Description
Hornady Critical Defense 9mm Luger ammunition is engineered for reliable personal protection. The 115-grain FTX bullet with its polymer tip is designed to deliver consistent expansion through barriers like heavy clothing. This 200-round case is for the shooter who wants to train with and carry the same load. Since we began stocking it in late 2024, it has become one of our most consistent sellers in the defensive ammunition category.
Stand-Out Features
- FTX Polymer Tip: The red polymer tip initiates rapid, controlled expansion while preventing clogging from clothing or other materials.
- Low Recoil Design: The 115-grain projectile and optimized powder charge provide manageable recoil for faster follow-up shots.
- Flex Tip Technology: Ensures reliable expansion at a wide range of defensive handgun velocities, even from short-barreled firearms.
- Nickel-Plated Cases: Corrosion-resistant cases ensure reliable feeding and extraction, and are easy to identify in mixed brass.
- Consistent Performance: Hornady’s stringent manufacturing standards provide the reliability required for a defensive cartridge.
Technical Data
| Caliber | 9mm Luger |
| Bullet Weight | 115 Grain |
| Bullet Type | Hornady FTX Polymer Tip |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1140 fps (from 4″ barrel) |
| Muzzle Energy | 332 ft-lbs |
| Case Type | Nickel-Plated Brass |
| Quantity | 200 Rounds |
| Weight (measured) | 3.6 oz per 20-rd box / ~3.6 lbs total |
Your Questions Answered
Is this suitable for compact or subcompact pistols?
Yes. The Critical Defense line is specifically engineered to perform reliably at the lower velocities common in short-barreled carry pistols. The Flex Tip design ensures consistent expansion.
Should I test this ammunition in my firearm?
Absolutely. Our staff recommends firing a minimum of 50 rounds for function testing and to confirm point of impact before relying on any ammunition for defensive use.
How does the FTX bullet differ from a standard JHP?
The polymer tip serves two primary functions: it drives into the hollow point to initiate uniform expansion, and it prevents the cavity from being plugged by fabric, which can cause a jacketed hollow point to fail to expand.
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