At 1,010 fps with a 110-grain FTX, the standard-pressure Critical Defense makes 249 ft-lbs at the muzzle. The FTX is a hollow point with a polymer tip set in the cavity, built for defensive use. Power factor is 111, above the 105 IDPA stock-revolver floor. Drop from a 25-yard zero is 1.8 inches at 50 yards and 13.0 at 100. Recoil energy in the same revolver is the same as the Speer Gold Dot 125-grain standard-pressure load and about 6 percent less than the American Gunner 125-grain XTP.

The 110-grain runs 145 fps faster than the Gold Dot standard and 110 fps faster than the American Gunner, and it carries 41 and 24 ft-lbs more at the muzzle. Against the two +P 125-grain loads, the CCI Blazer +P and the Gold Dot +P, it gives up nothing on muzzle energy and produces about 13 percent less recoil energy. At 50 yards it holds 215 ft-lbs against 188 for the Gold Dot standard, 203 for the American Gunner and 219 for the Blazer +P. The Critical Defense +P 110-grain is the same bullet 80 fps faster with 41 ft-lbs more at the muzzle and about 14 percent more recoil. Drop at 50 yards spans 1.5 to 2.6 inches across the six loads, nothing that changes a hold.

This is the load for a revolver that is not rated for +P, or for a shooter who wants +P-level muzzle energy from a standard-pressure case. It also suits anyone who practices with the Speer Lawman 125-grain TMJ, whose recoil energy is within 1 percent of this load in the same revolver, so ball practice feels like the carry round. If your .38 Special revolver is rated for +P and you want more downrange, the Critical Defense +P 110-grain holds 210 ft-lbs at 100 yards to this load's 190. Shooters who prefer a heavy bullet should look at Hornady's 158-grain XTP: its power factor of 126 clears the 120 USPSA revolver-minor floor, at about 41 percent more recoil energy.