NEW +P Critical Defense!...45 ACP Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on September 12, 2025
Duration: 13:33

This video features a ballistic gel test of new Hornady Critical Defense .45 ACP +P ammunition. The instructor tests the ammunition from two different firearms: a Glock 30 with a 3.8-inch barrel and a Rock Island Armory 1911 with a 5-inch barrel. The results show good expansion and penetration, though muzzle velocities were slightly lower than expected for a +P round. The instructor notes the ammunition is not yet listed on Hornady's website, suggesting it's a very new product.

Quick Summary

Hornady Critical Defense .45 ACP +P 185-grain ammunition averaged 1086 ft/s from a 5-inch barrel and 1025 ft/s from a 3.8-inch barrel in ballistic gel tests. It showed good expansion and penetration, reaching 13 inches from the longer barrel and 18 inches from the shorter one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key performance metrics for Hornady Critical Defense .45 ACP +P 185-grain ammunition?

In ballistic gel tests, this ammunition achieved average velocities of 1086 ft/s from a 5-inch barrel and 1025 ft/s from a 3.8-inch barrel. It demonstrated significant expansion and penetration, with the projectile from the 5-inch barrel reaching 13 inches and the one from the 3.8-inch barrel reaching 18 inches.

Is Hornady Critical Defense .45 ACP +P ammunition readily available?

The instructor noted that this specific +P load was not listed on Hornady's official website at the time of the video and had no reviews on retail sites, suggesting it is a very new product that may not be widely available yet.

How does the barrel length affect the performance of Hornady Critical Defense .45 ACP +P ammunition?

A longer barrel (5-inch 1911) resulted in higher muzzle velocity and slightly greater projectile expansion compared to a shorter barrel (3.8-inch Glock 30). However, the shorter barrel achieved deeper penetration in the ballistic gel.

What is the FTX projectile in Hornady Critical Defense ammunition?

The FTX (Flex Tip Expanding) projectile is a self-defense bullet featuring a polymer tip. This tip helps initiate expansion upon impact and prevents the hollow point from becoming clogged, ensuring reliable terminal performance.

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