Critical Defense and Critical Duty bullets are similar in their characteristics, but with slight differences. While Critical Defense bullets are designed for use in compact pistols, Critical Duty bullets are suited to full-sized handguns. They use heavier bullets and heavier powder charges than Critical Defense ammunition, resulting in less recoil and a more accurate feel. As a result, these ammunition loads are the best choice for security guards, law enforcement, and other professionals who regularly carry full-sized handguns.
Critical Defense ammunition by Hornady is:
Designed for personal protection/ concealed carry and is loaded with a patented FTX bullet.
FTX bullets deliver superior controlled expansion, even in thick clothing.
Created to be non-restrictive and are compatible with any handgun caliber
On the other hand, Critical Duty ammunition:
Designed for law enforcement officers and other law enforcement personnel.
Optimized for short-barrel performance, as per FBI protocol.
Design helps avoid over-penetration
Created to be used with any handgun but optimized when use in full-sized handguns
Critical Defense handgun ammunition is designed with a polymer plug in its bullet cavity. This plug creates an outward force in the bullet's cavity, allowing it to expand in a controlled manner. The polymer plug also prevents debris from entering the bullet's cavity. These properties help to make Critical Defense handgun ammunition an excellent choice for self-defense.
Critical Defense handgun ammunition uses a 100-grain Hornady FTX bullet, which produces a muzzle velocity of 1250 fps and 347ft/lb of muzzle energy. The nickel-plated cases allow it to feed easily and comfortably in most handguns. Additionally, it is highly visible in low-light situations.
Designed with FBI protocols in mind, makes it a wonderful choice for concealed carry handguns. The bullets are streamlined for short-barreled handguns, which makes them ideal for home defense and law enforcement officers in certain situations.
It’s made specifically for concealed carry guns and delivers controlled expansion, large wound cavities, and proven performance in short-barreled handguns. Premium low-flash propellants ensure consistent expansion and have proven themselves in a variety of handguns. They are also packaged in boxer-primed reloadable brass cases.
Critical Defense handgun ammunition is perfect for concealed carry, backup weapons, and off-duty use. Its bullets deliver controlled expansion and reduce the chance of over-penetration. The patented FTX bullets also do not clog clothing, allowing for accurate chamber checks even in dim lighting conditions.
When purchasing Critical Defense handgun ammunition, be sure to select the appropriate bullet caliber for your particular handgun. It is important to understand how bullet expansion works, as it impacts different materials. Generally, a bullet that is a minimum of 1.5 inches in ballistic gelatin expands more than a bullet that is twice its original diameter.
Critical Duty handgun ammunition is specifically designed to provide a high level of performance in full-sized handguns. Its lead core is designed for deeper penetration into the target. This bullet is made from the same lead used in Hornady rifle bullets and is encased in a heavy copper jacket. They designed this type of ammunition for law enforcement professionals, but it also has a broad range of applications among civilians.
Critical Duty handgun ammunition features Hornady's patented FlexLock bullet. This bullet incorporates revolutionary Hornady features to provide superior barrier penetration. This allows the bullet to expand uniformly through most common urban barriers and is an integral part of the bullet's performance; it has been tested and proven in FBI tactical handgun ammunition tests.
They designed the FlexLock bullet to be used in handgun ammunition with a concealed carry permit. Its innovative design incorporates a malleable polymer nose plug, which reduces the chances of the hollow point fragmenting as it passes through clothing. Additionally, it contains a locked-on thicker jacket, which is helpful in reaching and penetrating harder barriers. In testing, this bullet expands 1.2 to 1.6 times its original diameter.
Critical Duty handgun ammunition is a fantastic choice for law enforcement professionals who use their weapons for service and protection. These bullets have a high rate of penetration and can penetrate various materials, including auto glass, sheet metal, and other barriers. Moreover, they expand with a reliable amount of energy, making them the perfect choice for service use.
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