FBI Chooses Hornady Critical Duty for Issue Ammo

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) awarded Hornady a contract for its Critical Duty .40 S&W 175-grain FlexLock ammunition. The innovative loads were first introduced in 2011, only a few years after the company rolled out its Critical Defense offering, which is finely tuned for civilian self-defense.

Both versions are tipped with bullets that harness the proven performance of the company’s patented Flex Tip, which eliminates any clogging in flight that can compromise terminal performance. Yet, that semi-soft—in signature Hornady red—synthetic promotes the kind of bullet expansion on impact that stops a criminal encounter with authority. The lack of a hollow-point up front also minimizes the chances of an ammunition-related stoppage.

“Critical Duty ammunition is the culmination of many years of hard work, research and development and dedication” says Jason Hornady, Vice President. “We are thrilled to obtain this contract from our nation’s highest law enforcement agency as it gives credence to the performance and reliability of this product.”

Critical Duty’s large, mechanical jacket-to-core InterLock band keeps the bullet and core from separating for maximum weight retention, excellent expansion, consistent penetration and terminal performance through all FBI test barriers. Other features of Critical Duty that make it desirable for law enforcement include its bright nickel-plated cases, which simplify chamber checks in reduced light; and low-flash, clean-burning propellants, which preserves night vision in low-light firing.

“At Hornady, we’re honored to provide ammunition to the American heroes who put their lives on the line to protect us and our neighbors every day,” said Steve Hornady, President of Hornady Manufacturing Company. “This contract is an important part of our corporate history, and it’s a distinct pleasure to fulfill this need for the FBI.”

The FBI contract with Hornady, which was founded in 1949 and remains a family-owned business, is a fixed-price indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity agreement.