SKU: H80260
UPC: 90255802603
Hornady Critical Defense Rifle 223 Remington 73gr FTX ammunition delivers purpose-built performance for defensive rifle applications. The patented Flex Tip design addresses a critical vulnerability in standard hollow-point bullets: nose cavity clogging when passing through heavy clothing. This innovative engineering ensures consistent expansion even at the lower velocities encountered in short-range defensive situations where intermediate rifle rounds are employed.
Each box contains 20 rounds loaded to 2,790 feet per second, a velocity optimized for reliable expansion from the 223 Remington cartridge in typical home-defense and close-quarters scenarios. The 73-grain FTX projectile represents a balanced choice for 223 rifles, offering manageable recoil while maintaining sufficient mass for consistent terminal performance. The combination of velocity and bullet design ensures expansion initiates at practical defensive ranges where velocity drops, differentiating Critical Defense from general-purpose ammunition designed for longer-range applications.
This ammunition serves law enforcement personnel, armed citizens, and tactical operators who prioritize bullet construction specifically engineered for short-range rifle defense. The Flex Tip's ability to function reliably through intermediate barriers—standard drywall, light body armor inserts, or heavy winter clothing—makes this load practical for home-defense situations where barrier performance matters. Hornady Critical Defense Rifle ammunition is purpose-designed for shooters who understand that defensive ammunition requires different engineering than range or hunting loads.
WARNING ⚠️ You must be 18 or older to purchase shotgun or rifle ammunition and 21 or older to purchase handgun ammunition and firearms. Please reference our requirements for ammunition orders to "restricted" states HERE. Always make sure you use the correct ammunition for your firearms. Ammo cannot be shipped to a PO Box. Please reference state & local laws before making a firearm or ammunition purchase.