Hornady Critical Defense vs. Winchester PDX1

boykinlp · #1 01-27-2010, 11:45 PM

Which do you like best and why?

aterry33 · #2 01-28-2010, 12:09 AM

I have not used the Hornady but I like the Winchester. FYI, the Winchester ammo in 180GR 40S&W is the FBI issue ammo.

Spotteddog · #3 01-28-2010, 01:39 AM

In what caliber?

boykinlp · #4 01-28-2010, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spotteddog

In what caliber?

Actually, 40 S&W.

Swabby · #5 01-29-2010, 03:51 PM

Which ever one shoots most accurately out of your handgun. They are both quality loads from trusted names in ammo. I have not shot the Hornady out of my M&P 40, but the Winchester PDX-1 165 gr cycles flawlessly, is accurate at practical distances, and is bonded so the lead core cannot separate from the jacket. I would try the Winchester first and see how you like them.

John in SE Indiana · #6 01-29-2010, 10:45 PM

Both for 9mm, PDX-1 for .45ACP. Hornady just released the .45ACP Critical Defense, I think. I'll try some of that as well.

BigRich315 · #7 01-29-2010, 11:34 PM

PDX1 is pretty accurate out of my M&P40c, and the terminal numbers are apparenly very good. I haven't gotten my hands on any Critical Defense yet. I would think it pretty hard to improve over the Win.

haifabuddy · #8 01-30-2010, 12:25 AM

I like the Critical Defense in 38+P and also new 357. Low flash and recoil.

BTW, the FBI duty ammo in 40SW is not as stated. It is a version of the Ranger, downloaded a bit from regular loading of 180 gr. It is surprisingly soft out of a full size gun.

Dragon88 · #9 01-30-2010, 01:33 AM

Both of these use new, modern bullet designs. Can't go wrong with either, pick the one you like based on price, recoil, accuracy, etc.

flop-shank · #10 01-30-2010, 08:19 AM

I've not researched the Winchester product, but did test Hornady CD. IMO the FTX bullet isn't anything great, but it is by no means bad. I'm sure it will work well in .40 S&W since it's a hard caliber to screw up. My hunch is that the Winchester bullet is as reliable of an expander and probably bonded, so I'm thinking it is a better choice.

bassoneer · #11 01-30-2010, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flop-shank

I've not researched the Winchester product, but did test Hornady CD. IMO the FTX bullet isn't anything great, but it is by no means bad. I'm sure it will work well in .40 S&W since it's a hard caliber to screw up. My hunch is that the Winchester bullet is as reliable of an expander and probably bonded, so I'm thinking it is a better choice.

I agree with Flopshank. I have tested both in water jugs in the .38+P caliber. The CD is very uniform and repeatable. But it was just a little smaller than the PDX1. The PDX1 is bonded. It may not do as well with going through clothing as the CD. In .45ACP the PDX1 produces a wicked looking mushroom (like the Ranger SXT/Black Talon). I would probably go with the PDX1. B

BigRich315 · #12 01-30-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassoneer

I agree with Flopshank. I have tested both in water jugs in the .38+P caliber. The CD is very uniform and repeatable. But it was just a little smaller than the PDX1. The PDX1 is bonded. It may not do as well with going through clothing as the CD. In .45ACP the PDX1 produces a wicked looking mushroom (like the Ranger SXT/Black Talon). I would probably go with the PDX1. B

I've finally found the difference between PDX1 and Ranger SXT Bonded: the name! Possibly the charge slightly also, but it's the same bullet. PDX1 is the "civilian version" of one of the top LEO loads. It's about time!

boykinlp · #13 01-30-2010, 06:30 PM

I ordered 3 boxes of the Win. PDX1 from Midway yesterday. Thanks for all the input.

tpd223 · #14 02-01-2010, 05:05 PM

Depends on what the caliber and mission are.

The PDX1 loads are basically service pistol caliber ammo made to be high quality police duty ammo with the best possible barrier performance.

In the .380 and .38 special ( for a snub) I'd likely pick the Hornady loadings as they are designed to be at there best from the small guns and designed as personal defense ammo.