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Hornady 80260 Critical Defense 223 73 GR FTX 20 Rounds
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SKU: 80260-090255802603
Overview
Built for short-range defensive use, this 223 Remington load is intended for situations where controlled performance matters. It uses Hornady’s FTX bullet design with a patented Flex Tip, which is designed to help keep the nose cavity clear as it passes through heavy clothing and support expansion at low velocities. The nickel-plated brass casing adds a durable finish, and the 20-round box format makes it a practical option for keeping on hand for preparedness.
Why Hunters Choose the Hornady
Short-range Defensive
Situations
Patented Flex
Tip helps reduce nose-cavity clogging
Built Expand
At low velocities
Nickel-plated Brass
Casing adds a durable cartridge
20-round Box
Compact supply for range or
Key Features
- Designed for short-range defensive situations
- Features Hornady FTX bullets with patented Flex Tip design
- Flex Tip helps prevent nose cavity clogging through heavy clothing
- Built to expand at low velocities
- 223 Rem caliber ammunition
- 20 rounds per box with nickel-plated brass casing
Best Used For
- Short-range defensive use where controlled expansion is a priority
- Hunters or shooters wanting a .223 Rem load for close-distance protection
- Users needing ammunition designed to pass through heavy clothing more reliably
- Those seeking a 20-round box for preparedness and range-confirmed defensive setup
Specifications
| Bullet Type | Flex Tip eXpanding |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 223 Rem |
| Casing Material | Nickel-Plated Brass |
| Muzzle Energy | 1262 ft lbs |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2790 fps |
| Rounds Per Box | 20 |
Pros
- Designed for short-range defensive situations
- Patented Flex Tip helps reduce nose-cavity clogging through heavy clothing
- Built to expand at low velocities
- Nickel-plated brass casing adds a durable cartridge finish
- 20-round box offers a compact supply for range or defensive use
Considerations & Trade-offs
- Designed for short-range defensive use, so it is not positioned as a general-purpose or long-range .223 load.
- The box count is 20 rounds, which is a relatively small quantity for high-volume practice or extended range sessions.
- The product description emphasizes defensive performance features rather than broad hunting or target-shooting versatility.
- Nickel-plated brass casing is specified, but no additional component or load details are provided beyond the listed attributes.
Suggested Comparisons
- Defensive rifle ammunition
- 223 Remington ammunition
- Short-range ammunition
- Boxed centerfire rifle cartridges
Suggested Accessories
- Ammunition storage box
- Rifle magazine
- Eye protection
- Hearing protection
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this Hornady Critical Defense .223 load intended for?
The product description says it is designed for short-range defensive situations.
What bullet type does this ammunition use?
It uses Hornady FTX bullets, listed in the specifications as Flex Tip eXpanding.
How many rounds come in a box?
Each box contains 20 rounds.
What are the listed muzzle velocity and muzzle energy?
The listed muzzle velocity is 2790 fps and the muzzle energy is 1262 ft lbs.
What is the casing material?
The casing material is listed as nickel-plated brass.