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Hornady Critical Defense .22 Magnum FTX 45 Grain 50 Rounds
Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.
$19.49
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SKU: WX2*0231113
Overview
Designed for defensive use, this .22 Magnum loading centers on Hornady’s patented polymer Flex Tip design to support controlled expansion. It is intended for situations where clothing can interfere with hollow-point performance, making it a practical choice for personal protection. The load is also described as producing minimal muzzle flash, which can help preserve night vision in low-light conditions. Hornady notes that nickel plating has been temporarily suspended, so these rounds use a traditional brass case instead.
Why Hunters Choose the Hornady
Patented Polymer
Flex Tip design is built
Minimal Muzzle
Flash helps preserve night vision
Pack Includes
50 rounds for range or
Traditional Brass
Case is noted during the
Hornady Critical
Defense line is presented for
Key Features
- Hornady Critical Defense .22 Magnum FTX ammunition
- 45 grain FTX load in a 50-round box
- Patented polymer Flex Tip design
- Designed for controlled expansion
- Minimal muzzle flash to help protect night vision
- Traditional brass case due to temporary nickel plating suspension
Best Used For
- Hunters wanting .22 Magnum ammunition with a focus on controlled expansion
- Users who may need minimal muzzle flash for low-light shooting situations
- Those seeking ammunition designed to address clothing barriers like denim or leather
- Shooters who prefer a traditional brass case during the current nickel-plating suspension
Specifications
| Bullet Style | Hollow Point |
|---|---|
| Bullet Type | FTX |
| Bullet Weight | 45 Grain |
| Caliber | .22 Magnum |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Flex Tip | Patented polymer Flex Tip |
| Muzzle Flash | Minimal |
| Nickel Plating | Temporarily suspended; traditional brass case instead |
| Round Count | 50 Rounds |
Pros
- Patented polymer Flex Tip design is built for controlled expansion.
- Minimal muzzle flash helps preserve night vision in low light.
- Pack includes 50 rounds for range or carry rotation.
- Traditional brass case is noted during the current supply change.
- Hornady Critical Defense line is presented for defensive use.
Considerations & Trade-offs
- Nickel plating is temporarily suspended, so these rounds use a traditional brass case instead of the plated version noted in some descriptions.
- The product is positioned around controlled expansion and minimal muzzle flash, but those characteristics are specific to the load and should be matched to the intended use.
- This is a 50-round box, so it may be better suited to carry or limited practice than high-volume range sessions.
- The design emphasis is on performance through clothing barriers and reduced flash, which may matter more than other considerations for hunters or shooters who prioritize different ammunition traits.
Suggested Comparisons
- .22 Magnum ammunition
- Self-defense handgun ammunition
- Hollow point ammunition
- Low-flash defensive ammunition
Suggested Accessories
- Ammo storage box
- Hearing protection
- Cleaning kit
- Range bag
Frequently Asked Questions
What caliber and bullet weight is this ammunition?
This product is Hornady Critical Defense .22 Magnum FTX with a 45 grain bullet.
How many rounds are included in the box?
The product is sold as 50 rounds.
Does this load use nickel-plated cases?
No. The product note says Hornady has temporarily suspended nickel plating due to supply shortages, so these rounds feature a traditional brass case instead.
What is the Flex Tip design intended to do?
According to the product description, Hornady’s patented polymer Flex Tip design is intended to deliver controlled expansion.
Does the description mention low muzzle flash?
Yes. The short and long descriptions state that it has minimal muzzle flash to help protect night vision.