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Hornady Critical Defense .357 Magnum 125 Grain FTX 25 Rounds
Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.
$34.49
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SKU: WX2*0180235
Overview
Hornady’s Critical Defense load is built for defensive use where clothing can interfere with hollow-point performance. Its patented polymer Flex Tip FTX bullet is designed to promote controlled expansion, making it a practical choice for concealed-carry and other personal-protection roles. This offering is packaged in 25 rounds and, due to a temporary supply shortage, uses a traditional brass case instead of nickel plating.
Why Hunters Choose the Hornady
Patented Flex
Tip FTX bullet design is
Controlled Expansion
According to the manufacturer’s description
Chambered .357
Magnum for hunters and shooters
125-grain Loading
Clearly specified bullet weight
Includes 25
Rounds per box for convenient
Key Features
- Hornady Critical Defense .357 Magnum ammunition
- 125 grain FTX bullet with patented polymer Flex Tip design
- Designed for controlled expansion
- 25 rounds per box
- Traditional brass case due to temporary nickel plating suspension
Best Used For
- Home-defense users wanting a .357 Magnum load designed for controlled expansion through heavy clothing
- Shooters who prefer Hornady Critical Defense ammunition for defensive revolver carry
- Owners of .357 Magnum revolvers seeking 125-grain FTX cartridges in a 25-round box
- Buyers who want a traditional brass-case load during Hornady’s temporary nickel-plating suspension
Specifications
| Bullet Design | Patented polymer Flex Tip |
|---|---|
| Bullet Type | FTX |
| Bullet Weight | 125 Grain |
| Caliber | .357 Magnum |
| Case Material | Brass case |
| Expansion Claim | Big, controlled expansion |
| Hollow Point | Yes |
| Nickel Plating | Temporarily suspended due to supply shortages |
| Round Count | 25 Rounds |
Pros
- Patented Flex Tip FTX bullet design is specifically highlighted in the product description.
- Designed for controlled expansion according to the manufacturer’s description.
- Chambered in .357 Magnum for hunters and shooters using that cartridge.
- 125-grain loading offers a clearly specified bullet weight.
- Includes 25 rounds per box for convenient range or carry use.
- Traditional brass case is noted due to temporary nickel plating suspension.
Considerations & Trade-offs
- This load is packaged in 25 rounds, so it is better suited to carry or limited-use needs than high-volume practice.
- Hornady notes that nickel plating has been temporarily suspended, so these rounds use a traditional brass case instead.
- The product description emphasizes controlled expansion with the FTX Flex Tip design, but it does not provide detailed performance specifications for every use case.
- As a .357 Magnum defensive load, it is a specialized choice rather than a general-purpose option for all shooting applications.
Suggested Comparisons
- .357 Magnum defensive handgun ammunition
- Self-defense handgun ammo
- Revolver ammunition
- Hollow point handgun cartridges
Suggested Accessories
- Ammunition storage box
- Hearing protection
- Cleaning kit
- Ballistic eyewear
Frequently Asked Questions
What caliber and bullet weight is this ammunition?
This product is Hornady Critical Defense .357 Magnum with 125 grain FTX bullets.
How many rounds are included?
The box contains 25 rounds.
What bullet design does Hornady use in this load?
It uses Hornady's patented polymer Flex Tip (FTX) bullet design.
Does this load use nickel-plated cases?
No. The product notes that Hornady has temporarily suspended nickel plating due to supply shortages, so these rounds feature a traditional brass case instead.
What does the product description say about performance through clothing?
The description says the FTX design is intended to deliver controlled expansion even when hollow points are compromised by clothing such as denim and leather.