Hornaday Critical Defense 9mm ammo 115 gr. FTX

[skyboy2410]

Has anyone shot this 9mm round. The guy at the gun store recommended this to me for my M&P 9 Shield. I am thinking 115 gr is a little lite for concealed carry. Thoughts

 

[CB3]

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/#9mm

This chart is about as good as it gets for comparisons of 9mm defensive loads.

I look for penetration, then expansion. A bullet that will consistently do both, and not just from the manufacturer’s typical 5” barrel test, is what I test for reliable functioning in my carry gun(s).

The H Critical Defense 115 expands poorly and therefore achieves the desired penetration.

I am biased. I worked for Barnes Bullets and saw a lot of testing of their bullets and others.

I choose the Barnes 115 grn solid copper hollow points because they are accurate, have consistent expansion, retain 100% of their original weight, penetrate adequately for an expanded bullet from a pistol, and they track straight because they stay symmetrical. Ammo Test: Barnes Barnes TAC-XPD 9mm +P - GunsAmerica Digest

There are other good bullets and loads out there, but if they are lead core/copper jacket units, those that are bonded perform best. High velocity is usually a negative, breaking light bullets apart and/or having insufficient penetration. Too slow a load often will not expand but may give (barely) adequate penetration.

Reliable, consistent, adequate penetration, big holes and lots of them. Because I carry 115 grn defensive ammo, I shoot 115 grn FMJ target ammo with very similar PoI. It’s now about $0.18/ea.

 

[URIT]

The Hornady 115 gr is just fine out of a shield. The ballistic tests CB3 has linked is something I bookmarked and consult whenever I purchase ammo. The 9mm testing was conducted using an S&W M&P 9C, so you should have a good view of your gun's performance with these popular brands.

The last box I bought was Federal HST 147gr because it is good, cheaper than most, and was on sale too. The previous box was Magtech Guardian Gold +P.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Put the first couple in the ten ring and it doesn’t matter what the bullet is. Actually, in a SD immediate threat undedicated agressor situation, it still doesn’t matter. People way overthink this. Buy real ammo, load it in a real gun, carry it in a real holster, and make sure you can hit the general vicinity of what you’re shooting at. Do that, you’ll be fine . . .

 

[Cellar Hound]

For me, reliability reighns supreme in a self defense load. Blogs and Marketing will say that every round is the best. However, after trying many different rounds, I have found that the Critical Defense 115 grain and standard pressure HST 124 grain ran the best in all of my 9mm’s (including the Shield). My first choice is the HST 124 g but I have no reservation about using Hornady CD. Both run great in my 9’s.

 

[Univibe]

When I see a chart based on thousands of rounds pulled from human bodies, I'll believe it.

Until then, I'll take all the claims about trick bullets with a bag of salt.

Bullets are bullets.

Q4318 for the streets of the Big City.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Your pistols are likely equally flawless with round nose FMJ . . .

For me, reliability reighns supreme in a self defense load. Blogs and Marketing will say that every round is the best. However, after trying many different rounds, I have found that the Critical Defense 115 grain and standard pressure HST 124 grain ran the best in all of my 9mm’s (including the Shield). My first choice is the HST 124 g but I have no reservation about using Hornady CD. Both run great in my 9’s.

 

[skyboy2410]

Thank you very helpful ! I will try the Barnes next time.. Thanks everyone for your comments. Very help full. I know the Hornaday CD 115 gr. will also be fine.

 

[Real Old Navy]

I carry Critical Defense 147 gr in my Shield 9mm..I know they work but I don't use them for target shooting very often...only testing them.

 

[dan323]

I use HCD and Sig Elite , both in 115gr in my shield and 9c. Never have a failure with either bullets.

 

[ABMI]

124 HST reliable, accurate

 

[gwmac]

It is worth noting that Hornady has stopped making CDef. in 124 gr. Or, at least I can't find it and it's not on their web site.

 

[photoman]

My Shield likes it. Accuracy is objective number one for me. Penetration and expansion are a distant second and third.

 

[webfarmer]

I carried them in my Shield 9mm for a few years. They are accurate and every one goes bang of course. But I switched to Hornady American Gunner. For some reason, when I want to eject the loaded round, 95% of the time the rubber tip gets jammed. How embarrassing! Same deal in my EZ. Good luck!

 

[mrgreenjeens]

I use Critical Defense in my Shield and I’ve never had a problem. I shoot it after about a year of carry in varying temperatures and humidity, having been unloaded and rechambered numerous times. I’ve never had a malfunction, and it groups very well. Below is a picture of expansion in water jugs. I like it because you get a bigger box for less $ than HSTs. I also like that it’s at the lower end of the weight spectrum so that is moving fast enough to reliably expand out of short barrels.

 

[beefstews]

One of my two Shields did NOT like the Hornadays. The rubber tip would sometimes hang up on the ramp. I tried different mags, swapping mags, and polishing the ramp, but got the same result.

I run 124gr HSTs an ALL my pistols and have never experienced an issue.