Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Hornady Critical Defense 40 S&W ammunition solves the barrier problem that plagued hollow points for decades. The 165-grain FTX polymer tip round exits a 4-inch barrel at 1175 fps with 506 ft-lbs of energy, engineered to expand consistently through denim, leather, and layered fabric without plugging the cavity. For concealed carry shooters running compact .40 platforms, this is barrier-blind expansion in a 20-round box.
Load Profile
Hornady built the FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) projectile with a soft polymer insert that initiates expansion on contact while preventing fabric from clogging the hollow point. The InterLock band mechanically locks the core to the jacket, preventing separation during penetration. Nickel-plated brass cases increase visibility in low light and resist corrosion in carry guns. Low-flash propellant preserves night vision in defensive scenarios — critical in short-barrel pistols where muzzle flash becomes a liability.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 40 S&W |
| Bullet weight | 165 Grains |
| Bullet type | Hornady FTX Polymer Tip |
| Muzzle velocity | 1175 Feet Per Second |
| Muzzle energy | 506 Foot Pounds |
| Rounds/box | 20 Round |
| Case | Nickel-Plated Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Self Defense |
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
This load fits the 40 cal ammo category for shooters running Glock 22/23, Springfield XD, M&P40, or other compact .40 S&W platforms. The 165-grain weight balances recoil impulse with adequate sectional density for 12-16 inches of penetration through gel-and-fabric protocols.
Who It’s For
You’re carrying a compact .40 daily. You need consistent expansion through winter jackets, car doors, or intermediate barriers without over-penetration. You want a load that feeds reliably in short magazines and doesn’t generate enough flash to ruin your night vision. Hornady Critical Defense 40 S&W delivers that profile in a 20-round training quantity — zero your carry gun, confirm point of impact, then rotate through defensive magazines quarterly.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 21 years old 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.
- Follow the four rules of firearm safety at all times.
- Verify current state and local laws regarding ammunition purchase, possession, and carry in your jurisdiction.
- This product contains lead. Wash hands after handling. California Prop 65 warning applies — prolonged exposure to lead is known to cause reproductive harm.
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