Hornady Critical Defense 5.7×28 40 Grain FTX – 25 Rounds

Hornady Critical Defense 5.7 ammo is built for personal defense. It loads a 40 grain FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) bullet at about 1,800 fps and 288 ft-lb from a 4.8-inch test barrel. The flexible tip helps the bullet expand and keeps the cavity from clogging. Cases are nickel-plated brass with non-corrosive Boxer primers. Each box holds 25 rounds. It suits 5.7 pistol owners who want a dedicated carry load.

5.7×28 Defense Load Specifications

• Caliber: 5.7x28mm
• Bullet weight: 40 grain
• Bullet type: FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding)
• Muzzle velocity: 1,800 fps
• Muzzle energy: 288 ft-lb
• Quantity: 25-round box
• Case: Nickel-plated brass
• Primer: Boxer
• Test barrel: 4.8 in.
• Corrosive: No
• Price per round: about $1.24

Best Uses

This is a carry and home defense load. Buy two boxes: one to test in your pistol and one to carry. Run at least a full magazine or two to confirm feeding and point of impact before you trust it. The 25-round box keeps cost down while you test. Practice with cheaper FMJ, then carry Hornady Critical Defense 5.7 in the gun. Swap your carry rounds out every so often and shoot the old ones. Check local laws on hollow point ammo.

Compare it with the Speer Gold Dot 5.7 40 grain, or read our 5.7×28 ballistic gel test data.

Why Buy From Black Ammo Defense

Black Ammo Defense is an licensed firearms licensed dealer, and we ship Hornady Critical Defense 5.7 and the rest of our 5.7×28 ammo lineup from Hays, Kansas.

FAQ

Is 5.7×28 good for self defense?
Many owners carry 5.7×28 for its low recoil and high capacity. A load made for defense, like this FTX, gives the best chance of reliable expansion.

What is an FTX bullet?
FTX stands for Flex Tip eXpanding. The soft polymer tip fills the hollow point so it does not clog, then pushes in to start expansion.

Is 5.7×28 better than 9mm?
Each has trade-offs. 5.7×28 has less recoil and more rounds per magazine. 9mm uses heavier bullets and costs less. Pick the one you shoot best.

Can you buy 5.7 ammo at 18?
Federal law sets 21 as the minimum age to buy handgun ammunition from a dealer, and 5.7×28 is usually sold as handgun ammo. State rules can add more.

21+ only. Adult signature required on delivery. Check your state and local laws before ordering.

Related 5.7×28 ammo at Black Ammo Defense

• Fiocchi 5.7×28 Subsonic Combo Pack 40 and 62 Grain FMJ – 400 Rounds
• Fiocchi 5.7 Frangible 35 Grain Hyperformance – 50 Rounds
• SS195LF FN 5.7×28 27 Grain Lead-Free Hollow Point – 50 Rounds