Description
Hornady Critical Defense .45 Colt 185 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) Ammo
Premier American-made .45 Colt personal defense ammunition engineered for reliable short-barrel performance and controlled terminal expansion. Hornady Critical Defense 185gr FTX combines corrosion-resistant nickel-plated brass cases, low-flash propellants, and patented Flex Tip technology to prevent clogging through heavy clothing.
Product Overview
Hornady Critical Defense .45 Colt (Long Colt) 185 grain ammo is designed in Grand Island, Nebraska, explicitly for personal defense and concealed carry applications. Unlike standard hollow point bullets that can plug with fabric and fail to expand, this load features Hornady’s patented FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) bullet, which utilizes an elastomer tip to force consistent expansion and maximum energy transfer upon impact.
At 920 fps, this lightweight 185-grain projectile generates 348 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, optimized for reliable penetration and manageable recoil in personal protection handguns—such as the Taurus Judge, Smith & Wesson Governor, and classic .45 Colt revolvers. Loaded in slick, nickel-plated brass casings with low-flash propellants, Critical Defense ensures smooth cylinder cycling and reduced night-vision disruption in low-light self-defense scenarios.
Technical Specifications
| Brand / Manufacturer | Hornady – Critical Defense |
| Manufacturer Part # | 92790 |
| Caliber | .45 Colt (.45 Long Colt / .45 LC) |
| Bullet Weight | 185 Grain |
| Bullet Type | Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 348 ft-lbs |
| Ballistic Coefficient (G1) | 0.140 |
| Casing Material | Nickel-Plated Brass |
| Primer Type | Boxer, Non-Corrosive |
| Primary Use | Personal Protection, Self-Defense, Home Defense |
| Rounds per Box | 20 |
Ballistic Performance Data
| Distance | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 920 | 348 |
| 50 Yards | 870 | 311 |
| 100 Yards | 826 | 280 |
Muzzle data measured from standard test revolvers (including Taurus Judge 3″ barrel tests). Velocity and energy figures from longer carbine barrels will vary.
Key Benefits
- Patented Flex Tip Technology: Soft polymer inset prevents the hollow point cavity from clogging with heavy clothing for reliable expansion.
- Nickel-Plated Brass Casings: Resists corrosion and enhances feeding visibility and low-light inspection.
- Low-Flash Propellants: Specially formulated powders minimize muzzle flash to protect night vision in defensive encounters.
- Optimized Recoil Control: 185-grain bullet weight maintains effective terminal performance with manageable recoil in compact defense handguns.
Compatibility & Usage Notes
This ammunition is intended for firearms chambered in .45 Colt / .45 Long Colt that are in good working condition. It is safe and ideal for use in dual-caliber revolvers such as the Taurus Judge or S&W Governor, as well as classic single/double-action .45 Colt handguns. Always check your firearm’s caliber rollmark before loading. Store ammunition in a cool, dry place away from children and unauthorized users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hornady Critical Defense .45 Colt suitable for the Taurus Judge?
Yes. This load is specifically engineered to perform exceptional terminal expansion when fired from short-barrel defensive revolvers like the Taurus Judge and S&W Governor.
What is the advantage of the FTX bullet over standard JHP?
Standard Jacketed Hollow Points can fail to expand if clogged by clothing fibers. The Flex Tip (FTX) resists clogging, allowing uniform, rapid expansion and maximum energy transfer every time.
Is Hornady Critical Defense brass reloadable?
Yes. The nickel-plated brass cases feature non-corrosive Boxer primers and are fully reloadable. Inspect cases for splits or wear prior to re-priming.
