.380 ACP Hornady Critical Defense 90-grain FTX

by
posted on October 21, 2010
** 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. **
hornady-critical-defense-38-354x200.jpg

The popularity of sub-compact .380 ACP semi-auto handguns rivals and possibly exceeds that of AR style rifles. This is one reason .380 ACP ammunition of any type has been hard to find anywhere. Some .380 ACP loads are well suited to personal protection, others are not. Hornady's Critical Defense load for the .380 shows moderate penetration and expansion. More importantly, it will expand just as well even after passing through heavy clothing. The test results shown are for bare gelatin but tests in gelatin covered with clothing were almost identical.

Shooting Results
Load IV (fps) PEN (inches) ED (inch) RW (grains)
.380 ACP Hornady 90-grain Critical Defense 928 9.2 .42 89 1/2

Latest

MDT LSS Gen3 Chassis
MDT LSS Gen3 Chassis

First Look: New LSS Gen3 Chassis Models From MDT

MDT’s modular chassis system expands to include new rifle actions.

IMNHO: An Important Discovery?

Although chilly, it was the first decent day after two weeks of brutal cold. When I arrived at the range in the early afternoon, every bench was occupied. Seeing me, one guy in the middle of the line said he was leaving. Once it was clear, I grabbed the bench and started unloading my gear.

First Look: Rost Martin RM1C Hiviz Upgrade

A new front-sight option for a popular defensive pistol.

Fit to Fight

Putting in the work means more than just on the range.

First Look: Magpul MOE QD M-Lok Bipod

A quick-detach polymer bipod built to use Magpul's M-Lok system.

The Iconic Commander

Even great military service pistols go though a form of evolution.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.