HRNDY CD 22WMR 45GR FTX 50/2000

Description

Hornady’s Critical Defense line was built around a specific problem: expanding hollow points frequently fail to open when they have to push through heavy clothing, denim, or other material before reaching tissue. The FTX bullet addresses this with a soft polymer tip seated in the hollow cavity. On impact, the tip is driven rearward into the bullet, initiating expansion even when the nose would otherwise get plugged with fabric or debris. The result is more consistent terminal performance across the range of real-world conditions a defensive round might encounter.

The .22 WMR chambering makes this load well suited to compact revolvers and small semi-automatic pistols commonly chosen for deep concealment. These platforms give up velocity compared to a full-size handgun, so consistent bullet expansion at reduced speeds matters more here than in many other defensive contexts. At 45 grains, the projectile sits on the lighter end for the cartridge, which helps the FTX design achieve reliable expansion without requiring the higher velocity floors that heavier expanding bullets sometimes demand.

Each box contains 50 rounds. Hornady loads this ammunition to a muzzle velocity of 1,700 feet per second, giving the round enough energy to drive reliable expansion while keeping recoil manageable in small, lightweight handguns. For anyone carrying a .22 WMR pistol or revolver as a primary or backup defensive option, this is a more considered choice than standard ball or conventional hollow point loads that were never optimized for the clothing-plug problem.