The Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special 110-grain FTX is a purpose-built personal protection load engineered to deliver consistent, reliable expansion in every situation — from everyday concealed carry to home defense.
- 110-grain FTX bullet delivers controlled, reliable expansion on impact
- Muzzle velocity of 1,010 fps optimized for short-barreled revolvers
- Nickel-plated brass cases improve visibility and smooth feeding in low light
- Premium low-flash propellants protect night vision during defensive use
- Flex Tip design prevents tip deformation in tubular magazines and speedloaders
- 25 rounds per box — ideal for carry rotation and regular practice sessions
Who This Is For
This load is ideal for concealed carry permit holders, home defenders, and range shooters who rely on a .38 Special revolver as their primary defensive firearm. Whether you're running a snub-nose like the S&W 642, a Ruger LCR, or a full-size service revolver, the Critical Defense FTX is engineered to perform where it matters most — when lives are on the line.
Specifications
| Brand | Hornady |
|---|---|
| Line | Critical Defense |
| Caliber | .38 Special |
| Bullet Weight | 110 Grain |
| Bullet Type | FTX (Flex Tip Expanding) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1,010 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 249 ft-lbs |
| Case Type | Nickel-Plated Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer, Non-Corrosive |
| Rounds Per Box | 25 |
| Intended Use | Personal Protection / Concealed Carry |
| Part Number | 90310 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this ammunition work reliably in short-barreled snub-nose revolvers?
Yes — Hornady specifically engineered the Critical Defense .38 Special load for reliable performance in short-barreled revolvers with barrel lengths as short as 1.875 inches. The low-flash propellant is tuned to deliver consistent velocity and expansion even from compact guns like the S&W 642 or Ruger LCR, making it one of the best choices for snub-nose concealed carry.
What makes the FTX bullet different from a standard hollow point?
The Hornady FTX (Flex Tip Expanding) bullet features a soft, flexible polymer tip that sits inside the hollow point cavity. This tip prevents the cavity from clogging with clothing, denim, or debris — a common failure point for traditional hollow points. Upon impact, the tip is driven inward, initiating consistent, controlled expansion regardless of intermediate barriers.
Can I use this ammo for target practice, or is it strictly a carry load?
While the Critical Defense FTX is optimized for defensive use and is priced accordingly, it can certainly be fired at the range. Many shooters recommend running a box through your carry revolver periodically to ensure reliable function and to become familiar with the load's recoil characteristics. For high-volume practice, a standard FMJ .38 Special load will be more economical — saving the Critical Defense rounds for carry rotation and periodic function testing.
- Caliber:
- 38 SPL
- Bullet Weight:
- 110 GR
- BulletType:
- FT
- Type:
- Pistol Ammunition
- Box Quantity:
- 25
- Case Quantity:
- 250
- Lead Free:
- No