You Asked For It! 73gr Critical Defense 16 Inch Gel Test

Published on June 14, 2019
Duration: 8:22

This video features an expert firearms instructor conducting a ballistic gelatin test of Hornady's 73-grain Critical Defense FTX ammunition fired from a 16-inch barrel. The test reveals significant expansion and fragmentation but a penetration depth of nearly 12 inches, which the instructor deems borderline for defensive use. He compares this performance to other superior Hornady offerings and recommends alternative 5.56mm loads for better defensive performance.

Quick Summary

The Hornady 73gr Critical Defense FTX, tested from a 16-inch barrel, showed significant expansion and fragmentation but penetrated to nearly 12 inches in ballistic gelatin. This depth is considered borderline for defensive use, leading the instructor to recommend superior alternatives like the 50gr TSX or 77gr TMK for better performance and margin of error.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction and Test Setup
  2. 00:52Barrel Length Rationale
  3. 01:46Ammunition Selection
  4. 02:43Gel Test Results
  5. 03:20Performance Comparison and Evaluation
  6. 04:19Projectile Observation
  7. 05:32Data Limitations and Speculation
  8. 05:46Defensive Use Assessment
  9. 06:16Alternative Hornady Ammunition
  10. 06:31Recommendation for Defensive Use
  11. 07:03Superior Ammunition Recommendations
  12. 07:36Audience Engagement and Disclaimer

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Hornady's 73gr Critical Defense FTX perform in a 16-inch barrel ballistic gel test?

In a 16-inch barrel test, the Hornady 73gr Critical Defense FTX exhibited significant expansion and fragmentation, penetrating approximately 11.875 inches into 10% ballistic gelatin. The speaker noted this penetration depth is borderline for optimal defensive use.

Is Hornady's 73gr Critical Defense FTX recommended for self-defense?

The speaker does not recommend the 73gr Critical Defense FTX for defensive use, suggesting that while it doesn't fail, superior performing 5.56mm/.223 Remington ammunition is available from Hornady and other manufacturers.

What are better ammunition alternatives to the 73gr FTX for defensive purposes?

For superior defensive performance in 5.56mm/.223 Remington, the speaker recommends loads such as the 50-grain TSX, 62-grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, and 77-grain TMK, citing their better balance of expansion and penetration.

Why is penetration depth important for defensive ammunition?

Adequate penetration depth, typically cited as 14-16 inches in ballistic gelatin, is crucial for defensive ammunition to ensure it can reach vital organs through clothing and barriers, providing a sufficient margin for error.

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