Hornady Expands Critical Defense Rifle Ammo Line

by
posted on November 28, 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. **
hornady_lede.jpg (1)
Hornady has expanded its Critical Defense ammunition line by bringing in new rifle calibers to the personal-defense oriented product lineup. The new chamberings include two options in .223 Rem., one loaded with a 55-gr. bullet and the other loaded with a 73-gr. bullet. The other addition in .308 Win. provides users with a 155-gr. bullet.

Each round is loaded with the company's patented FTX bullet design, which incorporates a unique Flex Tip that is designed to ensure that the bullets expand quickly and reliably, even after passing through thick clothing and other barriers. 

The ammunition is also loaded in bright, polished, nickel-plated cases. The use of nickel-plated cases provides a couple of benefits. First, the slick casing ensures that rifle function is unimpeded by the ammo itself, thanks to the added lubricity offered by the nickel plating. Second, the bright nickel can be seen easily, even in low-light situations, making it simple to check if a rifle is loaded.

In addition to the FTX bullet and the nickel-plated case, Hornady also formulated a special propellant designed to reduce muzzle flash and recoil, preserving night vision.

Designed for short-range defensive situations, Critical Defense Rifle delivers quick expansion for reduced potential of over-penetration.


For more information visit hornady.com 

Latest

attack in a back alley
attack in a back alley

Cold Performance: How to Prepare for the Uncertainty of Self-Defense

Defensive gun use is defined by uncertainty. You don’t know when it will happen, how far away the threat will be, how many threats you will face or what position you will be in when it begins.

Derya Goes Silent: The OBone Suppressor

In 2025, Turkish manufacturer Derya Arms opened a new facility in Florida, enabling the company to produce a number of new products domestically, such as its new OBone suppressor.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 26, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Rifleman Q&A: Understanding a Firearm's Cycle of Operation

The cycle of operation is the mechanical sequence of events that it takes to fire one shot out of a firearm. If one of those steps fails to take place as designed, there is an interruption in the cycle of operation and the gun stops firing.

Review: Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm Riflescope

Looking for a performance LPVO without the usual associated cost? The Sightmark Pinnacle 1-6x24 mm might be your answer.

Myths & Misunderstandings About the “Modern Fighting 1911”

The Colt Model 1911 pistol and its derivatives are among the most iconic military handguns ever made. But in 2026, does the M1911 still hold up as a quality defensive arm?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.