Hornady Critical Defense 45 ACP 185 grain FTX ammunition is purpose-built for defensive carry in a full-size or compact .45 ACP pistol. The 185-grain bullet weight strikes a balance in the .45 — delivering 1000 fps muzzle velocity with 411 ft-lbs of energy, and the FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) bullet design is engineered to perform consistently across a range of real-world scenarios, including shots through heavy clothing, denim, and leather. Whether you're loading your nightstand gun or practice rounds for your EDC pistol, this is ammunition built for reliability and terminal performance when it matters.

The FTX bullet delivers controlled expansion and deep wound cavities without the fragmentation or inconsistency of older hollow-point designs. Hornady's clean-burning, stable propellants help reduce felt recoil in lighter frames while maintaining consistent velocity across temperature swings — important if you're storing ammunition year-round or shooting in varying climates. The nickel-plated brass casing resists corrosion, stays visible in dim light, and feeds smoothly through most .45 platforms. Cannelured and crimped bullets resist setback, so rounds stay secure in the magazine during carry or transport.

Each box contains 20 rounds. Minimal muzzle flash is an added benefit if you ever need to defend yourself in low-light conditions — your night vision won't be compromised by a bright muzzle signature. This is serious self-defense ammunition from a manufacturer known for taking performance and reliability seriously, not marketing hype.

Key Features

• FTX bullet design for controlled expansion and terminal performance
• Performs reliably through heavy clothing and various barriers
• 1000 fps muzzle velocity, 411 ft-lbs of energy
• Nickel-plated brass casing resists corrosion and enhances visibility
• Clean-burning propellant reduces recoil in lightweight handguns
• Low muzzle flash preserves night vision
• Cannelured and crimped bullets prevent setback
• Reliable feeding in standard .45 ACP platforms

Specifications

Caliber	45 ACP
Bullet Weight	185 Grains
Bullet Type	FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding)
Muzzle Velocity	1000 fps
Muzzle Energy	411 ft-lbs
Casing Material	Nickel-Plated Brass
Rounds Per Box	20

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hornady Critical Defense 45 ACP reliable in my carry gun?

Yes. The nickel-plated brass casing, cannelured and crimped bullets, and clean-burning propellant all contribute to reliable feeding and performance in standard .45 ACP platforms. The ammunition is designed specifically for self-defense reliability.

Will this ammo work through heavy clothing?

The FTX bullet is engineered to penetrate and expand consistently even through heavy barriers including denim and leather, so it performs reliably in real-world defensive situations.

What's included in the box?

Each box contains 20 rounds of loaded ammunition, ready to load into your magazine.

Does this ammunition have less muzzle flash?

Yes. Hornady designed this load for minimal muzzle flash, which helps preserve your night vision if you're forced to defend yourself in low-light conditions.