Did This AMMO Change My Mind?...NEW! Hornady Critical Defense 5.7x28 Self-Defense Ammo Test!

Published on June 8, 2024
Duration: 13:32

This guide details a comprehensive ballistic test of Hornady Critical Defense 5.7x28mm 40gr FTX ammunition, conducted by an experienced instructor. The test involves firing the ammunition from both a PSA Rock 5.7 pistol and a PS90 rifle into ballistic gel, with detailed measurements of velocity, penetration, expansion, and retained weight. The instructor provides an expert analysis of the results, comparing performance across different platforms and offering insights into the ammunition's effectiveness for self-defense.

Quick Summary

Expert ballistic testing of Hornady Critical Defense 5.7x28mm 40gr FTX ammunition revealed significant performance differences between pistol and rifle platforms. From a PSA Rock 5.7 pistol, it averaged 1827 fps and penetrated 15.25 inches in gel. From a PS90 rifle, velocities increased to 2310 fps with greater expansion but less penetration (11.25 inches).

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Test Setup
  2. 00:30Ammunition Introduction
  3. 01:46Firearms Used for Testing
  4. 02:25PSA Rock 5.7 Velocity Test
  5. 04:06PSA Rock 5.7 Velocity Results
  6. 04:28PS90 Velocity Test
  7. 05:02PS90 Velocity Results
  8. 05:46Gel Test - PSA Rock 5.7
  9. 06:17Gel Test - PS90
  10. 06:54Gel Block Analysis
  11. 09:27Expanded Projectile Analysis
  12. 10:07Retained Weight and Diameter
  13. 11:44Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Hornady Critical Defense 5.7x28mm perform from a pistol versus a rifle?

From a PSA Rock 5.7 pistol (4.7" barrel), the ammo averaged 1827 fps and 296 ft-lb energy, penetrating 15.25" in gel. From a PS90 rifle (16" barrel), it averaged 2310 fps and 474 ft-lb energy, penetrating 11.25" with greater expansion.

What were the key terminal ballistics results for Hornady Critical Defense 5.7x28mm?

The 40gr FTX projectile from the PSA Rock 5.7 penetrated 15.25 inches, expanded to 0.338-0.348 inches, and retained 35.4 grains. From the PS90, it penetrated 11.25 inches, expanded to 0.369-0.379 inches, and retained 34.0 grains.

Did the Hornady Critical Defense 5.7x28mm ammunition meet advertised velocities?

Yes, the ammunition exceeded advertised velocities. Hornady claims 1810 fps from a 4.8" barrel, but the test yielded an average of 1827 fps from the PSA Rock 5.7's 4.7" barrel, and significantly higher velocities from the PS90.

What is the FTX projectile design in 5.7x28mm ammunition?

The FTX (Full Titanium eXpansion) projectile features a polymer tip designed to initiate expansion upon impact. This design aids in controlled expansion and energy transfer, as observed in the ballistic gel tests with the Hornady Critical Defense 5.7x28mm rounds.

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