The 20 rounds in each box of the Hornady Critical Defense .44 Special 165gr FTX Ammunition (Hornady part no. 90700) are .44 Special rounds loaded with a 165-grain FTX bullet. The bullet comes from Hornady, whose patented Flex Tip technology is meant to expand reliably and resist clogging when fired through heavy clothing. Hornady publishes 900 fps and 297 ft-lb at the muzzle from a 2.5-inch test barrel. The 100-yard numbers are 802 fps and 235 ft-lb. Premium low flash propellants are meant to keep the muzzle blast from disrupting your vision, a design aim Hornady states for the whole line.

Key Specifications

• Hornady lists the cartridge as .44 Special, the designation to match against your firearm.
• A 165-grain projectile is used, the weight printed on Hornady’s page for this load.
• The bullet is an FTX bullet with a patented Flex Tip, built to expand reliably and resist clogging through heavy clothing.
• Muzzle velocity is 900 fps from a 2.5-inch test barrel, the figure to compare against your own barrel length.
• Energy at the muzzle is listed at 297 ft-lb, which pairs with the velocity above.
• Velocity at 100 yards is 802 fps, showing how much speed the bullet holds downrange.
• Energy at 100 yards is 235 ft-lb, the downrange counterpart to the muzzle figure.
• The propellant is premium low flash, which Hornady says will not disrupt your vision.
• Each box holds 20 rounds, the quantity you receive with this listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What velocity does Hornady publish for this load? Hornady lists 900 fps at the muzzle and 802 fps at 100 yards, measured from a 2.5-inch test barrel.

How many rounds are in the box? Each box holds 20 rounds of .44 Special ammunition.

What bullet does the .44 Special 165gr load use? It uses a 165-grain FTX bullet. Hornady says the patented Flex Tip expands reliably and resists clogging when fired through heavy clothing.

Buy the Hornady Critical Defense .44 Special 165gr FTX Ammunition

Pick the load that matches your firearm and your carry setup, then run a few boxes through it before you rely on it. Our Lubbock, Texas gun shop ships it fast and insured, with more handgun ammunition on the same page.