Critical Defense® is engineered to deliver the pinnacle of threat‑stopping power. The FTX® — at the forefront of Critical Defense® — maximizes the potential of a hollow point bullet. Its patented Flex Tip® aids expansion and eliminates clogging when passing through clothing. Nickel‑plated cases increase visibility in low light situations.

When you need high-quality self-defense ammo, you need Hornady Critical Defense Ammunition! Available in a variety of calibers, including 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .223, and plenty more, Hornady designed these rounds specifically for self-defense situations.

The Hornady Critical Defense ammunition is reliable, effective, and widely available whether your EDC is a Sig Sauer, Glock, Smith & Wesson, Taurus, or anything else. The Hornady Critical Defense comes in two variations: the Critical Defense and the Critical Defense Lite .

Hornady Critical Defense Ammunition was purpose-built for concealed carry guns and designed to deliver reliable and controlled expansion regardless of target every time.

Critical Defense Ammunition is loaded with Hornady's bullet which has a soft polymer insert that delivers superior controlled expansion and large, deep wound cavities over a wide range of velocities.

Hornady Critical Defense Ammo Overview. Released in 2008, the Hornady Critical Defense line of ammunition is designed to meet the needs of law-abiding citizens for concealed carry and home defense. At release, Critical Defense was only available in 380 ACP, 38 Special, 38 Special +P, and 9mm Luger. Since then, the Critical Defense line has ...

Critical Defense® ammunition was developed to provide the best performance for defensive or personal protection situations and is the ultimate choice for any short barreled, concealed carry style firearm. Bright nickel-plated cartridge cases simplify chamber checks in reduced light, and low-flash propellants help preserve night vision.

All Critical Defense® ammunition is loaded in nickel-plated cases for increased visibility in low-light situations. Premium low flash propellants deliver proven performance, even in very short-barreled handguns, and won't disrupt your vision.

The new Hornady Critical Defense™ ammunition is the pinnacle in self defense ammunition. Using a variation of the tip material used in the revolutionary LEVERevolution® line of ammunition, Hornady engineers were able to achieve 100% reliable expansion every single time.