Hornady Critical Defense .44 Special 165gr FTX Ammo Ballistics
Nickel-Plated Brass Case • FTX • MPN: 90700
Hornady Critical Defense .44 Special 165gr FTX Ammo Ballistics
Nickel-Plated Brass Case • FTX • MPN: 90700
Trajectory @ 25yd Zero
| Range | Velocity | Energy | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 900 fps | 296 ft-lb | — |
| 5 yds | 894 fps | 293 ft-lb | -0.2" |
| 10 yds | 888 fps | 289 ft-lb | +0.0" |
| 15 yds | 883 fps | 285 ft-lb | +0.1" |
| 20 yds | 877 fps | 282 ft-lb | +0.1" |
| 25 yds ⊕ | 872 fps | 278 ft-lb | +0.0" |
| 30 yds | 867 fps | 275 ft-lb | -0.2" |
| 35 yds | 862 fps | 272 ft-lb | -0.6" |
| 40 yds | 857 fps | 269 ft-lb | -1.1" |
| 45 yds | 852 fps | 266 ft-lb | -1.6" |
| 50 yds | 847 fps | 263 ft-lb | -2.4" |
| 55 yds | 842 fps | 260 ft-lb | -3.2" |
| 60 yds | 837 fps | 257 ft-lb | -4.1" |
| 65 yds | 833 fps | 254 ft-lb | -5.2" |
| 70 yds | 828 fps | 251 ft-lb | -6.4" |
| 75 yds | 823 fps | 248 ft-lb | -7.7" |
| 80 yds | 819 fps | 245 ft-lb | -9.2" |
| 85 yds | 814 fps | 243 ft-lb | -10.8" |
| 90 yds | 810 fps | 240 ft-lb | -12.5" |
| 95 yds | 806 fps | 238 ft-lb | -14.3" |
| 100 yds | 801 fps | 235 ft-lb | -16.3" |
Product Overview
The Hornady Critical Defense in .44 Special is built for concealed carry in revolvers. The 165gr FTX bullet uses a polymer tip that prevents hollow point clogging from clothing or debris. At 900 fps, it generates 297 ft-lbs of energy, which is enough for reliable stops without the heavy recoil of magnum loads.
This load works well in snub-nose revolvers like the Charter Arms Bulldog or S&W 696. The nickel-plated brass feeds smoothly and resists corrosion when carried daily. The moderate velocity keeps muzzle flash manageable in low-light situations where defensive shootings often happen.
Shooters who want .44 caliber stopping power without .44 Magnum punishment will appreciate this round. The FTX design expands consistently between 12-14 inches of penetration in gel tests. It is a practical choice for those who carry older .44 Special revolvers or prefer the reduced recoil for faster follow-up shots.
- FTX polymer tip prevents clogging through heavy clothing
- Nickel-plated brass resists corrosion during daily carry
- Moderate 900 fps velocity keeps recoil manageable in light revolvers
- Consistent expansion without over-penetration in gel testing
- Lower flash signature than magnum alternatives
- More expensive than standard practice ammo
- 165gr is lighter than traditional .44 Special bullet weights
- Limited availability compared to more common defensive calibers
- Lower energy than .44 Magnum if maximum stopping power is needed
All Hornady Critical Defense .44 Special 165gr FTX Ammo Prices
| DEALER | QTY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Basin Outdoors | 500 | $642.16 | $0.00 | $642.16 | $1.28 |
| Black Basin Outdoors | 200 | $276.60 | $0.00 | $276.60 | $1.38 |
| Black Basin Outdoors | 20 | $26.09 | $10.99 | $37.08 | $1.85 |
| Lucky Gunner | 20 | $30.00 | $18.43 | $48.43 | $2.42 |