Hornady Hype? .223 Rem Hornady 73gr Critical Defense Gel Test

Published on November 26, 2018
Duration: 6:37

This Hornady .223 Rem 73gr Critical Defense FTX gel test reveals that while the round performs well in short-barreled AR-15s (10.5"), its penetration is inadequate for self-defense with longer 16" barrels. The test showed 13.6" penetration in gel from a 10.5" barrel, with significant fragmentation and a temporary stretch cavity of 6"x4". However, Hornady's own tests with a 16" barrel yielded only 10" penetration, suggesting higher velocity from longer barrels can cause premature expansion and reduced effectiveness.

Quick Summary

The Hornady 73gr Critical Defense FTX .223 Rem achieved 13.6" penetration from a 10.5" barrel AR-15, with significant fragmentation. However, performance decreases with longer barrels (10" from 16"), making it less suitable for self-defense in standard rifles but good for small game hunting.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: FBI Standards & Hornady FTX
  2. 01:34Range Test Setup: 10.5" AR-15 & Gelatin
  3. 02:12Gel Block Analysis: Penetration & Expansion
  4. 03:38Barrel Length Impact: 10.5" vs. 16" Performance
  5. 05:08Final Recommendations: Self-Defense & Hunting

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the key findings of the Hornady 73gr Critical Defense FTX .223 Rem gel test?

The test showed 13.6" penetration and significant fragmentation from a 10.5" barrel AR-15. However, performance degraded with longer barrels, achieving only 10" penetration from a 16" barrel, making it less ideal for self-defense in standard rifles.

How does barrel length affect the performance of Hornady's 73gr Critical Defense FTX ammunition?

Shorter barrels (like 10.5") provide sufficient velocity for effective expansion and penetration (13.6"). Longer barrels (16") can increase velocity too much, causing premature expansion and fragmentation, which reduces penetration depth to around 10".

Is Hornady 73gr Critical Defense FTX suitable for self-defense in an AR-15?

It performs well in short-barreled AR-15s (10.5") for self-defense. However, it's not recommended for 16-inch barrels at typical home defense distances due to inadequate penetration, though it excels in small game hunting.

What was the temporary stretch cavity size observed in the gel test?

The high-speed footage captured a temporary stretch cavity measuring approximately 6 inches by 4 inches, indicating significant tissue disruption from the bullet's passage.

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