Hornady Critical Defense 9mm Luger Ammo 115 Grain Hornady…

Product Overview

Engineered for the responsible citizen, the Hornady Critical Defense 9mm Luger Ammo in 115 Grain represents a pinnacle of purpose-built defensive ammunition. This 200-round case provides a substantial supply of meticulously crafted rounds designed for one primary objective: reliable performance in compact, concealed carry firearms. Each cartridge features the innovative Hornady FTX bullet with a polymer tip, a design proven to deliver consistent expansion and terminal performance across a wide velocity spectrum. If you are a licensed firearm owner seeking dependable, high-quality Ammunition for personal protection, training, or stocking your safe, this 9mm offering from Hornady is a top-tier choice that balances advanced engineering with practical range use.

Key Features

• FTX® Polymer Tip Bullet (115 gr): The heart of the system. The flexible, pointed polymer tip prevents clogging with clothing fibers and initiates reliable, controlled expansion even at the lower velocities common in short-barreled handguns.
• Low-Flash Propellant: Specially formulated powders significantly reduce muzzle flash. This is critical in low-light defensive situations, helping to preserve your night vision and preventing temporary blindness.
• Optimized for Compact Handguns: The entire cartridge is engineered from the ground up for reliable cycling and consistent ballistic performance in sub-compact and micro-sized firearms, where some standard ammunition may falter.
• Nickel-Plated Cases: The nickel finish provides superior corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term storage reliability. It also offers smoother feeding and easier extraction, a small but meaningful advantage under stress.
• Controlled Expansion & Deep Penetration: The FTX bullet is designed to expand to a consistent diameter and create a deep wound channel while minimizing the risk of over-penetration, adhering to FBI penetration protocols.
• High-Visibility Red Polymer Tip: Aids in visual identification, allowing you to quickly distinguish your defensive loads from training ammunition, a crucial safety and organizational practice.

Performance & Applications

The Hornady Critical Defense 9mm Luger 115gr load excels in specific, real-world scenarios where performance cannot be left to chance. Its design parameters directly address common challenges faced by armed defenders.

Primary Concealed Carry Duty: This is the core application. When carried in a sub-compact or micro-compact 9mm pistol, you can trust that the FTX bullet’s mechanics are optimized for the shorter barrel, ensuring the projectile performs as intended. The low-flash propellant is a non-negotiable feature for any ammunition intended for potential use in dimly lit environments, such as a parking garage or home at night.

Defensive Training & Familiarization: While premium in cost, using a portion of this 200-round case for periodic training with your carry firearm is invaluable. It confirms reliable function in your specific pistol and allows you to experience the actual recoil impulse and point of impact, which can differ from full metal jacket training ammo. This builds true muscle memory and confidence.

Reliable Home Defense Option: For those who keep a compact 9mm handgun in a bedside safe, this ammunition offers the same reliable expansion characteristics and reduced over-penetration concerns in a home environment. The consistent performance through barriers like heavy clothing is a key design benefit.

About Hornady

When selecting defensive ammunition, the manufacturer’s expertise and reputation are as critical as the specifications. Hornady Manufacturing, a family-owned American company since 1949, is a leader in ballistic innovation with a deep-seated culture of precision and empirical research. Their engineers and ballisticians operate one of the most advanced ballistic testing facilities in the world, using high-speed photography and calibrated gelatin to validate every design. The Critical Defense line is a direct result of this rigorous, scientific approach, created to solve documented performance gaps in personal defense scenarios. Choosing Hornady means opting for ammunition backed by decades of manufacturing consistency, a commitment to the shooting community, and a proven track record of developing industry-standard projectiles like the FTX. Their authority in the field is built on transparent testing and a focus on real-world results.

Make Your Decision

The Hornady Critical Defense 9mm Luger 115 Grain FTX in a 200-round case presents a comprehensive solution for the serious individual. It combines advanced terminal ballistic design with practical features like nickel plating and low-flash powder in a substantial quantity that supports both readiness and responsible training. This product is not about marketing hype; it’s about the tangible engineering choices—from the polymer tip to the propellant blend—that address the specific physical challenges of defensive firearm use. For your concealed carry, home defense, or as a benchmark for reliable performance, this ammunition stands as a rigorously tested and professionally respected choice.