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Questions & Answers
Customer Reviews
Helpful Positive Review
Great Home Defense Ammo! by Michael Morelli, Verified Owner, December 16, 2023
The Hornady critical defense line is the best choice in my opinion for home defense ammo as it retains weight and does not over penetrate. The low flash powder and nickel plated cases are a plus. very reliable ammo I highly recommend!
1/1 found this helpful
Helpful Positive Review
I use this ammunition in both an AR & 223 rifle it’s great ammunition in both of the guns it’s great ammunition for hog hunting I haven’t had any bad experience with Hornady ammunition ever why buy any other ammunition
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Most Recent Reviews
I didn't do any ballistic testing on this, but it is the closest defensive round to my preferred 75g load for my AR. I keep this loaded in my defensive magazines.
Most Recent Reviews
Great ammo by Brian B, Verified Owner, September 21, 2025
Package was delivered very timely. No issues with packing / shipping. Performs flawlessly out of my modified firearm,
Most Recent Reviews
amazing ammo by Chris, Verified Owner, February 19, 2024
Ammo definitely packs a punch but is supper reliable will definitely be getting more!!!
Most Recent Reviews
Hornaby Critical Defense Ammunition by Brad Rudolph, Verified Owner, January 20, 2024
Highly recommend Hornaby ammunition based on its performance and consistency.
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Celebrate 223 Day with Hornady! Save 15% on Orders of $100 or More!

Hornady15Click to Copy Coupon Code
Eligible models will have a savings offer and the coupon code to use below. Add the item to your cart and enter coupon code for savings on that select model! Limited time only. Cannot be combined with other promotions or offers.
Number of Rounds:
20

Code: 0H-LAR-CDRA1-80260

MPN: 80260

UPC: 090255802603

List: $61.15Save 33%
$2.04/Round
$40.79

Product Info for Hornady Critical Defense .223 Remington 73 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition

The best ammunition for personal defense just got better with the addition of Critical Defense Rifle. Critical Defense is engineered to deliver the pinnacle of threat-stopping power.image

The FTX - at the forefront of Critical Defense - maximizes the potential of a hollow point bullet. Its patented Flex Tip aids expansion and eliminates clogging when passing through clothing. Nickel-plated cases increase visibility in low light situations. Low-flash propellants won't disrupt night vision and deliver consistent performance, every time.

Buy Hornady ammo to get bullets that are accurate, consistent, and always dependable.

WARNING: California`s Proposition 65

Specifications for Hornady Critical Defense .223 Remington 73 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition:

Manufacturer: Hornady
Caliber: .223 Remington
Number of Rounds: 20
Bullet Type: Spitzer
Bullet Weight: 73 grain
Cartridge Case Material: Brass
Muzzle Velocity: 2790 ft/s
Muzzle Energy: 1262 ft-lbs
Application: Self-Defense
Package Type: Box
Primer Style: Centerfire
Sectional Density: 0.208
G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.26

Features of Hornady Critical Defense .223 Remington 73 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition:

  • FTX Bullet Technology: Thanks to its patented Flex Tip, the FTX expands reliably while avoiding the clogging that can plague other hollow point bullets when passing through heavy clothing and other barriers.
  • Defense-Centered Design: Critical Defense ammunition was developed to provide the best performance for personal protection and is the ultimate choice for concealed carry firearms or self defense rifles. Bright nickel-plated cartridge cases ease chamber checks in reduced light, and low-flash propellants preserve night vision.
  • Dependable:Nickel-plated cases resist corrosion and optimized propellants burn quickly to reduce recoil and limit muzzle flash, making Critical Defense dependable in every situation.

Package Contents:

  • Hornady Critical Defense .223 Remington 73 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition

Hornady Critical Defense .223 Remington 73 Grain Flex Tip eXpanding Centerfire Rifle Ammunition Orderable Models

List of Orderable Models

  • Hornady Critical Defense .223 Remington 73 grain Flex Tip eXpanding Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammo, 20 Rounds, 80260 , MPN: 80260 , UPC: 090255802603 , Code: 0H-LAR-CDRA1-80260
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