Hornady Critical Defense 44 Special 165 grain FTX ammunition brings purpose-built self-defense performance to your revolver. Built around Hornady's patented Flex Tip design, this round addresses one of the real weaknesses of traditional hollow points: clogging and inconsistent expansion. The Flex Tip eliminates both—the polymer insert flexes on impact rather than jamming with clothing or barriers, delivering the kind of reliable expansion that matters when it counts.

If you carry a 44 Special for personal protection, shot placement and stopping power go hand in hand. The 165 grain projectile offers the right balance of velocity and energy transfer in this cartridge. Hornady loaded these rounds with low-flash propellants that perform cleanly even from short barrels—no fireball to ruin your night vision or distract you in a defensive moment. The brass is loaded to exacting pressure standards, so feeding and extraction are smooth whether your revolver is a J-frame or full-size wheel gun.

Each box ships with 20 rounds, so you get a practical quantity for practice, qualification, or carry rotation. Critical Defense ammunition is built for shooters who don't compromise on reliability: hunters who need controlled expansion in the field, concealed-carry holders who need ammunition they can trust, and recreational shooters who demand consistent performance.

Key Features

• Patented Flex Tip technology for reliable expansion without clogging
• Low-flash propellants for clean performance and minimal muzzle signature
• 165 grain projectile optimized for 44 Special ballistics
• Consistent feeding and extraction across revolvers
• 20 rounds per box

Specifications

Caliber	44 Special
Bullet Weight	165 grains
Bullet Type	FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding)
Rounds Per Box	20
Brand	Hornady

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Flex Tip technology and why does it matter for self-defense ammo?

Hornady's Flex Tip uses a polymer insert in the bullet's cavity that flexes on impact rather than getting plugged by fabric, bone, or intermediate barriers. This keeps the hollow point from clogging, delivering more consistent expansion than traditional designs—a real advantage in defensive situations where reliability is non-negotiable.

Will this ammunition work in my 44 Special revolver?

Yes. Critical Defense 44 Special ammunition is designed for standard 44 Special revolvers and feeds reliably across the broad range of single- and double-action models chambered in this caliber.

Why does low-flash ammunition matter for self-defense?

In a defensive encounter, a large muzzle flash can destroy your night vision and give away your position. Hornady's low-flash propellants keep the muzzle signature clean even in short-barreled revolvers, letting you maintain situational awareness and sight picture.

How many rounds come in a box?

Each box contains 20 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense 44 Special 165 grain FTX ammunition.