FBI Selects Hornady Critical Duty Ammo

by
posted on October 20, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
critical_duty.jpg

The FBI has chosen Hornady’s Critical Duty 40 S&W 175 gr. Flexlock as its official ammunition. Introduced in 2011, the ammo was designed specifically for on-duty law enforcement and other tactical roles.

“Critical Duty ammunition is the culmination of many years of hard work, research and development and dedication,” said Jason Hornady, vice president of Hornady Mfg. “We are thrilled to obtain this contract from our nation’s highest law enforcement agency as it gives credence to the performance and reliability of this product.”

One of the features that make this load desirable for law enforcement is a patented Flex Tip, which eliminates clogging and aids bullet expansion. Additionally, a large mechanical jacket-to-core InterLock band keeps the bullet and core from separating for maximum weight retention. In all FBI test barriers, the bullet offered excellent expansion, consistent penetration and terminal performance.

Other features that favored this cartridge over others include the bright nickel-plated cases, which simplify chamber checks in reduced light. The ammo uses low-flash, clean-burning propellants, which preserves night vision in low-light firing.

“At Hornady, we’re honored to provide ammunition to the American heroes who put their lives on the line to protect us and our neighbors every day,” said Steve Hornady, president of Hornady Mfg. Co. “This contract is an important part of our corporate history, and it’s a distinct pleasure to fulfill this need for the FBI.”

The agreement is for what is called an IDIQ—Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity. For more, visit Hornady.com.

Additional Reading:
Understanding Hornady’s Critical Defense and Critical Duty Ammo

Latest

New Semi-Automatic Rifles for 2026
New Semi-Automatic Rifles for 2026

New Semi-Automatic Rifles for 2026

While the AR-pattern design continues to be the most popular and prolific semi-automatic rifle platform in America, don't think that means that there aren't other great, new options emerging on the market.

President’s Column | Hope Is Not a Strategy

It was great meeting so many enthusiastic and supportive NRA members at the NRA Annual Meeting in Houston. Your words of encouragement and suggestions are propelling your NRA 2.0 forward.

Data Centers Planned for Remington’s Legendary Factory Site

The historic Ilion, N.Y., factory that produced Remington firearms and parts for nearly 200 years may soon become the site of a 200-megawatt data center.

Washington's Gunpowder Shortage: The Issue That Almost Ended the Revolution

Today, the United States is facing a shortage of ammunition. But this situation is nothing new, and a similar sort of circumstance faced our Founding Fathers at the beginning of the American Revolution.

Standing Guard | Be Thankful Your NRA Is Here

In any struggle, but particularly in one for human freedom, we should stop and look back now and then, as a backward glance can remind us of our true course.

The 92G Elite Combat LTT: A Beretta & Langdon Tactical Collaboration

Beretta continues refining and updating the 92 design, and its latest collaboration with Langdon Tactical Technologies resulted in the 92G Elite Combat LTT, a handgun designed for both competition and duty use.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.