Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special +P ammunition is designed for optimal performance in short-barreled, concealed carry handguns. Featuring a 110 grain Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) bullet, this round delivers controlled expansion and deep penetration. The nickel-plated brass cases enhance visibility in low-light conditions and provide smooth feeding and extraction. With a muzzle velocity of 1090 fps, this ammunition offers reliable stopping power for personal defense situations.
Product Highlights:
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
| Caliber | .38 Special +P |
| Bullet Weight | 110 grains |
| Bullet Type | FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1090 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 290 ft-lbs |
| Ballistic Coefficient | .131 |
| Sectional Density | .123 |
| Rounds Per Box | 25 |
| Boxes Per Case | 10 |
| Casing Material | Nickel-Plated Brass |
| Application | Personal Defense |
Key Features:
The Hornady .38 Special +P Critical Defense 110gr FTX Ammo offers impressive performance characteristics that make it an excellent choice for self-defense. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
| Bullet Type | Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) Designed for reliable expansion and penetration through common barriers |
| Bullet Weight | 110 grains Optimized for balance between velocity and energy in short-barreled handguns |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1090 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 revolvers.
- Concealed Carry: Optimized for use in compact .38 Special revolvers commonly used for concealed carry.
- Home Defense: Effective for home protection, providing controlled expansion to minimize over-penetration risks.
- Law Enforcement Backup: Suitable as a backup ammunition option for law enforcement officers carrying .38 Special revolvers.
- Training: Can be used for training to familiarize with the recoil and performance characteristics of defensive ammunition.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- ✔ Flex Tip Technology: FTX bullet design ensures reliable expansion and penetration through various barriers.
- ✔ Optimized for Short Barrels: Specifically designed for optimal performance in compact and snub-nose revolvers.
- ✔ Reduced Recoil: 110gr bullet weight helps manage recoil while maintaining effectiveness.
- ✔ Nickel-Plated Cases: Enhances visibility in low-light conditions and improves feeding reliability.
- ✔ Controlled Expansion: Delivers consistent performance across a wide range of velocities.
Cons
- ✘ Premium Pricing: Higher cost compared to standard .38 Special ammunition.
- ✘ +P Pressures: Not suitable for use in firearms not rated for +P ammunition.
- ✘ Limited Penetration: May not effectively penetrate quite as deeply as heavier bullet weights in most testing scenarios.
- ✘ Overpenetration Risk: Potential for overpenetration in self-defense situations compared to non-expanding ammunition.
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 Joyce's 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. All Hornady products are manufactured in the United States, with a commitment to American craftsmanship and quality control. The company's dedication to ballistic research and development has led to numerous breakthroughs, such as the LEVERevolution ammunition and the ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag - eXpanding) bullets. Hornady's commitment to conservation and responsible hunting has made them a favorite among sportsmen and law enforcement professionals alike. The company continues to be family-owned and operated, maintaining the values and vision of its founder while pushing the boundaries of ammunition technology.
