Hornady Critical Defense Lite Ammo

[jimmyj]

Purchased a box of .38 special Hornady Critical Defense Lite ammo with a .38spl 90 grain FTX bullet.
I am planning on using this ammo in a S&W Model 642.

Has anyone usd this ammo ?
Opinions

Thanks,
Jimmy

 

[chanroc]

Purchased a box of .38 special Hornady Critical Defense Lite ammo with a .38spl 90 grain FTX bullet.
I am planning on using this ammo in a S&W Model 642.

Has anyone usd this ammo ?
Opinions

Thanks,
Jimmy

I've had good luck with their similar load in my 442/638 - 110gr 38 SPL (Std Velocity). I know that some consider it a little light, but I can shoot them accurately and relatively quickly. I've seen mixed results in gel test, but I have confidence in them and in my ability to get them in the right spot. Hope the 90 gr version works out for you.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[Nevada Ed]

If that is all you can control and shot well.......go for it.

Some think the 110gr is minimal for a 38 but ......
I would not even like to be hit with a little .22, myself !!

 

[Brasky]

I would have great concern whether or not a 90 grain 38 would have enough penetration to reach the vitals

 

[BE Mike]

There has been huge improvements in pistol bullet design in recent years. Having said that, the old (think back to the mid-80's) FBI 110 gr. +P+ .38 special "controlled expansion" rounds, proved less than hoped in actual use.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I prefer heavier weight bullets, 125gr and up in .38 Special, because they tend to have better penetration than lighter weight bullets, but if the lightweight bullets allow you to shoot better with them than heavier ones, go for it.

 

[shouldazagged]

There has been huge improvements in pistol bullet design in recent years. Having said that, the old (think back to the mid-80's) FBI 110 gr. +P+ .38 special "controlled expansion" rounds, proved less than hoped in actual use.

For some years I've stuck with the other FBI load, 158 grain LSWCHP, +P or the Buffalo Bore standard pressure equivalent. About 860 fps from a two-inch barrel, nice heavy bullet.

But as has been said, if the OP can shoot the 90 grain better, it's his choice.

 

[SC_Mike]

I think it would be good in t shirt weather. Punching through a leather jacket and sweater it might not have enough a** to reach vitals.

Just my .02 cents.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I would not shoot a 90gr bullet in the .38 Special. That bullet weight is better in a .380 Auto. if you're looking for a low recoil SD round for your 15oz revolver but a box of 148gr Wadcutter ammo.

 

[Gamecock]

Semi-Critical Defense?

 

[torizus]

A hit or two with a 90grn trumps misses with 158grn.

 

[cometpx4]

Hornady Light

I carry my 337 or 342 airlite Ti in the summer and thats the ammo i have in it. In CT, June to Sept. is shorts and T shirt weather and if 5 of those rounds don't get me out of any negative situation i am likely to encounter then I was screwed to begin with.
I have found them to be very accurate and controllable with almost no recoil in my 2 titanium revolvers.

 

[BE Mike]

A hit or two with a 90grn trumps misses with 158grn.

But why would we assume that anyone would miss more with a heavier bullet?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

A hit or two with a 90grn trumps misses with 158grn.

That's not the fault of the ammo, practice more.

 

[686-380]

FWIW, here's a link to a test I did. I've been learning as I go, otherwise I would have used a regular block of gel. Anyway, the bullet went through the dummy but didn't go through the leather jacket. The other rounds did:

[ame]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_O0xSNybBE4[/ame]


BTW, I have this loaded in my 15-2, which is located where my wife is most likely to access it.

 

[TomkinsSP]

+1 on the 148 LHBWC suggestion. Some of the older guys, they would 'forget' and leave range wadcutters in their weapons (in preference to the heftier recoil of issued 158 LSWC). I have seen the aftermath of one well placed shot from a 40 at about 80 feet. Done. Both offerings are low recoil. Classic expansion versus penetration argument. To me penetration is key, especially in winter time. You can google gel tests on the 90 FTX and on 148 LHBWC, big difference.