Hornady Critical Defense 9mm Luger 115gr FTX Ammo Ballistics
Nickel-Plated Brass Case • FTX • MPN: 90250
Hornady Critical Defense 9mm Luger 115gr FTX Ammo Ballistics
Nickel-Plated Brass Case • FTX • MPN: 90250
Trajectory @ 25yd Zero
| Range | Velocity | Energy | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 1135 fps | 329 ft-lb | — |
| 5 yds | 1121 fps | 321 ft-lb | -0.3" |
| 10 yds | 1108 fps | 313 ft-lb | -0.1" |
| 15 yds | 1096 fps | 307 ft-lb | +0.0" |
| 20 yds | 1084 fps | 300 ft-lb | +0.0" |
| 25 yds ⊕ | 1073 fps | 294 ft-lb | +0.0" |
| 30 yds | 1063 fps | 288 ft-lb | -0.1" |
| 35 yds | 1052 fps | 283 ft-lb | -0.3" |
| 40 yds | 1043 fps | 277 ft-lb | -0.6" |
| 45 yds | 1033 fps | 272 ft-lb | -1.0" |
| 50 yds | 1024 fps | 268 ft-lb | -1.4" |
| 55 yds | 1015 fps | 263 ft-lb | -1.9" |
| 60 yds | 1007 fps | 259 ft-lb | -2.5" |
| 65 yds | 999 fps | 255 ft-lb | -3.2" |
| 70 yds | 991 fps | 251 ft-lb | -4.0" |
| 75 yds | 983 fps | 247 ft-lb | -4.8" |
| 80 yds | 976 fps | 243 ft-lb | -5.8" |
| 85 yds | 969 fps | 239 ft-lb | -6.8" |
| 90 yds | 962 fps | 236 ft-lb | -8.0" |
| 95 yds | 955 fps | 233 ft-lb | -9.2" |
| 100 yds | 948 fps | 229 ft-lb | -10.5" |
Product Overview
Hornady's Critical Defense loads a 115-grain FTX bullet at 1135 fps for 332 ft-lbs of energy. The FTX uses a red polymer tip inserted into the hollow point cavity. That tip does two things: it prevents fabric and debris from clogging the cavity before impact, and it drives expansion when the bullet hits soft tissue. Plugged hollow points act like ball ammo. The FTX design prevents that failure.
Hornady built this load specifically for concealed carry pistols with shorter barrels. The propellant is optimized to burn completely in barrels as short as 3 inches, so you get consistent velocity whether you're shooting from a full-size duty gun or a pocket pistol. The nickel-plated cases feed smoothly and let you do a quick chamber check by feel in the dark. Low-flash powder reduces the chance of temporary blindness if you fire in a dark room.
This load is designed for everyday concealed carry. The 115-grain weight produces the least recoil of any common defensive 9mm option, which makes it a good fit for shooters who are recoil-sensitive or carry very small pistols. If you carry a Ruger LCP MAX, SIG P365, or similar micro-compact, the lighter bullet weight reduces the sharp snap that heavier defensive loads produce in those guns.
- Polymer tip prevents clothing and debris from clogging the hollow point cavity, which is the most common failure mode for defensive JHP ammo
- Propellant is optimized for short barrels down to 3 inches, producing consistent velocity in subcompact carry guns
- Low-flash powder reduces muzzle flash in low-light defensive situations
- The 115-grain weight produces less recoil than 124gr or 147gr defensive loads in lightweight carry pistols
- 332 ft-lbs of energy is lower than the 364 ft-lbs produced by 124gr options like the Federal HST or Speer Gold Dot
- The FTX bullet is not bonded, so it may shed weight on heavy bone impacts compared to bonded designs like the Gold Dot
- The lighter 115-grain bullet penetrates less deeply than 124gr or 147gr loads, which can matter through intermediate barriers
All Hornady Critical Defense 9mm Luger 115gr FTX Ammo Prices
| DEALER | QTY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Basin Outdoors | 500 | $479.00 | $0.00 | $479.00 | $0.96 |
| Sentry Ammo | 500 | $481.43 | $17.99 | $499.42 | $1.00 |
| Black Basin Outdoors | 250 | $256.39 | $0.00 | $256.39 | $1.03 |
| Sentry Ammo | 250 | $248.44 | $13.99 | $262.43 | $1.05 |
| Lucky Gunner | 250 | $264.00 | $19.47 | $283.47 | $1.13 |
Firearms Chambered in 9mm Luger
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