Hornady Critical Defense

[casingpoint]

Has any one fooled with this stuff since it was last discussed and formed any opinions? It seems to have taken a back seat to the more sensational ammo, but at least Midway has it in stock.

[garcia946]

I have some for my LCP (.380 ) i like it , just wish they had it in a .40 for my main carry

[StewNTexas]

Most of the information on this ammo leads me to believe that it would be excellent for areas such as Alaska and Canada. They stress how much hide or leather it can penetrate before expanding. Might be helpful if you are taken on by a large group of welders.
All that aside, my first two rounds are Hornady Critical Defense. The next two are JHP, then alternate with FMJ and JHP. Total of 8 for my Sig P230sl.

[bryang]

I use it in my LCP and .38 Chief Special. I like it and use it for my carry ammo. I have shot a couple hundred rounds of it, but I did not have anyway of testing the ammo itself for penetration or expansion. I have to rely on what I have read about it from others, however, as far as any problems with feed or jamming... nada.

To be honest, since the gargantuan increase in ammo prices it has put a damper on my range time.

-geo

[A-R]

Been carrying CD in my Ruger LCP almost since I bought it last year. No problems with it at all. As others have said, seems CD was "made for" the LCP/Kel Tec .380s

Just put some in my S&W J-frame and also no problems (not that there would be with a wheel gun).

I also bought some in 9mm (along with 250 rounds of target ammo) in anticipation of buying a 9mm pistol soon. But obviously haven't shot any yet as I still haven't bought the gun.

I like the idea of that little red eraser-lookin' piece as it helps avoiding "plugging" that you can find with a HP going through denim and other clothing materials. I agree it may be better suited for cold weather, but with loads as light as .380 and .38, I doubt over penetration would be a problem. But this is probably one reason this round is NOT yet offered in .40 (though I wouldn't mind seeing it in that caliber either).

Haven't had an opportunity to do any penetration tests myself, but might try putting a few rounds into some stacks of newspapers/phone books on some family land next time I get the chance. I've read here or elsewhere that wet newspapers/phone books give a decent non scientific example of bullet performance.

[casingpoint]

I've read here or elsewhere that wet newspapers/phone books give a decent non scientific example of bullet performance.

Stephen Camp, a retired LEO, tests ballistics with wet newspaper. Multiply the depth in newsprint by 1.5 to approximate the depth you would get in gel.
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http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbulletin ... -ammo.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The results above with 38 Special Critical Defense are with non +P ammunition. The penetration depth is impressive for non +P and comprable to that of other manufacturers +P ammo in the 125-135 grain range. That's clever, and highly significant because it indicates the polymer tip not only assists expansion, but may aid in penetration of the lightweight 110 bullet. Easier shooting round, same ballistic results. Go figure what that means to snub carriers. And potentially to Hornady's bottom line.

While it is tempting to go with the +P variety to really rock and sock 'em, it is equally tempting to try the lower pressure ammo for it's presumably softer shooting. The only way out of this, obviously, is to buy a box of each and compare the two.

[Frost]

I saw a test indicating that critical defense actually did not expand in the 4 layer denim test. Seems counter intuitive, but i wouldn't assume that it meets its design goals.

Only thing i can find quickly is a post in this thread(link).