Hornady criticaldefence .380 Kel-tec

[Mike from Texas]

Has anyone done any testing of the Hornady critical defense ammo in their P3AT. I was able to score on a box at a somewhat fair price at the Ft Worth gun show yesterday. Looking for feedback on feeding and expansion tests before loading up to carry with it.

[mdek]

Regardless of other people's ability to shoot a specific ammo in their gun, you should always test a "sufficient" number of rounds through your own copy of that pistol. Identical model guns (and magazines) can each have individual variations that make certain brands work perfectly or not at all, so you shouldn't rely on another person's testing.

There is a variation in what people think is "sufficient" for testing. Some say to run 250 rounds of carry ammo minimum before trusting it, others rely on on running a few magazines worth through. If you snagged only one box of 20 rounds you'll be limited in your ability to test extensively, so its your judgment call what to do. Personally I'd rather carry fully tested FMJ in .380 than potentially unreliable HP. If you don't have any FMJ then you might want to consider carrying a completely different gun, but it's your call.

[A-R]

Not exactly what you're looking for, but this ammo feeds perfectly in my Ruger LCP (similar enough gun). As for penetration tests, I've only shot for feed reliability into paper. But if you get some penetration data, I'd love to see it.

[bryang]

I use it in my LCP and have not had a problem with feeding or anything else. The only expansion tests I have seen on the Critical Defence .380 is what I have read and if it works as good as they say it will...that's good!

I do carry it in my LCP and feel confident it will preform when needed.

I found this to be interesting and something you may would want to check out...Cabela's customers' reviews and ratings for Hornady Critical Defense.

-geo

[bryang]

Here is Stephen Camp's review of the Critical Defence ammo...

-geo

[Mike from Texas]

Regardless of other people's ability to shoot a specific ammo in their gun, you should always test a "sufficient" number of rounds through your own copy of that pistol. Identical model guns (and magazines) can each have individual variations that make certain brands work perfectly or not at all, so you shouldn't rely on another person's testing.

There is a variation in what people think is "sufficient" for testing. Some say to run 250 rounds of carry ammo minimum before trusting it, others rely on on running a few magazines worth through. If you snagged only one box of 20 rounds you'll be limited in your ability to test extensively, so its your judgment call what to do. Personally I'd rather carry fully tested FMJ in .380 than potentially unreliable HP. If you don't have any FMJ then you might want to consider carrying a completely different gun, but it's your call.

Well it goes without saying that I will shoot quite a few rounds through it to make sure it will function in my gun. I will say however that my gun has functioned flawlessly with every ammo I have run through it (ball, Gold Dots, Silvertips, Hydrashoks). I was really looking for more penetration and/or expansion results.

[flb_78]

As far as 380 goes, the Hornady FTX Critical Defense is the best stuff on the market as far as Im concerned.

Our very own Stephen Camp reviewed it and confirms it.

I scored 2 boxes off gunbroker for 1.10/shot shipped. Not a great price, but no where near what it has been selling for at other places.

[beads]

I've been looking at the critical defense to get for my 9mm and hopefully soon for my LCP. I think its the best stuff and all the reviews been good.

[GlockDA]

I just got some Hornady CD 38 Special for my LCR. I've heard nothing but good about it.

[garcia946]

[quote="bryang"]I use it in my LCP and have not had a problem with feeding or anything else. The only expansion tests I have seen on the Critical Defence .380 is what I have read and if it works as good as they say it will...that's good!

I do carry it in my LCP and feel confident it will preform when needed.


I carry it in my LCP also, read all the specs on it .Feel very confident in it also.
I already have the 9mm , but wish they made it in a .40 for my main ccw

[UpTheIrons]

I'm pleased with the CD in .38 +P. It performs as advertised in my SP-101. I'll be on the lookout for .380 soon also, and maybe even the .45 they are rumored to be working on.

[Tireshred]

I carry Critical Defense in 2 LCP's and one Grendel, never had a malfuction of any sort. Good stuff, hard to find and expensive.

[garcia946]

I carry Critical Defense in 2 LCP's and one Grendel, never had a malfuction of any sort. Good stuff, hard to find and expensive.

Thats true , it is expensive , but I can call my local gun store and the can have usually within a day 25rd box about $50 bucks thought but I like the stuff

[Mike from Texas]

I carry Critical Defense in 2 LCP's and one Grendel, never had a malfuction of any sort. Good stuff, hard to find and expensive.

Thats true , it is expensive , but I can call my local gun store and the can have usually within a day 25rd box about $50 bucks thought but I like the stuff

Wow, I did ok then. I paid $30 out the door for a 25 round box.

[TEX]

I don't know about effectiveness of the Critical Defense load - 380 is marginal IMHO, but my Kel Tec it is a great church and golf gun in an ankle holster. I have tried about eight different defensive loads in my Kel Tec, from Hydrashok, Corbon DPX, Winchester Silver Tip, SXT, even Winchester Ranger LEO load. I just recently found and tried the Hornady load you ask about and it shoots the best group the gun has ever shot and shoots closer to point of aim than any other load so far. It is my carry ammo now. The second best I have found is Magtec hollow points (look like DPX, but are not) Golden something or the other- I think. I wish they made Critical Defense in 9x18, and can't wait for them to build it in a decent 40SW load.

Good Luck