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Hornady Critical Defense .40 S&W FTX 165 Grain 20 Rounds
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$31.49
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SKU: WX2*0180236
Overview
Hornady’s Critical Defense load is built for defensive use in .40 S&W handguns, with a 165-grain FTX bullet and a 20-round box for range or carry preparation. Its polymer Flex Tip design is intended to support controlled expansion, while the clean-burning propellants and minimal muzzle flash are suited to low-light conditions. The current version uses a traditional brass case due to a temporary suspension of nickel plating, and it is Boxer-primed and reloadable. This is a purpose-driven option for shooters looking for a defensive cartridge rather than a general-purpose practice round.
Why Hunters Choose the Hornady
Patented Flex
Tip FTX bullet design for
Clean-burning, Stable
Propellants support consistent performance
Minimal Muzzle
Flash helps protect night vision
Brass Case
Boxer primer and reloadable design
Supplied 20-round
Box for handgun carry or
Key Features
- Hornady Critical Defense .40 S&W ammunition with FTX 165 grain bullets.
- Patented polymer Flex Tip design is featured in the FTX bullet.
- Designed to deliver controlled expansion.
- Uses clean-burning, stable propellants.
- Minimal muzzle flash helps protect night vision.
- Brass case, non-corrosive, Boxer-primed, and reloadable.
Best Used For
- Home-defense handgun users seeking ammunition with minimal muzzle flash for low-light conditions
- Shooters wanting a .40 S&W load with brass-cased, Boxer-primed, reloadable construction
- Owners concerned about performance through heavy clothing like denim or leather
- Users who prefer clean-burning, stable propellants in a defensive ammunition load
- Buyers looking for a 20-round box of Hornady Critical Defense .40 S&W FTX 165 grain
Specifications
| Bullet Type | FTX |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 165 Grain |
| Caliber | .40 S&W |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Corrosive | Non-corrosive |
| Flex Tip | Patented polymer Flex Tip |
| Muzzle Flash | Minimal muzzle flash |
| Nickel Plating | Temporarily suspended |
| Primer Type | Boxer-primed |
| Propellant | Clean-burning, stable propellants |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Round Count | 20 Rounds |
Pros
- Patented Flex Tip FTX bullet design for controlled expansion
- Clean-burning, stable propellants support consistent performance
- Minimal muzzle flash helps protect night vision
- Brass case construction with Boxer primer and reloadable design
- Supplied in a 20-round box for handgun carry or range use
Considerations & Trade-offs
- This load is packaged with a traditional brass case rather than nickel plating, as noted by the manufacturer due to supply shortages.
- It is offered as a 20-round box, so it is more of a carry or test quantity than a high-volume range option.
- The design emphasizes controlled expansion and minimal muzzle flash, but the listing does not provide detailed performance data for specific firearms or conditions.
- As a .40 S&W defensive load, it is purpose-built for that chambering rather than general-purpose shooting.
Suggested Comparisons
- .40 S&W defensive handgun ammunition
- Self-defense hollow point ammunition
- Reloadable brass-cased handgun ammo
- Low-flash handgun ammunition
Suggested Accessories
- Ammunition storage box
- Hearing protection
- Handgun cleaning kit
- Range bag
Frequently Asked Questions
What caliber and bullet weight is this load?
This is .40 S&W ammunition with a 165 grain FTX bullet.
How many rounds come in the box?
The product is sold as 20 rounds.
Does this ammunition use nickel-plated cases?
No. The description notes that Hornady has temporarily suspended nickel plating due to supply shortages, so these rounds feature a traditional brass case instead.
Is this ammunition reloadable?
Yes. The description states that it is Boxer-primed and reloadable.
What features are listed for this load?
The source data lists Hornady's patented polymer Flex Tip FTX bullet, clean-burning stable propellants, minimal muzzle flash to help protect night vision, and a brass case.