Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX - Kahr Tests

[Old No7]

< Also posted over the Ammo section >

As a follow-up to my recent post about getting "Great Service" from Kahr for the new-to-me P40 Covert that needed a new set of Night Sights, I figured I would post some recent bullet tests I have done with my Kahrs...

I used to carry the PM9, and then sold it off to my daughter's boyfriend because he really wanted a "carry 9mm" as a companion gun to his Beretta 92 (and that helps keep her safe). So then I got the l'il P380, which has been 100% reliable since day 1, and very easy to conceal.

Well, they say a picture says a 1,000 words, and I think it's true in this case...


After viewing this pix of the Hornady FTX "Critical Defense" loads as fired from all 3 of the above Kahrs into water jugs -- I think I'll be selling the P380 and carrying only the P40 Covert.

Seeing that LARGE 40-cal thumper on the right makes me want to say: "What's in your holster?" (A take-off on that credit card commercial...)

By the way... If you shoot too close to the water jugs, you will get wet! (Been there, done that...)

Tight groups!

Old No7

[HDoc]

Absolutely. If I'm attacked by an angry mob of water jugs, I want to know with certainty that my CC will take them down.

[deanp1964]

gives new meaning to the term "stillwater"

[MO_Soldier]

< Also posted over the Ammo section >

After viewing this pix of the Hornady FTX "Critical Defense" loads as fired from all 3 of the above Kahrs into water jugs -- I think I'll be selling the P380 and carrying only the P40 Covert.

Seeing that LARGE 40-cal thumper on the right makes me want to say: "What's in your holster?" (A take-off on that credit card commercial...)

Old No7

Shot placement, Shot Placement, Shot placement!
The ONLY one shot drop is a head shot, and then it doesn't matter if it's a .22 or 45 ACP

[Bawanna]

That little bitty guy on the left looks like it would still leave a mark.

Is there any sure fire way to tell if a water jug is angry or not?

I got a muskrat over at a lake we go to while sitting on the dock that they try to build nest and rot out in which is why I shot it in the first place.
Gold Dot 230 Hollow Point. At about 3 yards. Good angle so deflection or skip wasn't an issue and no buildings or boats in the path if it did. Oh it was 3 in the morning too so that helped.
Anyhow it was like somebody threw a 5 gallon bucket of water on me. I was literally drown from that little ole HP bullet splash.
Incidently I missed the muskrat too, I was ashamed of myself. Apparently the water created a dillusion or perhaps I'm just a lazy shot.

Nice pictures Old No 7. Thanks for your efforts.

[Knight92]

How would this work versus heavy winter clothing? I have been carrying this ammo for the 9mm and thinking about the 147 grain TAP for winter since it is fast approaching?

[MO_Soldier]

How would this work versus heavy winter clothing? I have been carrying this ammo for the 9mm and thinking about the 147 grain TAP for winter since it is fast approaching?

I carry this ammo as well, and precisely because it IS tested on heavy/thick clothing vs many other hollow points. It's claim is reliable expansion even through clothing.
However, I'm not familiar with their TAP ballistics. What differences have you found?

[MO_Soldier]

Just came across this from Hornady as well. I like the sound of the 135 +P for winter!

http://www.hornady.com/store/Critical-DUTY-New

I've always liked the idea of Hornady ammo. Their bullets seem to be cutting edge and they're always evolving which is why they appeal to me.
Now it seems that they have 3 self defense ammos out now though and I'm a little confused on the critical differences between them all.

Of course they want to endorse them all, so they won't put 1 or another down, but do you guys have any preferences or knowledge in favor of 1 of their rounds. Either:
Critical Defense
TAP
or Critical Duty?

[MO_Soldier]

Also, don't forget Hornady for all of your zombie-slaying needs. They seem VERY serious about ONLY using these on zombies on the disclosure on their site...I'm not sure how seriously to take this...help me out lol

http://www.hornady.com/store/Zombie-Max-new

[Bill K]

Winter carry for my .380 is now Hornady CD. In the past I'd switch from HP to 100 grain hard cast flat nose come winter and heavier clothing.

[Knight92]

I don't have the ability to try any penetration tests. I have only gleaned the information I have read on this and other forums about 9mm weights and most seem inclined to believe the 115 grain is not heavy enough to penetrate heavy winter clothing. Is this belief based on old beliefs of the 9mm or still showing some of the bias against the bullet?

Sorry to Old No7, I did not mean to hijack the thread and was only seeking information from somebody which seems to have a personal basis for the information on the Critical Defense round.

[OldLincoln]

If you can't find that Hornady round, consider the Federal HST +P 147gn. It always scores very well for penetration though clothing and big expansion.