Brownells - Hornady Critical Defense 2011 Product Overview

This expert-level guide, informed by a firearms instructor, details the shift away from traditional hollow points in 2025-2026 due to advancements in defensive ammunition. It covers Solid Copper Hollow Points, Fluted Solids, Tumble-on-Impact rounds, Bonded Jacketed Hollow Points, and Ballistic Tip ammunition, highlighting their performance characteristics, barrier penetration capabilities, and suitability for various firearm platforms and legal restrictions. The information emphasizes consistency, control, and versatility in critical situations.

Shortshot Tony demonstrates the effectiveness of .380 ACP hollow point ammunition for self-defense using a Springfield Armory Hellcat .380 and Clear Ballistics gel. The test shows that hollow points like Hornady Critical Defense and Federal HST expand reliably and achieve adequate penetration, unlike FMJ rounds which over-penetrate. The video concludes that .380 hollow points are a worthwhile investment for improved terminal ballistics in defensive scenarios.

This video tests whether thick clothing, specifically a Vertx hoodie, impedes the expansion of hollow-point ammunition. The test involved firing .380 ACP and 9mm rounds into ballistic gelatin through the layered fabric. The results indicate that thick clothing does not prevent hollow-point bullets from expanding effectively.

This video from SHOT Show 2025 features Liberty Ammunition, highlighting their performance-based, non-lead ammunition. Gary Ramy discusses the company's focus on creating lighter, faster, and more effective self-defense rounds. The segment includes extensive ballistic gel testing across various calibers, demonstrating superior penetration, expansion, and energy transfer compared to conventional ammunition, with a particular emphasis on stopping threats effectively.

This video provides an expert-level ballistic gel test of Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special +P 110gr FTX ammunition, conducted by an experienced firearms instructor. The test details muzzle velocity measurements from 2-inch and 3-inch revolvers, projectile expansion, and penetration depths through a heavy clothing barrier and ballistic gel. The instructor offers insights into the ammunition's performance and suitability for self-defense scenarios.

This video conducts a ballistic gel test comparing Hornady Critical Defense .38 Special (110gr FTX) and .32 H&R Magnum (80gr FTX) ammunition fired from short-barreled revolvers. The .38 Special demonstrated superior expansion and energy transfer, achieving 14 inches of penetration with significant expansion. The .32 H&R Magnum, despite higher muzzle velocity from the 2-inch barrel (965 FPS vs. 900 FPS for .38 Spl), exhibited minimal expansion and relied on tumbling for its 16 inches of penetration, with only slight flaring observed on the projectile.

This guide details the installation of a Geissele MK8 Super Modular Rail on an AR-15 platform. It covers securing the upper receiver, installing the barrel nut, gas system, and the rail itself, emphasizing the use of specialized tools and proper torque specifications. The process requires an intermediate skill level and careful attention to detail for a secure and functional build.

This guide, based on expert instruction from Brownells, details essential practices for proper ammunition storage. It emphasizes using airtight containers, managing humidity with desiccants, and maintaining stable temperatures to ensure ammunition reliability and safety. Proper storage is crucial for preventing corrosion and propellant degradation, especially for sensitive components like primers.

This guide details the process of upgrading an AR-15 from standard A2 furniture to Magpul components. It covers the removal of the A2 pistol grip and installation of the Magpul MIAD Grip and Magpul PRS Stock. The video demonstrates efficient assembly using specialized tools, highlighting the ergonomic benefits and adjustability of the Magpul parts. Instruction is provided by Brownells, a recognized industry authority.

This entry details the creation of a movie prop suppressor for a Remington 11-87 used in 'No Country for Old Men.' Prop master Larry Zanoff explains how the suppressor was designed to look homemade and was non-functional, with sound effects added in post-production. The process highlights the creative problem-solving involved in film armory.