Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
For home defense and vehicle carry, Hornady Critical Defense 223 Remington ammunition solves the barrier-penetration puzzle without sacrificing expansion reliability. The 55-grain FTX bullet — polymer-tipped, nickel-plated case, low-flash propellant — exits a 24-inch test barrel at 3240 fps and 1282 ft-lbs, chambered in 223 Remington. This is defensive ammunition engineered for consistent wound cavities through denim, leather, and intermediate barriers where traditional hollow points plug and fail.
Built for the Barrier
The FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) projectile uses a soft elastomer insert in the hollow point cavity to prevent fabric and debris from clogging the expansion channel. Independent gel tests show consistent 1.5× diameter upset through four layers of denim — the FBI heavy-clothing protocol — where conventional JHP designs narrow to 1.1× or less. Sectional density of 0.157 and a G1 BC of 0.175 balance penetration depth against fragmentation risk in urban/suburban environments. Nickel-plated brass cases enhance extraction in short-stroke gas systems and remain visible in low-light magazine changes. Boxer primers and non-corrosive propellant ensure reloadability and long-term storage without degradation.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 223 Remington |
| Bullet weight | 55 grains |
| Bullet type | Polymer Tip (Hornady FTX) |
| Muzzle velocity | 3240 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 1282 ft-lbs |
| Rounds/box | 20 |
| Case | Nickel Plated |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| G1 Ballistic Coefficient | 0.175 |
| Sectional Density | 0.157 |
| Test Barrel Length | 24 inches |
| Velocity Rating | Supersonic |
| Lead Free | No |
| Intended use | Self Defense |
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
Crimped-in polymer tips maintain aerodynamic profile and feeding reliability in AR-15 magazines, while low-flash propellant preserves night-adapted vision during multiple-shot strings. For additional Hornady 223 ammo options optimized for different mission profiles, review our category page.
Who It’s For
You chamber this load when barriers are unavoidable and expansion cannot be left to chance — home defenders working around interior walls, vehicle operators concerned with windshield penetration, rural property owners facing heavy outerwear in cold climates. The FTX design prioritizes consistent terminal effect over maximum velocity, making it suitable for carbines with 10.5- to 16-inch barrels where traditional 55-grain ball ammo over-penetrates and match hollow points under-expand. If your defensive plan includes shooting through drywall or car doors to stop a threat, this is the engineering answer.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Finger off trigger until ready to fire. Know target and what lies beyond.
- Verify current state and local laws governing ammunition purchases, possession, and use in your jurisdiction — restrictions vary by locality.
- This ammunition contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Use adequate ventilation when shooting indoors. Wash hands after handling.
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