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

Published on November 26, 2018
Duration: 6:37

This video provides an expert-level gel test of the Hornady 73gr Critical Defense FTX .223 Rem ammunition, conducted by ARFCOM News. The analysis, featuring high-speed footage and detailed measurements, critically evaluates the ammunition's performance against FBI standards, particularly in short-barreled AR-15 platforms. The findings suggest the round is effective for small game but may be suboptimal for home defense with longer rifle barrels.

Quick Summary

The Hornady 73gr Critical Defense FTX .223 Rem, tested with a 10.5-inch barrel AR-15, achieved 13.6 inches of penetration in ballistic gelatin, with a retained weight of 43.9 grains and an average velocity of 2,178 fps. This performance is analyzed against the FBI's 12-inch penetration standard for defensive ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and FBI Standards
  2. 01:34Range Testing Setup
  3. 02:12Gel Block Analysis and Results
  4. 03:38Comparative Performance Discussion
  5. 05:08Final Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Hornady 73gr Critical Defense FTX .223 Rem perform in a gel test with a short barrel?

In a gel test using a 10.5-inch barrel AR-15, the Hornady 73gr Critical Defense FTX .223 Rem achieved 13.6 inches of penetration, with a retained weight of 43.9 grains and an average velocity of 2,178 fps. Maximum expansion was 0.605 inches.

What is the significance of the FBI's 12-inch penetration standard for defensive ammunition?

The FBI's 12-inch penetration standard is a critical benchmark for defensive ammunition, ensuring that projectiles can reliably reach vital organs, regardless of whether fired from a handgun or a rifle. This depth is considered necessary for effective incapacitation.

Is Hornady 73gr Critical Defense FTX .223 Rem suitable for home defense with a 16-inch barrel rifle?

Based on the analysis, the Hornady 73gr Critical Defense FTX .223 Rem may not be ideal for home defense with a 16-inch barrel. While it performed well in a 10.5-inch barrel, longer barrels can cause over-expansion and fragmentation, reducing penetration depth below optimal levels for defensive scenarios.

What factors influence the terminal ballistics of the Hornady 73gr Critical Defense FTX?

Terminal ballistics are significantly influenced by barrel length. A longer barrel increases velocity, which can lead to more rapid expansion and fragmentation of the bullet upon impact, potentially reducing penetration depth compared to performance from a shorter barrel.

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