers reliable expansion, controlled penetration, and improved shot-to-shot recovery, ensuring you have the confidence to handle any defensive situation.
Product Highlights:
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
| Model | Critical Defense Lite |
| Caliber | .38 Special |
| Bullet Weight | 90 grains |
| Bullet Type | FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1200 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 288 ft-lbs |
| Rounds Per Box | 25 |
| Boxes Per Case | 10 |
| Casing Material | Nickel-Plated Brass |
| Application | Personal Protection/Home Defense |
Key Features:
The Hornady Critical Defense Lite 38 Special 90 Grain FTX Ammunition offers impressive performance characteristics that make it an excellent choice for self-defense applications. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
| Bullet Type | FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) Patented design delivers superior controlled expansion and large, deep wound cavities over a wide range of velocities |
| Bullet Weight | 90 grains Lighter bullet weight for reduced recoil while maintaining effectiveness |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1200 fps High velocity for flat trajectory and increased energy transfer |
| Casing Material | Nickel-Plated Brass Increases visibility in low-light situations and prevents corrosion |
| Rounds Per Box | 25 Convenient packaging for practice and carry |
Applications & Use Cases:
- Personal Protection: Designed specifically for self-defense situations, offering reliable performance in compact, lightweight revolvers.
- Home Defense: Effective for home protection scenarios, with reduced recoil for better control and follow-up shots.
- Concealed Carry: Ideal for concealed carry firearms due to its reduced recoil and reliable expansion characteristics.
- Training: Suitable for defensive shooting practice, allowing familiarization with carry ammunition characteristics.
- Breast Cancer Awareness: Features pink bullet tips and packaging, with a portion of proceeds going to breast cancer research.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- ✔ Reduced Recoil: Designed as a lighter load for easier handling and reduced recoil, especially beneficial for compact revolvers.
- ✔ FTX Bullet Technology: Features Hornady's Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) bullet for reliable expansion and penetration.
- ✔ Nickel-Plated Brass Case: Enhances visibility in low-light conditions and provides corrosion resistance.
- ✔ Optimized for Self-Defense: Specifically designed for personal protection use in short-barreled revolvers.
- ✔ Low Flash Propellants: Utilizes clean-burning propellants that minimize muzzle flash to preserve night vision.
Cons
- ✘ Lower Muzzle Energy: The lighter 90-grain bullet may have less stopping power compared to heavier .38 Special loads.
- ✘ Limited Versatility: Primarily designed for self-defense, may not be ideal for other shooting applications.
- ✘ Higher Cost: Typically more expensive than standard .38 Special ammunition due to specialized design.
- ✘ Availability: May be less readily available than more common .38 Special loads and specialty retailers.
About Hornady:
Hornady Manufacturing Company, founded in 1949 by Joyce Hornady, has become a leader in the ammunition and reloading industry. Headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska, Hornady has built its reputation on innovation, precision, and quality. The company started in a small rented garage and has grown into a state-of-the-art facility spanning over 200,000 square feet. Hornady is known for its cutting-edge bullet designs, including the revolutionary FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) technology used in their Critical Defense line. The company remains family-owned and operated, with Joyce's son Steve Hornady serving as President. Hornady's commitment to American manufacturing is evident in their 'Made in the USA' products, ensuring strict quality control and supporting local jobs. Their dedication to ballistic research has led to numerous patents and advancements in ammunition technology, making them a favorite among hunters, competitive shooters, and law enforcement professionals worldwide.
