Critical Defense Penetration

by
posted on September 14, 2011
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
hcd_690.jpg

The FBI suggests a minimum of 12 inches penetration in 10-percent ordnance gelatin for law enforcement ammunition. Penetration this deep is not hard to achieve with defensive handgun cartridges—until you also mandate the bullets expand, too. The more a bullet expands the less it penetrates. But, the more a bullet expands, the bigger the hole it makes. Defensive handgun ammunition engineers strive for an optimum balance between expansion and penetration.

With its Critical Defense ammunition, it appears Hornady has established the maximum amount of expansion it can achieve with each load and still obtain about 10 inches of penetration in 10-percent ordnance gelatin at standard velocities. This is less than the FBI mandate, but Critical Defense ammunition is not intended for law enforcement. It is purpose built for the armed citizen carrying a compact handgun to fight off an attacking criminal. Since most bad guys do not assault law-abiding citizens in the nude, Hornady wisely designed Critical Defense ammunition to work on criminals who like to wear clothes.

Latest

Christensen Arms Modern Precision Pistol
Christensen Arms Modern Precision Pistol

First Look: Christensen Arms Modern Precision Pistol

A lightweight and compact version of the Modern Precision Rifle.

Change The Fight

Violent criminals rely on surprise when ambushing their victims, but with surprises of your own, you can flip the script and prevail.

First Look: Mission First Tactical Cypher 3.0 L Sling Bag

A stylish way to keep your gear close to you at all times.

First Look: New Scope Mounts From Warne

Cantilever mounts and Tikka rifle mounts are now available.

Special Deals on Self-Defense Loads in July

Federal, Remington and Speer are all offering lower prices this month.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.