Hornady Critical Defense 9mm 115 gr FTX Test with Denim

[wjrouillier]

@tom65 any solid brand (gold dot, hydrashock, critical defense) should be good for home defense. I carry a .38 concealed with critical defense and my HD is glock 17 with critical defense. You have to keep in mind though the amount of penetration because you do not want the round to pass through and assailant and pierce a wall and risk injuring someone else

[T0M65]

Thanks for the videos. Very well made. Just purchased a G17. What 9mm round do you recommend for HD out of all the rounds you tested? Thanks.

[isamtator]

You don't happen to have a 6 shot .357 magnum, would you?

[scootkh]

You sound much like Kipkay...he's a science/hobby/electronics guy....fun to watch, just like you!!

[jongaspar]

How do you calculate your FPS?

[MyLastSiege]

@jongaspar chronograph

[szturman24]

bullet IS a bullet. i don't get you, Americans. if it's doin'g it's job, just get over it and use it. what's the point of masturbation about 1gr difference. wanna mg? get one. don't do one out of a bloody glock or whatever.9FMJ is more than enough to do it's job in an average self defense situation.....9mili, 45, 357.......uuuuuuu454casull- greater orgasm

[Lord666Belial]

@szturman24 FMJ does not inflict enough kinetic energy into the object being shot at for it to do the job in self defence situations.

[luv3z2p00p]

500 s&w mag carry gun lmao 1 round to the chest u would c through them

[Dregkar]

I never got all these ammo manufacturers, are they all competing for a military contract or are they just messing around with different rounds for different hunting/target shooting purposes?

[69Poonhunter]

@Dregkar Theyre trying to make money. About the military contract they cant with these bullets since hollow points are illegal in war.

[Dregkar]

@69Poonhunter Ahh alright thanks for clarifying for me.

[zSIlentNinjaz]

I think he and FPSrussia should do a Double shooting, Tnoutdoors would be the cool headed and smart guy and Fpsrussia would be the Going all out guy who shoots shit.

[Blk05titan26]

wish it were a little warmer load..

[7thatoneguy]

Would you recommend using this ammo in a Ruger lc9? or for that matter in any CCW?

[nadzorka2929]

That thing expanded into a monster! :)

[loyolaf]

I need help I just bought a brand new gen 3 glock 19 and its awesome! But I need to know if this round considered a leaded round I am so confused by this please help I dont run to hurt my glock.

[glock19carrier]

@loyolaf This round and most 9mm defense are JHP(jacketed hollow point), which is a lead core with a copper jacket and is fine to shoot in a glock. the only ammo you don't wan't to use in a glock is a solid lead bullet which is pretty rare in 9mm unless you reload. As long as the outside of the bullet is not lead you will be fine.

[LivingInExile]

I really like this round and it shoots fine in my M&P 9 full size but it would not cycle my M&P 9 compact. It is very obvious that the 9c's recoil spring is a lot (like twice) as stiff as the full size but the 9c only has 300 rnds through it where the full size has closer to 2500. I'll see if it loosens up with a few more rounds. Good report. Thanks.

[complex2034]

wow really nice review with the zoom on the xpanded bullet at the end very instructive thanks

[lpboy2002]

Ohh, dremil has some nice extensions that will aid you in doing this! About $15 bucks at most hardware stores!

[lpboy2002]

I have had problems feeding in the same taurus, but no problems in my Ruger p95 So I called Taurus and they suggested cleaning the mags and I had no more problems on the Taurus. Taurus did advise that after market mags not made by Taurus will have feeding issues with many rounds. Also from my prospective try polishing the inner metal surfaces of your mags like you would Polish the feeding ramp! Good luck!

[bigmanwithagun12]

I was kinda wondering about those. I saw them at the sporting goods shop I go to. If they're that good, then I'm buying. 18 to buy ammo in Iowa, so that's good. I'll wait till 21 to have a handgun. Dad's just going to give me his G22 Gen4 and get a Springfield Armory.

[sherman614]

Have you experienced any feeding issues with this round? Because I use this round in my Taurus PT909 as a home defense round. And the rounds with their "rubber" like tips, stick inside my magazines, I haven't gotten the chance to put a few of these down range yet. So I was just curious if you'd ever had feeding problem with it. Great video!

[cstalley]

Less talky, more shooty

[dobop711]

Would love to see a video testing out the 124 grain defense ammo now that its out. Been having trouble deciding between 124gr speer gold dot and hornady for defense carry ammo.

[bigdogbuc]

How much weight did it retain?

[theIneluctable1]

These FTX rounds are awesome. I have the .357 magnums 125gr and boy those red tips look MEAN when you stare down the stainless steel 7 round Smith L frame.

[TheSleepermgm]

opens everytime ,,,,small but opens all the time,,,,

[fishysmellin]

This is a great ammo choice for a shorter 9mm. The lower recoil pays off in spades when the gun is smaller. It makes a huge difference in control. My Glock 26 is loaded with this. My 9mm USP is loaded with PDX1 +P. Hornady really got it right for the CC user.

[EverythingisFire]

Probably mentioned before but you should update this with your new test media :)

[20131k]

does anybody know if this will work in the walther p38s?

[thefamcnaj]

I love the hornady critical defese rounds. I what i carry in all my pistols. I have golden saber and corbon power balls, and hornady tap in 45 acp but I always go back to the critical defense. All my guns just eat that ammo up with no problems.

[01KravenMoorehead]

great video! now i don't have to do this myself.

[GaTiger11]

Once again, you have done a fine review. Take care and keep up the good work.

[TheOl1911]

I want to say that I had 3 duds and will not use this as self defense ammo. Sorry. I like the concept but it bothers me that I had 3 duds. Granted maybe it was the firearm but still... I've never ever experienced a dud with self defense ammo in all my years of shooting.

[MsFritoPendejo]

Thanks for the review. It's nice to see the actual perforation and expansion of the rounds, not something you are able to see at your local indoor shooting range.

[tthomp57]

Are you planning to do any testing on 357 sig? I'm really impressed with the numbers on it and would like to see some ballistic testing of it.

[cobyson100]

Thank you for all your great reviews!

[Carrol75431]

One point some are missing. The .45 cartridge is inherently hard to control and keep on target. The relatively light recoil of this cartridge makes it easier to keep on target for double taps. My two pennies.

[Croozer]

@Carrol75431 Very important when carrying a compact handgun.

[SeedyNotions]

This round was meant for compact and sub compact 9mm pistols. I plan on putting these in my Kahr cw9, which is a pretty light weight gun; and I don't need a lot of recoil with that light of a gun. This round is perfect, same feel as the target rounds I'll be putting through it. Great vid. keep em' comin'.

[smuger357]

Interesting video. I've wondered about defense loads and going through denim. Some say a hollow point won't do much damage after going through a carhart. I've wondered but don't want to sacrifice mine to see. However it might make for interesting conversation. I put a 148 grain wadcutter with 2.5 grains of reddot.at 600 FPS through a pillow and the pillow stopped it. it collected the material that acted like a net. I came to the conclusion a pillow might make a good bulletproof vest.

[evilside209]

just bought a box of these for personal defence, not to thrilled about them, ima go get me some rangers now thats a bullet

[Brent376]

I really appreciate this video and your tests. My biggest fear is a bullet plugging with denim or clothing. I have watched several reviews and this bullet expands 100% every time. I'm very impressed with it and I believe its a great choice for CCW permit holders and for Civilian defense. I am in the process of changing over to Critical Defense. Have it in my .38 J Frame and will put it in my M&P 9 as soon as I can find some. The 9mm seems to be most popular in our area.

[72nordic]

Great review.

[ozark1951]

Nice job! I just bought a box of these today and it looks like I chose well.

[GlockaMolly]

This video helped alot i have been looking and asking about this ammo for qiute some time but "Noone" has shown physical proof as to the benefit and damage it does as apposed to standard hollow points. For concealed carry i use a Glock23 with Golddot 185gr hallow's which would you recommend?... Wolerine7

[rcvideogamer]

wait aren't bullets suppose to retain its shape and not deform like that.

[Carrol75431]

@rcvideogamer No RCVVID they are supposed to expand and flatten out. The flatter bullet produces more wound cavitation and allows the bullet power to transfer into the target. Also overpennatration is huge factor in defense amm. I'd hate to shoot a bad guy 4 times, see him fall and then see someone else fall who happened to be behind them whom I didn't see. You want the least amount of shots possible to achieve your goal of getting them to stop and minimizing the chance of hurting someone else.

[BLK281302]

Is there any way that you could test this load in .45ACP, love the round in 9mm and .38 for my carry pistols, but would really like to see the testing in the .45! Any help would be great!

[tnoutdoors9]

@BLK281302

Absolutely. .45 ACP tests will increase dramatically in 2011. I have alot of catching up to do compared to the number of 9mm and .40 tests posted the past 18 months.

[JUKEBOXX1990]

@tnoutdoors9 can u do a chapter 2 with sim text media

[xUbastardx]

@BLK281302 I use this ammo in my .45. There is a decent video on the Tube somewhere of a guy doing a water jug test with it. The .45 expands to nearly the diameter of a 12ga slug when alls said and done. Good ammo and it shoots well in my Glock. 

[scubaguy007]

Good video., thanks for the posting. I recently traded for a Ruger LCP 380, and I have the 90gr FTX. Wished I could do a test like that but I live in metro Atlanta area and they frown on that sort of stuff. Have you considered a 380 jug test? I have 6 rounds to spare. BTW my everyday CCW is a Glock 26, but should I ever need to carry anything smaller I now have something. I guess it's the Boy Scout in me.

[tnoutdoors9]

@scubaguy007

I looked at a Ruger LCP today, but saw a Hickok45 post on his video that he's having problems getting the gun into battery. Also noted that one of my local shops had in stock several .380 JHP rounds. So, I'll probably get into .380, but don't want to spend too much on a gun that I'll use only for videos.

[scubaguy007]

@tnoutdoors9 Thanks for the response. I understand your concerns. I saw a video for the PDX1 ammo and as I watched I kept thinking, "I wonder how the fabric would effect it." The expansion was amazing, but then again he shot into water. Thanks again, your videos are most helpful. BTW, I have a new website you can check it out if you like. ZombieTacticalStore(dot)com Shalom!

[bobiscool308]

is this a bonded bullet

[tnoutdoors9]

@bobiscool308

Not that I am aware.

[bobiscool308]

@tnoutdoors9 ok thanks



[amomimous]

@tnoutdoors9 You're correct Sir. I did an amateur test were I shot thru an old pickup truck windshield into water jugs and the remaining bullet in the jug had jacket separation and core fragmentation (dunno if that's the term). Stay safe.

[WeAreTwoDoorsDown]

@tnoutdoors9 What is your all time favorite Self Defense round for 9mm?

[blasterkido]

@bobiscool308 no it is not bonded

[theantiredneck]

I think the core stays with the main body because of how much expansion there is!

[Sharingan221]

@david1513 dude... thats just wrong, they make FMJ for target/practice, it has no practical carry use, and 3 inches? ya right, more like 16. and a FMJ doing more damage than a HP? ya right, a clean punch through compared to the blow out of a proper HP? besides the number 1 question you should ask do i have the skill to put lead on target, it doesn't matter what you carry, as long as it is a properly tested HP, but not a FMJ, thats blatant disregard for public safety as the gentleman said

[SAR0311]

@david1513 Your a retard. We dont use HPs in the military because for 1 there's this little thing called Geneva Convention which has BSrules not allowing the use of these "inhumane" rounds. 2 On a battle field we are not concerned about over penetration. We are using rifles primarly! On the battle field penetration is a good thing, but penetration doesnt equal immediate stopping power. For a quick stop you need a hard wallup and max wound channel and max energy transfer/shock/damage NOT FROM FMJ

[slicksassault]

Well looks really good but I would prefer 124 gr +p but still very good in doors 3 to 5 shots should do it with out so much risk of over penetretion still it's posible so allways know your back ground keep shooting straight and keep up the good work thanks

[Freedom100fan]

@david1513 Using a FMJ would show a careless disregard for the safety of others because it will pass clean through and keep going.  You are responsible for all intended and unintended consequences. Being possibly broke might be the least of your problems.

[spcjen]

at how many inches of penatration did it take to reach .53. Could you run a test to find this out?

[tnoutdoors9]

@spcjen

I hear what you are asking, and understand why, but impossible to determine in this media. Ballistic gel would do the trick.

[mikediamo]

just picked up the .380 90 gr Ftx and a Bersa Thunder 380 concealed carry for my wife

[boarderboy287]

you need your own half hour ammo review show on the outdoor channel!!! 5 minute clips aren't enough

[sel36]

GseriesFAIL is a COCK SMOOCHING ASS GOBBLIN.

[grevels]

I just chrono'd this in a Taurus 24/7 OSS DS with a 5.25" barrel

High: 1098

Low: 1079

AVG: 1091

SD: 7.48

ES: 19.21

Recoil was extremely light and I suspect the low numbers are from the bore being rough as this is a new gun.

I will chrono again in a few months after I get a few thousand more rounds down the tube.

[unbeatableshooter]

wonder if they will make this in 124 grain or not let me know if neone knows thanks

[torchss]

Thanks for this vid. I use this round in my Ruger P95.

[unbeatableshooter]

@torchss i have p95 to and i normaly carry gold dots today i bought some of these how accurate are they and are they as good as they say

[Peckerwood702]

you have a good camera!! very nice close ups.

[AnarchAngel1]

a little bit anemic for my tastes, 115 grains at less than 1100 fps out a G19, i just have a hard time choosing that over a 124-127gr bullet at over 1200fps

[stevo642007]

this is all i carry in my weapons, I have some in every caliber they make. it is optimized specifically for short barrel CCW type weapons. very good stuff

[eracklio]

they are pricey most places sell them for $24.99 for a box of 25 but Bass Pro Shop has them for $18.99 for a box of 25...

[Miscreant435]

nice vid, just bought some ,they ain't cheap 25 rds $23.95 plus Tx. got 17 in my Glock 17 rest i'll target shoot w/ just to feel the diff against FMJ's..

nice video

nicely done .Sir

[Lokpyrite]

This stuff is nice but pricey, 33 bux a box.

[Miscreant435]

@Lokpyrite ..pricey is right ,just bought a box $23.95 w/o tx, 25 bucks 1.00 a round,just for my home defense......

[KommandoOver9000]

With 9mm you really can't beat 115 gold dot +p+. Some expand out to .8 inches...thats bigger than a hot .45 expansion by any manufacturer. Its plenty fast and penetrates deep too.

[bigboss686]

@KommandoOver9000 Um, no. it's a very good round, but it's not capable of that. Even in the water testing.

Don't take my word for it though, I watched a video tests done on that very round just the other day, do a search for it.

[KommandoOver9000]

@bigboss686

Do me a favor and don't undermind me when you don't shit about what you are talking about. Here is proof of the .8 expansion, and it isn't even +p+. I can't post a link, so I'll message it to you. Seriously, do some research before you open your tard mouth next time.

[bigboss686]

Sure thing kid, you know more than Dr. Gary Roberts just happens to be the foremost ballistic scientist in the USA.

Whatever you say small fry

[buhrdt]

Thanks for the video. It's great to see someone doing an unbiased test on ammo in a controlled manner. I was impressed by the performance, it basically did just what Hornady designed the ammo to do. As a matter of fact I will be getting some of these for my home defense 9mm. Again, thank you.

[isaazman123]

you never said how much it expanded

[tnoutdoors9]

@isaazman123

Yes, at 4:15; average expansion was .53

[Cubes001]

I don't see why you would want more than a foot of penetration. It's supposed to stay inside the bad guy and not come out and hit a good guy.

[rmtsdad]

Looks like good stuff, but I'm with you tnoutdoors9, I prefer a little heavier bullet in the +P category. I'm not saying I wouldn't carry the Hornady round in my gun if that's what I had, or that my choice is the be all, end all for 9mm, I just want a little more penetration.

[karengerdes1993]

Hi! thanks for the video but i have one comment... you shouldn't 'slam' the slide on an empty chamber. You should ease the slide forward on an empty chamber. If you do you run the risk of breaking something.

Hugs!

Karen

[Smowery84]

I really like these hornady critical defense loads. It's what I use in my p95 everyday. They are perfect for stopping a threat without neccessarily having to eliminate it. Great vid! Keep up the good work. Support the NRA, become a member today!! Keep shooting!

[1AbominAble1]

Excellent vid,

Keep up the great work.

[prodigalson021]

thank you thank you thank you for finally posting a video showing what defensive loads do when going through "heavy" clothing. great vid man

[nsw550]

Keep up the great reviews! 5 stars

[6x5mm]

GREAT REVIEW !!!!

[Blk05titan26]

awesome shot placement

[kustomcougar]

Good press, as in sold out every fucking where! lol But I found a site that has them and bought them.

[odddreams]

Great review. Thanks.

[kingofshrimp]

tnoutdoors, have you tested federal classic 115 gr. 9mm jhps?

[tnoutdoors9]

@ kingofshrimp

Not that I can recall. I may have owned some at one time, but didn't test it.

[Dogfish1960]

Hornady says the "Critical Defense" series was designed for personal protection only. Therefore, it performs as advertised ...

[fomoco13]

Awsome video, I love this kind of stuff!!

[gshdrums]

tnoutdoors9, Would would be able to do a test if you can on 9mm Hornady 147gr XTP Hollow Points.....?

[tnoutdoors9]

@ gshdrums

I might have the 147 XTP here, or I'm confusing it with something else.

[gshdrums]

@tnoutdoors9 XTP here? im not sure... hornady makes em

[bigboss686]

@tnoutdoors9 I know this is an old comment so you apparently didn't have any 147 grain XTP's on hand :-(

Just thought I'd let you know that if you do decide to try the bullet out. You should get the TAP versions, why is well would be very interested in seeing how they performed.

[1glockfan]

Great video. I have been interested in seeing this ammo in action. Now that they have released a 40cal load I may have to pick some up.

[ZOTMAN5]

I love your tests.  The only thing I would like to see is test results from a subcompact. I have no trouble finding data from rounds shot from a service pistol, but cant find any results from a 3" barrel.

[NCHunter79]

What a great review. Professional as always. Thanks.

[CampfireTalk]

what a round, thanks for the review

[tabre]

Been waiting for this one! Great test as usual. I think this looks like a good brand of ammo.

[unbeatableshooter]

i would get this if they made em in 124g just hard to swap my 124g gold dot for a 115 so untill they do sticking with gold dot but realy want these

[ZULND3R]

agreed.. it works well at the 115gr weight but I think it would gain a lot more popularity if they introduced a 124gr version (or a +P version which would be even better)

[tnoutdoors9]

@ unbeatableshooter

You would think they tested a 124 +P load in this at some point. The 115 is too light for my tastes, especially with this velocity. It REALLY felt like shooting 115 WWB, maybe even less recoil. Even on the move, accurate followup shots are more possible.....I just want to deliver more energy on the target.

[ZULND3R]

great video... this ammo is currently what I am using in my G19. Keep up the good work! You provide some of the best videos on this topic out there!

[slt87]

Great vid Tn, just bought this round good to know who it worked

[myantispambox]

Seems a little shallow on the penetration. Would like to see penetration results on gel.

[tnoutdoors9]

@ myantispambox

For my preferences as well, although, I think it was within range of what they had designed for. It's not supposed to be a deep penetrator. Before this test, I was thinking 10-11" based on what I read from other tests.

[myantispambox]

Light recoil would be good for small 9mms like Kahrs.

[Nicho2177]

you beat me to it haha great video!

[gstrader73]

Great vid. I have this round in 9 mm and 40 S&W... can't wait to get my hands on it for my .380 LCP.... I think it would be a perfect round for it. Keep up the good work!!!!!

[TheGunfighter45acp]

Well done. I've got a box of these on standby if/when I run out of my Win 127 +p+ & my SGD 124 +p

[biguy525]

Nice video, Thanks.

[lifeisweird]

any thing for a law abiding open carry citizen?

[tnoutdoors9]

@ lifeisweird

Same ammo choices for concealed carry, as far as I am concerned.

[ScubaOz]

We tested 38 special in gel and they came out as advertised as well. Very good round. And as always another great video

[skynet556]

Thanks for another great test! Your system is the best out there. Keep up the good work!

[bushmasterwasr]

Nice review, i love this ammo have it loaded in my 92 and 19 right now :)

[TheDeeSpence]

This video is great! excellent narration. Thanks for sharing!

[ian3265]

Another great video. Well done tnoutdoors9. 5*****

[SHUTupNrocK8]

another great ammo test... thanks alot...

Jim

[glock10mm]

Ive been waiting for you to do this awesome thanks

[Donnybrook10]

You provide a great service...much appreciated.

[Navyguy0023]

Seems like these would be great in a smaller gun, for better recoil control.

[glocklife]

Thats awesome. I go with gold dot 124gr+p but I'm going to pick some of this up this week and see how it feels. Before you even said it, I could see the low recoil. Looks really interesting.

[multicam2000]

looks like a good performer

thanks

[HCDDWarhero]

What camera you use?. how much $?

[GunGuy0]

Got this for my Ruger LCP...nasty stuff!

[GlockAnimal]

@gunguy0 You use 9mm ammo for a 380 handgun???

[GunGuy0]

lol no..should have been clearer in my statement. I use the critical defense rounds in .380 in my LCP

[GlockAnimal]

lol yea