July 17th, 2023
12:44 runtime
The concealed carry world has changed dramatically in the past few years.
Pistols have gotten smaller, and ammunition capacity has increased.
Red dots are now not only considered an option, but a necessity by many.
The Hellcat withSMSc red dotmakes for a great CCW option. But how does Hornady’s Critical Defense 9mm ammo perform out of its compact 3” barrel?
But they might easily overlook an equally important choice your carry gun ammunition.
Ammunition is something that many new users are grossly misinformed about, especially high-end premium ammunition.
I have always been very curious about premium ammunition and have learned they are not all made the same.
Packed 25 rounds to a box, Hornady’s Critical Defense 9mm 115-gr. FTX is a highly respected defensive round.
With micro-compact pistols, you should look for consistent velocity, accuracy and penetration performance.
With their shorter barrels, wringing out the most performance from your ammo is a must.
Selecting The Host
My first choice was to pick the right pistol for this test.
The author found that the addition of the Shield SMSc red dot to the Hellcat OSP improved his accuracy with the micro 9mm.
Both are great performers, the only difference being the slightly larger size of the Pro.
There is also the option of anextended 15-round magazine.
The Hellcat Pro has a 3.7 barrel with a longer grip that holds a flush-fitting 15 round magazine.
The author’s gelatin testing of the 115-gr. Critical Defense load showed consistent and impressive penetration and expansion.
I wanted to see how well premium ammunition would perform in a pistol with a shorter barrel like this.
ammunition featuring their FTX projectile.
This ammunition has a well-documented history of accuracy, reliability and outstanding overall performance.
The author’s gel testing garnered results right on track with what Hornady shows in its own testing of the 115-gr. FTX round. Image: Hornady
Another aspect of this test that I felt was important was related to the velocity of the load.
First, not all chronographs get the same results.
Other variables that can affect chronograph ratings are temperature, elevation, barometric pressure, humidity and lighting conditions.
The Springfield Armory Hellcat proved to be a perfect testing platform for the Hornady Critical Defense ammunition.
All those can affect the results in either a positive or negative manner.
My choice was C2 Tactical in Scottsdale, Arizona.
This is a solid aluminum rest with both great stability and adjustability.
I have always been a huge fan of standard chronographs.
You know, the ones with the sky screen sensors you shoot through to make it get your result.
But shooting indoors complicated things a bit.
This time, I went with something even more reliable and accurate, selecting the Labradar doppler chronograph.
It works in any lighting condition, making it ideal for use on an indoor range.
to make it test the reliability and penetration, I used Clear Ballistics Gel.
My first test was for bullet penetration.
This test is done at 10 feet from the muzzle.
I placed two 16 pieces of the gel back-to-back, just in case.
I could not have asked for any better performance from a 115-gr.
bullet fired from a short 3 barrel.
The permanent wound channels in the gel were also very impressive.
My second test was for bullet velocity with the Labradar.
My final test with this combination was for accuracy at 10 yards.
I kept shooting and by the time I was out of ammo my groups had gotten better and better.
My best group of the day was right around 1, maybe just a bit less.
Once I got the Hellcat with the Shield SMSc, it became a game changer.
With a pistol-mounted optic, I was able to achieve groups I couldnt achieve with simple iron sights.
Now, for the ammo pistol combination.
The Hornady Critical Defense is accurate, reliable and consistent.
The penetration was impressive for a 3 barrel, and expansion was outstanding.
In my opinion, this combination is a must for anyone looking for an optimal concealed carry rig.
Add in a good holster, and youre ready to go!
Go to forum thread
Hornady9mm Luger 115 gr.
FTX Critical Defense
Hellcat3" OSPTM w/ Shield SMSc
C2 Tactical
RansomMulti Cal.
Steady Rest
Labradar
Clear BallisticsBallistic Gel
