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Hornady 90310 Critical Defense 38 Special 110 GR FTX 25 Rounds
Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.
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SKU: 90310-090255903102
Overview
Built for defensive revolver use, this .38 Special load is aimed at concealed carry and personal protection, especially where low-light conditions are a concern. The nickel-plated cases are intended to improve visibility, while the low-flash propellant is designed to help reduce disruption to your vision during firing. Hornady’s patented FTX bullet and Flex Tip design are described as helping the round expand reliably and resist clogging through heavy clothing. With 25 rounds per box, it offers a practical option for shooters who want a purpose-driven defensive load for short-barreled handguns.
Why Hunters Choose the Hornady
Nickel-plated Cases
Improve visibility in low-light conditions
Low Flash
Propellants help preserve vision during
Concealed Carry
Personal protection use
Patented Ftx
Bullet is designed to expand
Flex Tip
Technology helps resist clogging through
Key Features
- Hornady Critical Defense ammunition for .38 Special handguns
- 110-grain FTX Flex Tip eXpanding bullet
- Nickel-plated cases for improved visibility in low light
- Low-flash propellants for use in short-barreled handguns
- Designed for concealed carry and personal protection
- 25 rounds per box
Best Used For
- Concealed carry users wanting ammunition intended for personal protection and low-light readiness.
- Owners of short-barreled handguns seeking consistent performance from a compact defensive load.
- Shooters who prefer nickel-plated cases for easier visibility during loading and handling.
- Users needing a 25-round box for defensive ammunition storage or range verification.
- Those carrying .38 Special revolvers and wanting a Flex Tip eXpanding bullet design.
Specifications
| Bullet Type | Flex Tip eXpanding |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 38 Special |
| Casing Material | Nickel-Plated |
| Muzzle Energy | 249 ft lbs |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1010 fps |
| Rounds Per Box | 25 |
Pros
- Nickel-plated cases improve visibility in low-light conditions.
- Low flash propellants help preserve vision during firing.
- Designed for concealed carry and personal protection use.
- Patented FTX bullet is designed to expand reliably.
- Flex Tip technology helps resist clogging through heavy clothing.
- 25-round box provides a practical quantity for carry preparation.
Considerations & Trade-offs
- Designed for concealed carry and personal protection, so it is purpose-built for defensive use rather than general-purpose range shooting.
- The box contains 25 rounds, which is a smaller quantity than bulk practice ammunition and may require more frequent reordering.
- It is described as optimized for low-light and short-barreled handguns, so its feature set is specific to those use cases.
- The nickel-plated cases and FTX bullet are part of the design, but the product details do not provide broader performance comparisons or long-term durability claims.
Suggested Comparisons
- Concealed carry ammunition
- Personal defense ammunition
- .38 Special handgun ammunition
- Low-light defensive ammunition
Suggested Accessories
- Ammunition storage box
- Hearing protection
- Handgun cleaning kit
- Range bag
Frequently Asked Questions
What caliber and bullet type is this Hornady Critical Defense load?
This is a .38 Special load with a 110 GR FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) bullet.
How many rounds come in a box?
Each box contains 25 rounds.
Is this ammunition intended for concealed carry or personal protection?
Yes. The product description says it is ideal for concealed carry and personal protection.
What features are mentioned for low-light use?
The description notes nickel-plated cases for increased visibility and premium low flash propellants designed to reduce disruption to your vision in low-light situations.
Does the product mention performance through heavy clothing?
Yes. The description states that the patented FTX bullet is designed to expand reliably and resist clogging when fired through heavy clothing.