Hornady Critical Defense .357 Mag 125gr FTX Ballistics
Nickel-Plated Brass Case • FTX • MPN: 90500
Hornady Critical Defense .357 Mag 125gr FTX Ballistics
Nickel-Plated Brass Case • FTX • MPN: 90500
Trajectory @ 25yd Zero
| Range | Velocity | Energy | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 1499 fps | 624 ft-lb | — |
| 5 yds | 1479 fps | 607 ft-lb | -0.3" |
| 10 yds | 1459 fps | 591 ft-lb | -0.2" |
| 15 yds | 1439 fps | 575 ft-lb | -0.1" |
| 20 yds | 1420 fps | 560 ft-lb | -0.0" |
| 25 yds ⊕ | 1401 fps | 545 ft-lb | -0.0" |
| 30 yds | 1382 fps | 530 ft-lb | -0.0" |
| 35 yds | 1364 fps | 517 ft-lb | -0.1" |
| 40 yds | 1346 fps | 503 ft-lb | -0.2" |
| 45 yds | 1329 fps | 490 ft-lb | -0.4" |
| 50 yds | 1312 fps | 477 ft-lb | -0.6" |
| 55 yds | 1295 fps | 465 ft-lb | -0.9" |
| 60 yds | 1278 fps | 454 ft-lb | -1.2" |
| 65 yds | 1262 fps | 442 ft-lb | -1.6" |
| 70 yds | 1247 fps | 431 ft-lb | -2.0" |
| 75 yds | 1232 fps | 421 ft-lb | -2.5" |
| 80 yds | 1217 fps | 411 ft-lb | -3.0" |
| 85 yds | 1203 fps | 401 ft-lb | -3.6" |
| 90 yds | 1189 fps | 392 ft-lb | -4.3" |
| 95 yds | 1175 fps | 383 ft-lb | -5.0" |
| 100 yds | 1163 fps | 375 ft-lb | -5.8" |
Product Overview
Hornady Critical Defense is built specifically for concealed carry revolvers. The 125gr FTX bullet has a red polymer tip that fills the hollow point cavity, which prevents clothing fibers from clogging the opening and stopping expansion. This is a real problem with traditional JHP bullets fired through heavy winter clothing. The FTX tip initiates expansion on contact and the bullet opens consistently regardless of what it passes through first. At 1,500 fps and 624 ft-lbs, this load delivers full .357 Mag energy.
The nickel-plated brass cases are a deliberate design choice for a carry round. Nickel plating resists corrosion from body sweat and humidity, so the rounds stay reliable through months of daily carry. The slick surface also feeds more smoothly during reloads under stress. For anyone who carries a .357 revolver year-round and may not swap out their ammo frequently, that corrosion resistance is a practical advantage over bare brass.
Critical Defense is optimized for short-barrel performance. Hornady tunes the powder charge to burn efficiently in barrels as short as 2 inches, which means less unburned powder, reduced muzzle flash, and more of the rated velocity actually reaching the target. Snubnose carriers who have tested other .357 loads and found them excessively loud and flashy should give this load a try. The combination of reliable expansion, corrosion-resistant cases, and short-barrel optimization makes it one of the most purpose-built carry options in .357 Mag.
- FTX polymer tip prevents clothing from clogging the hollow point cavity
- Nickel-plated brass resists corrosion during extended daily carry
- Powder charge is tuned for efficient burn in short-barrel revolvers
- Consistent expansion through heavy clothing barriers
- Higher price per round than standard JHP defensive loads
- 125gr bullet may not penetrate as deeply as heavier 158gr options
- Polymer tip adds cost without a major advantage over bare JHP in bare gelatin
All Hornady Critical Defense .357 Mag 125gr FTX Prices
| DEALER | QTY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL | PRICE/RD |
|---|
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