Hornady Critical Defense Info

[Guest Todd@CIS]

When "latest and greatest" ammo hits the market, I don't put much stock into what the manufacturer says it will do...I like to see some credible, 3rd party testing.

There has been little to none for the Hornady FTX line that I could find...until now.

These results were obtained by a credible source (Dr. Gary Roberts) using 10%, calibrated ordinance gel (bare and 4 layer denim).

The firearm used had a 2" barrel.

.38 Sp Hornady 110 gr +P FTX "Critical Defense", ave vel=940fps

BG: pen=12.3"; RD=0.52", RL=0.38", RW=109.0gr

4LD: pen=14.6"; RD=0.46", RL=0.43", RW=109.5gr

.38 Sp Hornady 110 gr FTX "Critical Defense", ave vel=876fps

BG: pen=12.7"; RD=0.46"; RL=0.40"; RW=108.9gr

4LD: pen=14.2"; RD=0.42"; RL=0.55"; RW=108.9gr

My thoughts...

I don't really have an interest in the +P version of the FTX. If one wanted to use +P .38 for SD, the Speer 135gr +P Gold Dot is a better choice offering superior terminal ballistics.

I am interested in the non+P version of the FTX for those not wanting to use +P ammo for whatever reason (gun not made for it, recoil sensitive, etc.).

In the past, CIS has recommended Hornady's 158gr XTP and the 148gr Wadcutter (various brands) for those wanting a non+P .38 SD load.

After some personal testing, we may add the non+P FTX to the list. I've got some on the way and will post my thoughts when I get a chance to shoot it.

Edited October 1, 2009 by Todd@CIS

[TGO David]

Thanks for sharing this. I've got a box in my safe that I haven't bothered carrying in anything but my BUG yet. I guess I always used the thought process that by the time I got down to using my backup, anything coming out of the barrel was better than a sharp pointy stick.

Good to know it's capable of doing more than said stick.

[Guest earthworm]

Good info.The numbers look good;be interesting to see "practical" results.

110gr sounds kinda light for that kinda penetration,but the 110's I've shot had less felt recoil than 125,etc.so that'd be nice. Don't see myself whipping out my checkbook right now tho*G*.

[Guest Todd@CIS]

Update.

I ran some Hornady 110gr FTX through a J-Frame today (along with some Atlantic Arms 148gr Wadcutters, Hornady 158gr XTPs, and Speer 135gr+P Gold Dots).

Recoil, lightest to heaviest...

148gr Wadcutters (light)

110gr FTX (moderate)

158gr XTP (moderate)

135gr+P Gold Dot (heavy)

Muzzle Flash, lowest to brightest...

148gr Wadcutters (low)

135gr+P Gold Dot (low)

158gr XTP (moderate)

110gr FTX (moderate-bright)

Combat Accuracy was pretty much a wash. One nice thing, my J-Frame shoots standard pressure 158gr bullets about 4-5" high at 25 yards.

The 110gr FTXs were spot on at that distance.

Based on the OP data and today's shooting, I like the Hornady 110gr FTX.

I am disappointed in its muzzle flash...it was the brightest of the 4 rounds fired. Is it a deal killer? Not really, I guess.

I'll recommend it (and use it, just because my J-Frame likes it).

If I had a J-Frame that shot the 158gr XTP better, I'd use that.

Note on recoil...

My personal test on recoil. I shoot the gun and round combo weak hand only. If the gun shifts in my weak hand under recoil, it's too much.

Just a personal opinion, YMMV.

Edited October 2, 2009 by Todd@CIS

[Magiccarpetrides]

Thanks for the info...i use both the speer and hornady in my 38's glad to know either will do the trick.

[Guest earthworm]

How's penetration? This used to be a problem with 110gr in both .38SP & .357MAG.

I've mixed thoughts on the muzzle flash:lose night vision but I expect one will anyway.OTOH the fireball might have a deterrant effect or add some "toast" at close range*EG*.

[Guest Todd@CIS]

I did no penetration tests. See post #1 for that info.

Regarding muzzle flash...it will only hurt you (loss of night vision, position give-away). To what degree is up for debate, but I want as little as possible...mostly due to night vision loss.

"Toasting" would have little to do with wounding ability. I know of one cop who got shot, point blank, in the face with a high flash round. The "fireball" did nothing. The round blew out his upper teeth, traversed through his neck, and came to rest just shy of a vertebra in his neck.

Regards

Edited March 26, 2010 by Todd@CIS