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Hornady 90240 Critical Defense Lite FTX 9mm 100 GR FTE 25 Rounds
Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.
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SKU: 90240-090255902402
Overview
Built for personal protection and concealed carry, this load is intended for low-light defensive use where dependable function matters. The Critical Defense Lite version is aimed at shooters who want reduced recoil in lightweight, compact handguns, while the nickel-plated cases help with visibility during handling. Hornady pairs the Flex Tip eXpanding bullet with low-flash propellants and FTX technology to support consistent expansion and help reduce clogging through heavy clothing. It is a practical choice for defensive handguns, especially short-barreled models, when a softer-shooting option is preferred.
Why Hunters Choose the Hornady
Low-light Performance
Low-flash propellants
Reduced Recoil
Suits lightweight, compact firearms
Patented Ftx
Bullet is built to expand
Flex Tip
Design helps resist clogging through
Nickel-plated Cases
Improve visibility in the chamber
Key Features
- 9mm Luger Critical Defense Lite ammunition with 100-grain FTX bullets.
- Reduced-recoil load for shooters using lightweight, compact firearms.
- Nickel-plated cases for increased visibility.
- Low-flash propellants designed for low-light use.
- Patented Flex Tip technology helps resist clogging through heavy clothing.
- 25 rounds per box for concealed carry and personal protection use.
Best Used For
- Concealed carry users wanting reduced recoil in lightweight, compact 9mm handguns
- Shooters prioritizing low-light defensive ammunition with low-flash propellants
- Owners of short-barreled handguns seeking a defensive load for personal protection
- Users who prefer nickel-plated cases for easier visual identification at the range or in storage
- Shooters looking for a 25-round box of 9mm defensive ammunition for carry practice
Specifications
| Bullet Type | Flex Tip eXpanding |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 100 GR |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger |
| Casing Material | Nickel-Plated |
| Flex Tip Technology | Yes |
| Heavy Clothing Use | Yes |
| Low Light Use | Yes |
| Muzzle Energy | 281 ft lbs |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1125 fps |
| Patented Ftx Bullet | Yes |
| Reduced Recoil | Yes |
| Rounds Per Box | 25 |
| Short Barreled Handguns | Yes |
Pros
- Designed for low-light performance with low-flash propellants
- Reduced recoil suits lightweight, compact firearms
- Patented FTX bullet is built to expand reliably
- Flex Tip design helps resist clogging through heavy clothing
- Nickel-plated cases improve visibility in the chamber
- Specified for concealed carry and personal protection use
Considerations & Trade-offs
- Reduced recoil is a key trade-off of the Lite load, so it is aimed at shooters prioritizing easier handling over a standard-pressure feel.
- This is a 25-round box, which may be less convenient for higher-volume practice or stocking compared with larger pack sizes.
- The load is positioned for concealed carry and personal protection, so it is more specialized than general-purpose range ammunition.
- Its performance focus is tied to low-light and short-barreled handgun use, which may not match every 9mm setup or training need.
Suggested Comparisons
- Concealed carry ammunition
- Personal protection ammunition
- Low-recoil handgun ammunition
- 9mm Luger ammunition
Suggested Accessories
- Ammunition storage box
- Hearing protection
- Handgun cleaning kit
- Range bag
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this ammunition designed for?
Hornady Critical Defense Lite is designed for concealed carry and personal protection, with emphasis on low-light situations.
What makes the Lite version different?
The Lite option is described as offering reduced recoil, which is intended for shooters who want to minimize felt recoil in lightweight, compact firearms.
What caliber and bullet type does this load use?
It is listed as 9mm Luger with a Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) bullet.
How many rounds come in a box?
Each box contains 25 rounds.
Are there any listed performance specifications?
Yes. The provided specifications list a muzzle velocity of 1125 fps and muzzle energy of 281 ft lbs.