The Hornady Critical Defense .45 Long Colt 185 Grain FTX delivers reliable, consistent stopping power for concealed carry and personal protection, combining Hornady's proven FlexTip technology with premium components engineered to perform when it matters most.
- 185-grain FTX (FlexTip) bullet ensures reliable expansion on every shot
- Nickel-plated cases improve visibility and feeding in low-light conditions
- 920 fps muzzle velocity optimized for short-barreled revolvers and full-size handguns
- Low-flash propellant blend preserves night vision during defensive situations
- Dependable terminal performance engineered specifically for personal protection use
- Packaged 20 rounds per box for convenient carry and range training
Who This Is For
This ammunition is ideal for concealed carry permit holders, home defenders, and cowboy action shooters who demand reliable expansion and consistent performance from their .45 Long Colt revolvers. Whether you carry a short-barreled snub-nose or a full-size single-action, Hornady Critical Defense FTX ammunition is engineered to deliver proven stopping power without sacrificing controllability or low-light capability.
Specifications
| Brand | Hornady |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .45 Long Colt |
| Bullet Weight | 185 Grain |
| Bullet Type | FTX (FlexTip) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 347 ft-lbs |
| Case Material | Nickel-Plated Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer |
| Rounds Per Box | 20 |
| Application | Personal Protection / Concealed Carry |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the FTX bullet better than standard hollow points in .45 Long Colt?
The Hornady FTX (FlexTip) bullet features a patented elastomer tip that initiates reliable expansion even when the hollow-point cavity becomes clogged with clothing, denim, or other barriers. Traditional hollow points can fail to expand when the cavity plugs with material on impact — the FTX tip prevents this, ensuring consistent mushrooming and energy transfer regardless of the target medium. This makes it a significant upgrade over standard defensive hollow points for real-world carry scenarios.
Is this ammunition compatible with older .45 Long Colt revolvers?
Hornady Critical Defense .45 Long Colt 185 gr FTX is loaded to standard pressure levels, making it compatible with most modern and classic .45 Long Colt revolvers, including Ruger, Taurus, and single-action cowboy-style firearms. However, if you own a very old or antique revolver, we recommend consulting a qualified gunsmith before using any factory defensive ammunition, as older metallurgy may not be rated for even standard-pressure loads. This round is NOT designed for .454 Casull cylinders or .45 ACP platforms.
Can I use Critical Defense FTX for range practice as well as carry?
While Critical Defense FTX is purpose-built for personal protection and is priced accordingly, many shooters do practice with it to verify reliable function in their specific firearm and to understand the recoil profile of their carry load. For high-volume range sessions, Hornady's American Gunner or standard ball ammunition in .45 Long Colt is a more cost-effective option. We recommend carrying Critical Defense FTX and periodically training with it to build confidence in your defensive setup.
- Caliber:
- 45 LONG COLT
- Bullet Weight:
- 185 GR
- BulletType:
- FlexTip
- Type:
- Pistol Ammunition
- Box Quantity:
- 20
- Case Quantity:
- 200
- Lead Free:
- No