Hornady Critical Defense 5.7x28mm Ammunition: A Comprehensive Review
As an avid shooter and firearms enthusiast, I was excited to get my hands on the Hornady Critical Defense 5.7x28mm ammunition. With its reputation for delivering reliable and effective performance, I was eager to put it through its paces. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this product, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, and providing a thorough assessment of its performance.
Design and Construction
The 5.7x28mm is a unique and innovative cartridge, designed specifically for self-defense and law enforcement use. Developed by FNH USA, this cartridge boasts a distinctive 40-grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) projectile, which is designed to expand upon impact and create a large wound channel. With a muzzle velocity of 2,100 feet per second (fps), the Critical Defense ammunition promises to deliver impressive kinetic energy and accuracy.
Performance and Accuracy
I had the opportunity to test the Hornady Critical Defense 5.7x28mm ammunition in a variety of shooting scenarios, including paper targets, steel gongs, and even a few pesky varmints. Overall, I was impressed with the results. The ammunition proved to be accurate and reliable, with most shots grouping tightly and producing consistent expansion.
Here are some key performance notes:
- Accuracy: The 5.7x28mm Critical Defense ammunition delivered impressive accuracy, with most shots grouping tightly around the point of aim.
- Expansion: The 40-grain FMJ projectile expanded reliably, with most bullets expanding to over 1" and creating a notable wound channel.
- Penetration: The ammunition demonstrated sufficient penetration, with most bullets traveling at least 12-15 inches through various materials (wood, ballistic gel, and even a few light armor plates).
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of my experience with the Hornady Critical Defense 5.7x28mm ammunition, including its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Accuracy: The ammunition was generally accurate and reliable, producing consistent groupings.
- Expansion: The 40-grain FMJ projectile expanded reliably, making it an effective self-defense option.
- Penetration: The ammunition demonstrated sufficient penetration, making it suitable for a variety of scenarios.
- Reliability: The ammunition functioned flawlessly in my test pistol, with no malfunctions or jamming issues.
Cons:
- Cost: The 5.7x28mm Critical Defense ammunition is priced slightly higher than comparable self-defense ammunition, making it a more expensive option.
- Limited availability: At the time of my writing, this ammunition is not widely available in local gun stores or online retailers, which may limit its accessibility.
- Magazine feeding: Some users have reported issues with feeding in certain magazines, particularly those with tight clearance requirements.
Conclusion
Overall, I was impressed with the performance of the Hornady Critical Defense 5.7x28mm ammunition. Its accuracy, expansion, and penetration make it a solid choice for self-defense and law enforcement applications. While it may be more expensive than other options, its reliability and performance justify the cost. For those seeking a reliable and effective self-defense option, I would highly recommend considering the Hornady Critical Defense 5.7x28mm ammunition.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
