The Hornady Critical Duty 45 ACP 220 Grain FlexLock is a premium defensive handgun ammunition engineered for law enforcement professionals and serious concealed carriers who demand reliable, consistent performance through real-world barriers.
- 220-grain FlexLock bullet delivers deep, consistent penetration through barriers
- +P rated load generates 975 fps muzzle velocity for decisive terminal performance
- Barrier-blind design performs through glass, steel, wallboard, and heavy clothing
- Patented Flex Tip initiates reliable expansion even after passing through obstacles
- InterLock band keeps bullet and core bonded together under extreme stress
- 20 rounds per box — ideal for duty carry, range qualification, and testing
Who This Is For
Hornady Critical Duty 45 ACP is purpose-built for law enforcement officers, security professionals, and experienced civilian shooters who carry a full-size 45 ACP handgun and need ammunition that meets or exceeds FBI protocol standards. If you require a load that won't compromise on penetration depth or expansion when fired through intermediate barriers, this is your round.
Specifications
| Brand | Hornady |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 45 ACP |
| Bullet Weight | 220 Grain |
| Bullet Type | FlexLock (Critical Duty) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 975 fps |
| Pressure Rating | +P |
| Rounds Per Box | 20 |
| Application | Duty / Self-Defense |
| Casing | Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Hornady Critical Duty different from Critical Defense?
Critical Duty is engineered to meet the FBI's rigorous ballistic testing protocols, which include penetration through hard intermediate barriers such as auto glass, sheet metal, and wallboard. The FlexLock bullet features a bonded core via Hornady's InterLock band, preventing core-jacket separation after barrier impact. Critical Defense, by contrast, is optimized for short-barrel carry guns and performance through light clothing — making Critical Duty the preferred choice for duty use and full-size handguns.
Is this +P ammunition safe to use in my 45 ACP pistol?
This load is rated +P, meaning it operates at higher-than-standard pressure to achieve its 975 fps muzzle velocity. Most modern full-size 45 ACP pistols from reputable manufacturers — including Glock, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, and Springfield Armory — are rated for +P ammunition. However, you should always consult your firearm's owner manual to confirm +P compatibility before use, as older or budget firearms may not be rated for the increased pressure.
How does the FlexLock bullet perform in ballistic gel testing?
Hornady's FlexLock bullet is designed to achieve consistent penetration depths of 12–18 inches in calibrated 10% ballistic gelatin — the range recommended by the FBI for adequate terminal performance. The Flex Tip compresses on impact to initiate reliable, uniform expansion, while the InterLock band maintains bullet integrity to ensure the expanded diameter and retained weight needed for effective stopping power, even after passing through tough barriers.
- Caliber:
- 45 ACP
- Bullet Weight:
- 220 GR
- BulletType:
- FlexLock Duty
- Type:
- Pistol Ammunition
- Box Quantity:
- 20
- Case Quantity:
- 200
- Lead Free:
- No