Gel test Results
We tested this Hornady Ammunition 380 Auto (ACP) ammo by firing five rounds with a Ruger LCPII with a -inch barrel into calibrated Clear Ballistics gelatin. Of those five rounds, we discovered the ammo penetrated an average of 12.9-inches into the gelatin. Our test rounds ended the test with an average expanded diameter of 0.416-inches, retaining 100% of the projectile's original weight.
On this page, you'll see video of our tests including photographs that detail the ammunition before/after firing it through a four-layer barrier into gelatin. Also, you'll see how this Hornady Ammunition 380 Auto (ACP) ammunition stacks up compared to other self-defense rounds in 380 Auto (ACP).
To read more about our testing procedures and processes, please head here.
Unfired versus Fired Round Comparison
25rds - .380 Auto Hornady Critical Defense 90gr. FTX Hollow Point Ammo Gel Test Results
| Median | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet Depth (in.) | 12.1 | 12.6 | 12.9 | 13.3 | 13.6 |
| Expanded Diameter (in.) | 0.36 | 0.38 | 0.41 | 0.42 | 0.51 |
| Bullet Weight after shot (gr.) | 90.1 | 90.2 | 90.2 | 90.3 | 90.3 |
| Bullet Velocity (fps) | 886 | 897 | 898 | 903 | 903 |
Review
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Fired 2 boxes of these through a Sig P238 without issue. Been carrying these along with Critical Defense in 9mm. Anyone have a guess as to why the expansion in the gel test results on Ammo To Go is much worse than Lucky Gunner? They fired through a Glock 42 with a 0.5" longer barrel, but the muzzle velocity isn't much higher, maybe 10fps more on average. Penetration wasn't too different.
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I have fired 1000 + rounds of critical defense thru a sig 232 and 238.Have 2 rounds failure to fire with the 238.Otherwise,rounds are accurate and chamber/eject consistently.
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Good delivery and great product
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I have run numerous brands thru my Ruger LCP which is a very fussy eater and this is the only one that I have never.....never had any kind of issue with. It's what I carry.
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fantastic!! critical defense 380 ammo works great in my clock 42! the 42 has a slightly longer barrel,thus very slight vel. increase. comes within 2-300 ft per-second volocity of 38 special 158 grain projectile velocity at close range. Fantastic!!
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I bought a Glock 42 because some days and places my Glock 30 or 21 45ACPs are just to big and heavy. I have fired several hundred rounds of this ammo with no FTF. The 42 even with short sight radius and small size allows for accurate fire even at 25 yards.
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This round is great with my Glock 42. I had no problems with misfires and it always shots true. It's the round for my concealed carry.
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This is my daily carry ammo for my Bersa Thunder 380. Feeds very well. I've shot 100+ rounds and not had any failures with this ammo. All the "sim tests" while anecdotal evidence still seems to show a good penetration and good expansion on this round. Recommend highly.
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This is my preferred round out of my S&W Bodyguard 380. Out of 50 rounds down range I have had ZERO failure to feed or fire. If one is in doubt about this round check out Hornady's stats and results and you will be placing an order...
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I hate to give this ammo too harsh a review as this was my only experience with it but it has completely turned me off from this as a self defense load. The very first round that I attempted to fire out of my Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380 failed to shoot and required a double strike to get it to fire. I thought it may've been a fluke but out of the 7 rounds I fired, three required multiple strikes. I feared my gun was the issue but then fired several magazines of other ammo I had on hand without a hiccup. Upon researching this issue online I found that others too have had issues with "hard primers" on this ammo. I think the concept is sound but if the bullet will not go off when you pull the trigger then it's useless as a self defense round in my book. Other boxes may not have this problem but I'm not willing to risk my life or money on any ammo that proved itself so unreliable during my first encounter with it.
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I was impressed with the way this stuff cycled and fired through my LCP. I have been looking around at different carry ammo for it and I liked this and the speer gold dots. I tried both side by side and noticed a little less felt recoil with this than the speer. Both seem like quality ammo. I need to shoot more before I decide this is what I will carry.
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EXCELLENT Micro Desert Eagle ammo. Performance is absolute Hornady perfection. The fact that Critical Defense in .380 seems to always be sold out and / or on back order anywhere and everywhere speaks for itself. It's wise to stock up a few boxes at every opportunity.
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posted on by
The FTX round is a nice choice for self defense (for the .380), it's designed not to plug while going through heavy clothing. Expansion and penetration are not as good as L.E ammo for the .380, but they do shoot accurately, reliably, and expansion was consistent. If you can't find Speer Gold Dots or Ranger Talons pick this stuff up, it will do the job.
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I shot a box of this ammo through my PPK/S .380 with very good results. I shot a one inch group at 21 feet. I also shoot a few rounds into soft dirt to see how they perform. I was very impressed, penetration was good and the expansion looked exactly like it does on the box. This is the ammo I'll have in my concealed-carry.
