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38 Special - 90 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense Lite - 25 Rounds

38 Special - 90 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense Lite - 25 Rounds

Name: 38 Special - 90 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense Lite - 25 Rounds
Brand: Hornady
Price: 35 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.6 (4 reviews)

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Overview

Quantity - 25 rounds per box
Manufacturer - Hornady
Bullets - 90 grain Flex Tip (FTX)
Casings - Nickel-plated Boxer-primed brass

Manufacturer	Hornady
Condition	New
Bullet Weight	90 Grain
Bullet Type	Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP)
Ammo Casing	Nickel-Plated Brass
Quantity	25
Ammo Caliber	.38 Special
Manufacturer SKU	90300
Primer Type	Boxer
Muzzle Velocity (fps)	1200
Muzzle Energy (ft lbs)	288
Attracts Magnet	No
UPC Barcode	090255903003

Use Type

Self Defense

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One of the newest products from Hornady, the 38 Special 90 grain FTX Critical Defense round is now available in a reduced recoil version. Great for use in short or light handguns to help keep your sights on target.

Hornady Critical Defense ammunition is loaded with Hornady's patented Flex Tip bullet. Unlike most hollow point bullets, the Flex Tip bullet features a soft polymer insert that allows for consistent and reliable expansion. Each bullet is custom designed for individual loads and loaded in nickel plated cases to help prevent corrosion.

This ammunition is designed by Hornady to expand every single time. This ammunition is new production, non-corrosive, in boxer primed, reloadable nickel-plated brass cases.

Ballistic Gel Test

Ballistic gel test for 38 Special - 90 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense Lite - 25 Rounds

Image showing Hornady .38 Special 90 Grain rounds fired into ballistic gel

Ballistics Test Summary

In order to find out how different self-defense handgun loads perform, we decided to do some ballistics gelatin testing of our own. The chart below is a compilation of expansion and penetration data for Hornady 90 gr Critical Defense Lite fired from 10 feet, through four layers of fabric (to simulate clothing), using a Kimber K6s pistol.

The photo slider provides a close-up view of the bullets we recovered from the gelatin, and the video shows this load entering the gel in extreme slow motion.

The diagrams at the bottom of the page can give you an idea of how this load compares to other .38 Special self-defense loads that we tested.

We did a lot more of this ballistic gelatin testing, including over 100 different loads in a variety of calibers, so check out Lucky Gunner Labs for all the details.

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			Median
38 Special - 90 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense Lite - 25 Rounds
Bullet Depth (in.)	10.5	10.7	11.6	12.9	13.5
Expanded Diameter (in.)	0.43	0.43	0.43	0.44	0.44
Bullet Weight after shot (gr.)	89	89	90	90	90
Bullet Velocity (fps)	873	890	896	910	912

How do the results for this Hornady .38 Special compare to other Hornady Ammo?

Ballistic gel test for 38 Special - 90 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense Lite - 25 Rounds

Ballistics Test Summary

The photo slider provides a close-up view of the bullets we recovered from the gelatin, and the video shows this load entering the gel in extreme slow motion.

The diagrams at the bottom of the page can give you an idea of how this load compares to other .38 Special self-defense loads that we tested.

We did a lot more of this ballistic gelatin testing, including over 100 different loads in a variety of calibers, so check out Lucky Gunner Labs for all the details.

Go to previous image Go to next image

			Median
38 Special - 90 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense Lite - 25 Rounds
Bullet Depth (in.)	10.6	10.7	10.7	10.8	11
Expanded Diameter (in.)	0.43	0.44	0.44	0.45	0.45
Bullet Weight after shot (gr.)	89	90	90	90	90
Bullet Velocity (fps)	962	966	968	990	992

How do the results for this Hornady .38 Special compare to other Hornady Ammo?

Learn more about our ballistics gel test on LuckyGunner.com LabsBrowse through over 70 Revolver Ballistics Tests

Questions & Answers

Ask a Question Our customer service team has published this Q&A information as a free service to the shooting community. Please note that LuckyGunner.com expressly disclaims any and all liability with regard to how the shooting community might use this Q&A information. See Terms of Use for more details.

Q: Will this ammo have to much pressure for my Rossi 357 magnum with a two inch barrel?

Posted On: 6/25/2014 By: John C

A: Hello John, No, these 90gr. FTX rounds by Hornady in .38 Special have a lower chamber pressure than a .357 Magnum round. They are safe to shoot in your .357 Magnum revolver.

Q: Hi - I'm interested in you Horandy "Flex-tip" ammo for my S&W .38 police special model 10 w/6" barrel. However in looking at the close up photo, I see they are stamped +P on the case. Is my revolver capable of safely firing this extra pressure ammo? Thanks for any info you can provide.

Posted On: 7/5/2013 By: Gary

A: You will find that modern 38 revolvers will be sold as either a 38 Special or 38 Special +P. Shooting +P ammo in a non +P rated firearm is usually discouraged by the manufacturer of the pistol and may void any warranty in place. However, most modern firearms in good working condition will be able to tolerate a +P pressure ammo in limited quantities. This should not be practiced on a regular basis, though some shooters will usually fire a few rounds to verify function, saving the remaining rounds for a carry application.

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38 Special - 90 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense Lite - 25 Rounds

Overview

Ballistic gel test for 38 Special - 90 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense Lite - 25 Rounds

Ballistics Test Summary

How do the results for this Hornady .38 Special compare to other Hornady Ammo?

Ballistic gel test for 38 Special - 90 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense Lite - 25 Rounds

Ballistics Test Summary

How do the results for this Hornady .38 Special compare to other Hornady Ammo?

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38 Special - 90 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense Lite - 25 Rounds

Overview

Ballistic gel test for 38 Special - 90 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense Lite - 25 Rounds

Ballistics Test Summary

How do the results for this Hornady .38 Special compare to other Hornady Ammo?

Ballistic gel test for 38 Special - 90 Grain FTX - Hornady Critical Defense Lite - 25 Rounds

Ballistics Test Summary

How do the results for this Hornady .38 Special compare to other Hornady Ammo?

Customer Reviews

The most helpful favorable review

The most helpful critical review

Write Your Own Reviews

Questions & Answers

Facebook Comments

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