Hornady Critical Defense .40 S&W ammunition delivers reliable personal defense performance when it matters most. This 165-grain load is engineered for consistent expansion and penetration in defensive encounters, with a design that minimizes the risk of bullet setback—a critical concern in self-defense rounds that may be chambered and re-holstered repeatedly. Whether you carry a full-size pistol, compact, or subcompact in .40 S&W, Critical Defense ammunition is built to feed reliably and perform predictably under pressure.

The round's bright exterior finish ensures fast target identification in low-light conditions—a practical advantage in home defense or concealed carry situations. Hornady's commitment to precision manufacturing means each round meets exacting standards for consistency, so you can train with confidence and trust your ammunition when it counts.

Critical Defense comes packaged in convenient 20-round boxes, with 200 rounds per case for those who want to stock up. It's an ideal choice for shooters seeking a quality personal defense round that combines proven reliability with thoughtful engineering.

Key Features

• 165-grain projectile optimized for .40 S&W performance
• Engineered to prevent bullet setback in defensive carry scenarios
• Bright finish for rapid target visibility in low light
• Reliable feeding in .40 S&W pistols across frame sizes
• Consistent construction for predictable performance

Specifications

Caliber	.40 S&W
Bullet Weight	165 grains
Rounds per Box	20
Rounds per Case	200
Application	Personal Defense

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Hornady Critical Defense .40 S&W feed reliably in my pistol?

Yes. Critical Defense ammunition is engineered to feed reliably in all standard .40 S&W pistols, from full-size duty guns to compact and subcompact carry models.

What makes Critical Defense suitable for personal defense carry?

The round is specifically designed for self-defense use, with engineering that resists bullet setback—an issue that can occur when a round is chambered, ejected, and re-holstered multiple times. The consistent performance and reliable expansion characteristics make it a trusted choice for defensive applications.

Is this ammunition good for range practice?

While Critical Defense is optimized for personal defense, shooters often use it for defensive training and qualification. For high-volume practice, many prefer less expensive full-metal-jacket or training-specific rounds.

What's in a case of Hornady Critical Defense .40 S&W?

A case contains 200 rounds, divided into 10 boxes of 20 rounds each—making it convenient for stocking up or sharing with range partners.