Can anyone tell me....

[RaiderMike619]

Anything bad about Hornady Critical duty rounds? Other than on the pricey end?

[newguy83]

There are several other, better performing JHP rounds available for the same price.

http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?t=19887

[hossb7]

Also from DocGKR with regards to new service caliber handgun tests (from 2/28/13):

In general, the Hornady Critical Duty ammunition did NOT perform as well as several current JHP loads. The best performing Critical Duty load was the .45 Auto 220 gr +P and the worst performing was the .40 S&W 175 gr. In areas where conventional JHP designs are prohibited, the Hornady Critical Duty joins the Federal EFMJ as an option that is better than the Corbon Powerball or FMJ loads.

The Barnes all copper JHP bullets are an outstanding choice when lighter weight service caliber handgun projectiles are desired.

The Fed HST line is among the best duty loads currently available for service caliber pistols. HST’s tend to work best using heavier bullets (147 gr, 180 gr, 230 gr) at moderate velocities, with standard pressures.

[cc426]

Basically what they said. There's better performing ammo for less money

[negolien]

I love the Hornady rounds myself. I run the Critical Defense mixed with some red dots and love the anti-stuffing which is mainly why I run em. You're always going to find haters of anything that's just the way forums are. People that run Hornady love em people that are trolls /shrug lol well their trolls.

http://www.hornady.com/ammunition

http://www.hornady.com/ballistics-resource/ballistic-chart

[PandaBear]

Hornady Critical Duty has decent expansion but you can find better

[BrassCase]

My favorite are Winchester Ranger T series.

[rm1911]

"Best defensive round" arguments are like 270 vs '06. You're arguing religion. I'm sure all the companies have put millions into r&d and aren't going to put out a substandard round. And they know the LE specs and their ammos will pass those. If they'd don't then nobody would buy them.

The question then is the shooter. Shot placement is key. If it functions 100% in your gun and shoots accurately then it'll work IF you do your part.

The only place where that doesn't matter is when shooting 45's out of a 1911. In that case, and that case only, even if the round misses the bullet will turn around and find the vital organs and instant one shot stop. It's true. Always is the case. If you score a hit, anywhere, the target literally disintegrates. It's true.

But shoot a plastic pistol and some pipsqueak round and well, that's a risk you'll have to take.