A proper review of Hornady Critical Defense 9mm ammo should detail the components that improve the ammunition’s performance in modern handguns. While Critical Defense ammunition is available in several major calibers, the 9mm Luger round is one of the most popular handgun rounds for home defense and concealed carry. However, it can cause more damage to inelastic organs, such as the liver and kidneys. In relatively low-velocity handgun bullets, this wounding mechanism doesn’t cause as much damage to elastic skin, muscle, and lung tissue. As the bullet expands, it transfers more kinetic energy to the target, increasing the volume of the temporary wound cavity. Expansionīullet expansion increases the effective diameter and frontal surface area of the bullet, causes more tissue disruption and controls penetration. Well-known gun writer and firearms instructor Massad Ayoob has recalled incidents where bullets have passed through their intended target and caused injury to bystanders. Ideally, your bullets will remain inside your intended target. Eighteen inches is considered the maximum in this standard - there are no benefits to additional penetration.Īt the same time, you need to minimize excessive penetration. Fifteen inches is considered optimal, as this accounts for possible obstructions and differences in angle of attack.įor example, your bullet remains adequately penetrative even if it has to pass through the raised forearm or biceps muscle of your assailant. Sufficient may be debatable, but the FBI’s standard is a minimum of 12” in 10% calibrated ordnance gelatin. This allows the bullet to indirectly disrupt the central nervous system due to blood pressure or blood volume loss.

For a JHP bullet to be effective against a determined human aggressor, it must achieve sufficient penetration to reach and damage vital organs and major blood vessels. The most important criterion regarding terminal performance is penetration. However, if this persists with JHP ammo, consider an alternative. If a cartridge load does not cycle reliably in your weapon, you shouldn’t depend on it to save your life.ĭuring the break-in period for a new handgun, it’s not uncommon to experience a few stoppages in the first 100-200 rounds of FMJ. The priority when selecting ammo for your home-defense handgun or CCW (concealed-carry weapon) is functional reliability. When you’re selecting ammunition for personal defense, there are several criteria you need to consider. Traditionally associated with a centerfire rifle, rimfire rifle, and shotgun ammunition, the company introduced Critical Defense for those who own centerfire handguns for home defense and concealed carry. Hornady is a well-known name in the firearms industry, producing high-quality ammunition and cartridge components in a wide range of calibers.

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