Hornady Critical Defense 38 Special 110 Grain FTX Ammo - Box of 25

Hornady Critical Defense 38 Special 110 Grain FTX ammo is a dependable personal defense round built for revolvers and small-frame handguns where reliability and stopping power matter. The 110-grain FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) bullet is engineered to feed reliably across different firearms and deliver consistent performance when it counts. This 25-round box gives you a practical quantity for testing in your carry piece or maintaining a ready supply.

The FTX bullet design minimizes the risk of setback—a common failure point in defensive ammo—and is specifically engineered for the lower velocities of 38 Special rounds. Hornady's personal defense ammunition has earned its reputation by balancing terminal performance with proven reliability, making it a logical choice for those who carry a snub-nose revolver or compact 38.

These rounds use standard brass cases (nickel plating has been temporarily suspended on this series, which does not affect ballistic performance). Whether you're running drills at the range or maintaining a rotation in your defensive load, Hornady Critical Defense delivers the consistency you expect from a major ammunition manufacturer focused on self-defense applications.

Key Features

• 110-grain FTX bullet designed for controlled expansion and consistent performance
• Engineered to minimize bullet setback in 38 Special chambers
• Reliable feeding across a wide range of revolver platforms
• 25 rounds per box for practice, rotation, or testing
• Brass case construction

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FTX bullet in Hornady Critical Defense ammo?

FTX stands for Flex Tip eXpanding. It's a bullet design that expands on impact while minimizing the risk of setback—a potential malfunction where the bullet gets pushed into the casing during feeding, reducing velocity and reliability.

Will this 38 Special Critical Defense ammo work in my revolver?

Yes. These rounds are engineered to feed reliably across standard 38 Special revolvers, from snub-nose carry guns to service-size models. Always verify caliber markings on your firearm before loading.

Is this ammo good for practice, or only for defensive use?

While Hornady Critical Defense is engineered as a personal defense load, you can certainly use it for practice and familiarization. Many shooters test their carry ammo in their carry gun to confirm reliable feeding and function.

Why does this ammo no longer have nickel-plated cases?

Hornady temporarily suspended nickel plating on the Critical Defense series. This is a cosmetic change only and does not affect ballistic performance or reliability.