Hornady Critical Defense .40 S&W 165 gr FTX – Polymer-tipped hollow point designed for better barrier penetration.
The Hornady Critical Defense .40 S&W 165 gr FTX is the gold standard in personal defense ammunition. Engineered with Hornady’s patented Flex Tip (FTX) technology, this round overcomes traditional hollow-point clogging issues, ensuring consistent expansion regardless of the barrier. It’s specifically designed for concealed carry (CCW), home defense, and duty use, offering maximum stopping power, smooth feeding, and superior terminal ballistics.
With its lightweight 165-grain bullet, this round achieves a perfect balance of velocity, energy, and recoil control, making it ideal for both novice and experienced shooters. Hornady Critical Defense is known for its consistent expansion, even when shot through thick clothing, making it one of the most reliable choices for self-defense.
Key Features:
- Caliber: .40 S&W – Designed for popular self-defense handguns chambered in .40 S&W.
- Bullet Weight: 165 gr – Lightweight for increased velocity, reduced recoil, and reliable expansion.
- Bullet Type: FTX (Flex Tip Expanding) – Patented polymer tip prevents clogging for consistent expansion.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,175 fps – Faster velocity ensures quick and effective energy transfer.
- Muzzle Energy: 506 ft-lbs – Delivers sufficient energy for effective threat-stopping performance.
- Barrier Defeating: Penetrates heavy clothing, denim, and soft barriers without compromising expansion.
- Nickel-Plated Cases: Resists corrosion and ensures smooth feeding and extraction.
Specifications:
| Caliber | .40 S&W – Compatible with all standard .40-caliber handguns. |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 165 gr – Balanced weight for velocity, energy, and penetration. |
| Bullet Type | FTX (Flex Tip Expanding) – Polymer tip prevents clogging, ensuring consistent expansion. |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1,175 fps – Fast velocity for effective energy transfer and smooth recoil. |
| Muzzle Energy | 506 ft-lbs – Powerful energy to incapacitate threats quickly. |
| Casing Material | Nickel-Plated Brass – Corrosion-resistant, smooth-feeding, and reloadable. |
| Box Count | Available in 20-round and 25-round boxes. |
What Makes Hornady Critical Defense .40 S&W 165 gr FTX Unique?
- Flex Tip Technology: The patented FTX tip eliminates clogging caused by thick clothing, ensuring reliable expansion.
- Barrier Penetration: Performs consistently after passing through common barriers like denim, drywall, and heavy fabric.
- Optimized for CCW: Ideal for concealed carry (CCW) due to its reliable feeding, smooth cycling, and effective stopping power.
- Low Recoil: The 165-grain bullet provides manageable recoil, making it suitable for shooters of all skill levels.
- Reliable Expansion: Delivers uniform expansion, even when passing through layers of clothing.
Best Uses:
- Concealed Carry (CCW): Specifically designed for everyday carry (EDC) with reliable expansion after passing through clothing.
- Home Defense: The barrier-defeating design allows it to pass through soft barriers (like drywall) while still expanding properly.
- Law Enforcement Use: Trusted by law enforcement officers (LEOs) for its consistent expansion and barrier penetration.
Summary:
The Hornady Critical Defense .40 S&W 165 gr FTX offers everything you need in a self-defense round — reliable feeding, barrier-blind expansion, and low recoil. Its Flex Tip (FTX) design ensures proper expansion, even through heavy clothing or barriers. The 165-grain weight provides a balance of velocity and energy, while the nickel-plated casing ensures corrosion resistance and smooth feeding. Whether you carry concealed or want dependable home defense, this round offers unbeatable performance.
Order today to experience the performance, protection, and peace of mind that come with Hornady Critical Defense!
