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Hornady

Hornady Critical Defense Lite .38 Special FTX 90 Grain 25 Rounds

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Hornady Critical

Defense Lite .38 Special FTX

90 Grain

FTX load

25 Rounds

Per box

Patented Polymer

Flex Tip design

Controlled Expansion

$31.49
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SKU: WX2*0234265

Overview

Hornady Critical Defense Lite is built for .38 Special shooters who want a defensive load centered on controlled expansion. Its patented polymer Flex Tip design is intended to help the bullet perform through heavy clothing such as denim and leather, where some hollow points can be compromised. This 25-round offering is a practical choice for personal-defense use and range verification with a compatible revolver. Hornady notes that these rounds currently use a traditional brass case in place of nickel plating due to supply shortages.

Why Hunters Choose the Hornady

Patented Polymer

Flex Tip design is built

Designed Address

Hollow point performance through heavy

Includes 25

Rounds per box for range

.38 Special

Lite loading offers a lighter-recoiling

Traditional Brass

Case noted due to temporary

Key Features

  • Hornady Critical Defense Lite .38 Special FTX ammunition
  • 90 grain FTX load
  • 25 rounds per box
  • Patented polymer Flex Tip design
  • Designed for controlled expansion
  • Features a traditional brass case

Best Used For

  • Home defense users wanting .38 Special ammunition with Hornady Critical Defense Lite loading.
  • Shooters concerned about hollow point performance through denim or leather clothing.
  • Owners seeking a 25-round box for defensive revolver practice and carry rotation.
  • Users who prefer a traditional brass case during Hornady's temporary nickel-plating suspension.

Specifications

Bullet TypeFTX
Bullet Weight90 Grain
Caliber.38 Special
Case MaterialBrass
ExpansionBig, controlled expansion
Nickel PlatingTemporarily suspended due to supply shortages
Polymer Flex TipPatented
Rounds25

Pros

  • Patented polymer Flex Tip design is built for controlled expansion
  • Designed to address hollow point performance through heavy clothing
  • Includes 25 rounds per box for range or carry rotation
  • .38 Special Lite loading offers a lighter-recoiling option
  • Traditional brass case noted due to temporary nickel plating suspension

Considerations & Trade-offs

  • Nickel plating is temporarily suspended, so these rounds will use a traditional brass case instead of the plated finish noted in some product descriptions.
  • This is a .38 Special load, so it is intended for compatible revolvers chambered for that cartridge.
  • The product is sold in a 25-round box, which may be a smaller quantity than some shooters prefer for range use or stocking up.
  • The description emphasizes controlled expansion through the Flex Tip design, but it does not provide additional technical specifications such as velocity or energy in the supplied data.

Suggested Comparisons

  • .38 Special defensive ammunition
  • .38 Special practice ammunition
  • Low-recoil defensive handgun ammunition
  • Hollow point handgun ammunition

Suggested Accessories

  • Ammunition storage box
  • Hearing protection
  • Cleaning kit
  • Range bag

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber and load is this ammunition?

This product is Hornady Critical Defense Lite in .38 Special with a 90 grain FTX bullet, packaged in 25 rounds.

What does the FTX Flex Tip design refer to?

The source describes Hornady’s patented polymer Flex Tip design as part of the Critical Defense line. No further technical details are provided here.

Does this lot use nickel-plated cases?

No. The product information says Hornady has temporarily suspended nickel plating due to supply shortages, so these rounds feature a traditional brass case instead.

Is this ammunition intended for use through heavy clothing?

The description says the Critical Defense design is intended to address situations where hollow points can be compromised by clothing such as denim and leather. It does not provide additional performance data beyond that.

How many rounds are included in the package?

This product includes 25 rounds.