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With its Critical Defense line of ammunition, Hornady's intent was to provide loads that would perform well against intermediate barriers by still expanding and not over-penetrating. I've tested the full line of Critical Defense ammunition, and it appears Hornady succeeded on all accounts. By inserting a polymer ball tip in a bullet similar in design to its XTP line of bullets, the company has created an ammunition line that feeds and expands reliably and generally penetrates to an optimum depth. The 9 mm, 115-grain load is no exception.
Shooting Results| Load | IV (fps) | PEN (inches) | ED (inch) | RW (grains) |
| 9 mm 115-grain Hornady Critical Defense | 1,119 | 10.00 | .56 | 115 |
