The Hornady Critical Defense Rifle .223 Rem 55 Grain FTX delivers purpose-built short-range defensive performance, combining Hornady's patented Flex Tip technology with consistent, reliable expansion to give you confidence when it matters most.
- Patented Flex Tip prevents nose cavity clogging through heavy clothing
- Reliable expansion at low velocities for consistent terminal performance
- 223 Remington chambering fits a wide range of AR-platform rifles
- Blazing 3,240 fps muzzle velocity for flat trajectory and rapid energy transfer
- 55 Grain FTX projectile balances speed, accuracy, and controlled expansion
- 20 rounds per box — ideal for range practice and home defense stocking
Who This Is For
This ammunition is built for homeowners, first responders, and responsible gun owners who rely on an AR-15 or .223-chambered rifle for personal or home defense. It's the right choice for shooters who demand consistent bullet expansion, barrier performance through clothing, and a proven round engineered specifically for defensive — not just sporting — use.
Specifications
| Brand | Hornady |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .223 Remington |
| Bullet Weight | 55 Grain |
| Bullet Type | FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) |
| Product Line | Critical Defense Rifle |
| Muzzle Velocity | 3,240 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | ~1,282 ft-lbs |
| Rounds Per Box | 20 |
| Casing Material | Brass |
| Primer Type | Centerfire |
| Application | Defensive / Home Defense |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Flex Tip (FTX) bullet differ from a standard hollow point?
Unlike a traditional hollow point, the FTX bullet features a soft, flexible polymer tip seated inside the hollow cavity. This tip prevents the nose from clogging with clothing or debris during penetration — a common failure mode of standard hollow points — while still initiating reliable, controlled expansion upon impact. The result is consistent terminal performance even when the bullet must first pass through heavy fabric or intermediate barriers.
Is this ammunition compatible with standard AR-15 rifles chambered in .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO?
Yes, this Hornady Critical Defense load is chambered in .223 Remington and will function reliably in any rifle with a .223 Rem or 5.56 NATO chamber. Because 5.56 NATO chambers have slightly more generous dimensions, .223 Rem ammunition fires safely in them. However, always confirm your rifle's chamber specifications with the manufacturer before using any new ammunition.
Is this ammunition suitable for hunting as well as home defense?
While the Hornady Critical Defense Rifle line is engineered primarily for defensive applications, the 55-grain FTX projectile's rapid expansion and energy transfer make it a capable option for varmint and small predator hunting at short to moderate ranges. For big game hunting, a purpose-built hunting load would be more appropriate. For home defense and personal protection with a .223-chambered rifle, this is one of the best-designed rounds available on the market.
- Caliber:
- 223 REM
- Bullet Weight:
- 55 GR
- Bullet Type:
- FT
- Purpose:
- Range/Target
- Type:
- Rifle Ammunition
- Box Quantity:
- 20
- Case Quantity:
- 200
- Lead Free:
- No