Hornady Critical Defense 9mm Luger ammunition delivers reliable terminal performance for personal defense. The 115-grain FTX bullet with polymer tip is engineered to expand consistently through barriers while minimizing over-penetration. This 200-round case provides a practical supply for training and carry rotation. We added this SKU to our catalog in Q1 2025 based on consistent customer requests, and the finish quality on our current batch is excellent with no visible tooling marks.
Stand-Out Features
- FTX Polymer Tip: Prevents clogging in clothing fibers and initiates controlled expansion.
- Flex Tip Technology: Delivers reliable expansion at a wide range of defensive handgun velocities.
- Nickel-Plated Cases: Corrosion-resistant for long-term storage reliability and smoother feeding.
- Low-Flash Propellant: Formulated to minimize muzzle flash in low-light conditions.
- Consistent Manufacturing: Hornady’s quality control ensures reliable ignition and pressure curves.
Technical Data
| Caliber | 9mm Luger |
| Bullet Weight | 115 Grain |
| Bullet Type | 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) | 4.7 oz |
Your Questions Answered
Is this ammunition suitable for compact/subcompact pistols?
Yes. The 115-grain load is optimized for reliable function in shorter-barreled defense pistols. The low-flash propellant and consistent pressure curve help maintain performance in compact platforms.
How does the FTX bullet perform compared to traditional hollow points?
The polymer tip prevents clogging that can occur with standard hollow points when passing through heavy clothing. This design provides more consistent expansion across various barriers while maintaining adequate penetration depth.
Can I use this for range training?
While designed for defense, many customers use Critical Defense for periodic function testing and familiarization firing. The nickel-plated cases offer reliable extraction, but at approximately $0.92 per round, most shooters practice with more economical FMJ training ammunition.
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