I've talked to a few people at my club that swear by Hornaday Critical Defence hollow points, and have read a lot of info and reviews on it. Who uses it and how do you like it? I'm thinking of buying a box of it and trying it though my Ruger LC9S tomorrow while I'm at the range with my 15/22. Any body use it? How do you like it?

Oft-discussed around here:

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&....1.Eb1dPHb_5JY

It works. Hmmm . . . it works was too short, but it really does work, you know.

Oft. Can't type that here. I tried the search here and came up with like 5'threads. So I asked. Excuse me if its been asked before.

My wife and I both use Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr. .38 in our light weight snubbies. We've tried most dedicated SD brands, and like the Hornady combination of ballistics and felt recoil the best

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John

Hard to tell if you're being sarcastic; I intended my doing a targeted Google search relegating hits exclusively to this forum to help in answering the question you asked...

What do you mean you can't type "oft" here?

Bottom line: Hornady Critical Defense is a decent load getting mixed-to-positive reviews and results in controlled tests; there's little information on them regarding real-world use. They're designed for civilian defense, and as such aren't built to perform optimally through intermediate barriers like a law-enforcement intended load would (Hornady makes their Critical Duty line for that).

Overall performance will depend on caliber; I believe their 9mm gets overall good marks, but some criticize its occasional failure to make FBI protocol minimum for penetration.

I think -- based on extensive research of the Critical Defense line in .38 Special -- that Hornady has a good product but not best in show; if I were stuck with it, I'd feel all right, it just isn't my first choice.

My only concern with it in 9mm is the risk that the polymer tip might not play well feeding; some folks report this issue, some don't -- only your individual weapon can decide.

If it's what you have at hand, I think you're good to go; if you can get Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot or Remington Golden Saber, I'd opt for them first.

Hornady is ok ammo. There isn't any real world info on them since they were never tested seriously for law enforcement use. I don't buy them but not because of anything specific. I have always went with Speer Gold Dots because of their testing in law enforcement and their proven consistency over the years. Plus the fact that they are cheaper. Hornady sells their 20 round boxes for $25 or so. Speer sells Gold Dots in 50 round boxes for $30

Mixed reviews because the bullet sometimes can over penetrate if just one or two pedals just barely start to fold back which happens now and then.

Most will mushroom as intended, which keeps this load in the good ratings.

I would try to go at least with the 110gr since the little 90gr bullet might not do clothing and bone, to get to the vitals.

It is one of the lowest recoil SD loads out of many loadings but that is not always a good thing.

Hornady Critical Defense 115g 9mm performed decently in the luckygunner.com tests, with acceptable penetration and good expansion. You can see those results here:

Handgun Self-Defense Ammunition - Ballistic Testing Data

However, of the Hornady 9mm rounds, only Hornady Critical Duty 135g +P has been recommended for law enforcement use. You can find the complete list of recommended rounds here:

https://pistol-forum.com/showthread....f-Defense-Ammo

Although I haven't tried the Critical Defense rounds, I do carry the Critical Duty 135g +Ps in my Shield, because I've fired 150 of them without a misfire. You want to carry a round you know will work. I suggest shooting at least 100 rounds of any SD ammo you are considering to determine which works best for you.

Good luck with your search!

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What, me worry?

I use Hornady Critical Defense in all my carry guns - .380, 9mm, and .40 cal. and am very happy with it. Feeds and ejects without a flaw, and to my logical mind is the one most likely to expand every time because of unique design.

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Stay protected my friends.

I think you will be better served by using ammo carried by law enforcement. Ammo that has been proven to work on the street such as Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, Winchester Ranger, and Remington Golden Saber.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!