Hornady's 90310 Critical Defense ammunition in 38 Special caliber is designed for optimal performance in personal defense situations. This round features a 110-grain Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) bullet, engineered to deliver controlled expansion and deep penetration. With a muzzle velocity of 1010 fps, it offers effective stopping power in a compact package. The nickel-plated brass cases enhance visibility in low-light conditions and provide smooth feeding and extraction. Each box contains 25 rounds, making it an ideal choice for both training and carry purposes.
Product Highlights:
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
| Model | Critical Defense |
| Caliber | 38 Special |
| Bullet Weight | 110 grains |
| Bullet Type | Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1010 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 249 ft-lbs |
| Ballistic Coefficient | .131 |
| Sectional Density | .123 |
| Rounds Per Box | 25 |
| Case Material | Nickel-Plated Brass |
| Application | Personal Defense |
| UPC | 090255903102 |
Key Features:
The Hornady .38 Special Critical Defense 110gr FTX Ammo offers impressive performance characteristics that make it an excellent choice for personal defense and law enforcement applications. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
| Bullet Type | Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) Designed for reliable expansion through various barriers |
| Bullet Weight | 110 grains Optimized for .38 Special to balance velocity and energy |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1010 fps High velocity for improved terminal performance |
| Case Material | Nickel-Plated Brass Corrosion-resistant and visible in low-light conditions |
| Rounds Per Box | 25 Convenient quantity for practice and carry |
Applications & Use Cases:
- Personal Defense: Specifically designed for self-defense situations, offering reliable performance in short-barreled handguns
- Concealed Carry: Optimized for use in compact .38 Special revolvers commonly used for concealed carry
- Home Defense: Effective for home protection, providing controlled expansion and penetration
- Law Enforcement Backup: Suitable as a backup ammunition option for law enforcement officers
- Training: Can be used for training to familiarize with the recoil and performance characteristics of defense ammunition
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- ✔ Flex Tip Technology: FTX bullet design ensures reliable expansion and penetration.
- ✔ Nickel-Plated Cases: Enhances visibility in low-light conditions and resists corrosion.
- ✔ Optimized for Short Barrels: Performs well in compact .38 Special revolvers commonly used for self-defense.
- ✔ Controlled Expansion: Designed to expand consistently across a wide range of velocities.
- ✔ Low Flash Propellants: Minimizes muzzle flash to preserve night vision in low-light situations.
Cons
- ✘ Premium Pricing: Typically more expensive than standard .38 Special ammunition.
- ✘ Limited Penetration: May not penetrate as deeply as some other self-defense loads.
- ✘ Recoil Sensitive: 110gr bullet weight may produce more felt recoil than heavier options.
- ✘ Overpenetration Risk: In some scenarios, may penetrate more than desired for home defense use.
About Hornady:
Hornady Manufacturing Company, founded in 1949 by Joyce Hornady, is a renowned American manufacturer of ammunition and reloading tools. Headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska, Hornady has established itself as a leader in the ammunition industry through its commitment to innovation and quality. The company is known for its cutting-edge bullet designs, such as the FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) technology used in their Critical Defense line. Hornady's dedication to precision and performance has made them a favorite among hunters, competitive shooters, and law enforcement professionals. With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the United States, Hornady maintains strict quality control processes to ensure each round meets their high standards. The company's motto, 'Accurate, Deadly, Dependable,' reflects their commitment to producing ammunition that shooters can rely on in any situation.
