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Hornady

Hornady Critical Duty .40 S&W FlexLock 175 Grain 20 Rounds

Our editorial team reviews specifications, product data, and field-use information to keep pages accurate.

Hornady Critical

FlexLock bullet design

175-grain Load

Supplied in a 20-round box

Large Jacket-to-core

InterLock band helps prevent separation

Flexlock Bullet

Is designed to eliminate clogging

High-antimony Lead

Bullet loaded in a nickel-plated

$31.99
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SKU: WX2*0223717

Overview

Built for duty-oriented .40 S&W use, this 20-round load is centered on controlled expansion and dependable bullet integrity. The FlexLock design is intended to help reduce clogging while supporting expansion, and the large jacket-to-core InterLock band is described as helping keep the bullet together through FBI test barriers. Loaded with a high-antimony lead bullet in a nickel-plated case, it suits shooters looking for a defensive cartridge with a clear emphasis on performance consistency.

Why Hunters Choose the Hornady

Interlock Band

Helps prevent jacket-to-core separation

Flexlock Bullet

Is designed to eliminate clogging

Loaded High-antimony

A high-antimony lead bullet

Nickel-plated Case

Included

Pack Contains

20 rounds for .40 S&W

Key Features

  • Hornady Critical Duty .40 S&W ammunition with FlexLock bullet design.
  • 175-grain load supplied in a 20-round box.
  • Large jacket-to-core InterLock band helps prevent separation.
  • FlexLock bullet is designed to eliminate clogging and aid expansion.
  • High-antimony lead bullet loaded in a nickel-plated case.

Best Used For

  • Hunters who want a .40 S&W load with barrier-focused performance for defensive carry
  • Users needing a 20-round package for range verification and duty-ready magazine setup
  • Shooters who prefer nickel-plated cases for easier handling during loading and unloading
  • Those seeking a FlexLock bullet design intended to reduce clogging and support expansion

Specifications

Bullet TypeFlexLock
Bullet Weight175 Grain
Caliber.40 S&W
Case MaterialNickel-plated case
Jacket To Core BandInterLock band
Lead TypeHigh-antimony lead bullet
Round Count20 Rounds

Pros

  • InterLock band helps prevent jacket-to-core separation.
  • FlexLock bullet is designed to eliminate clogging and aid expansion.
  • Loaded with a high-antimony lead bullet.
  • Nickel-plated case included.
  • Pack contains 20 rounds for .40 S&W use.

Considerations & Trade-offs

  • Designed around barrier performance, so it is more specialized than a general-purpose .40 S&W load for casual range use.
  • The 175 grain loading may not match the recoil or point-of-impact preference of every shooter, so verification in your firearm is important.
  • Nickel-plated cases and the FlexLock design add useful features, but they also make this a premium-priced 20-round box compared with standard practice ammunition.

Suggested Comparisons

  • .40 S&W defensive ammunition
  • Hunting handgun ammunition
  • Nickel-plated cased ammunition
  • Barrier-blind ammunition

Suggested Accessories

  • Ammunition storage box
  • Hearing protection
  • Cleaning kit
  • Ballistic eyewear

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in this Hornady Critical Duty .40 S&W load?

This product is a 20-round box of Hornady Critical Duty .40 S&W ammunition with a 175 grain FlexLock bullet.

What bullet design features are listed for this load?

The source data lists a large jacket-to-core InterLock band to help prevent separation, and a FlexLock bullet designed to eliminate clogging and aid expansion.

What case material is specified?

The long description states that the ammunition is loaded in a nickel-plated case.

Does the product description mention the bullet material?

Yes. It identifies the bullet as a high-antimony lead bullet.

Are detailed dimensions or performance specs provided?

No. The provided data does not include dimensions, velocity, or other detailed ballistic specifications beyond the listed bullet design features and 20-round count.