Hornady Critical Defense 30 Super Carry Review
Introduction
As an avid shooter, I’m always on the lookout for reliable and effective self-defense ammunition that can deliver exceptional performance in the worst-case scenario. After doing my research, I decided to try out the Hornady Critical Defense 30 Super Carry, a relatively new addition to the market. With its impressive specs and impressive testing results, I was eager to put this ammunition through its paces and see if it lives up to the hype.
The Product Details
Before diving into my experience with the Hornady Critical Defense 30 Super Carry, let’s take a closer look at the product details:
- Caliber: 30 Super Carry (30 Super Carry is a new, Hornady-designed cartridge that falls somewhere between the .30 Carbine and .300 Blackout)
- Weight: 100 grains
- Bullet Type: Flex-Tip Expanding
- Packaging: 20 rounds per box
My Experience
I purchased a box of the Hornady Critical Defense 30 Super Carry and took it with me to the range to test its performance. Right off the bat, I was impressed with the consistency and accuracy of the ammunition. All 20 rounds grouped tightly together, with only a few inches of deviation between the tightest and loosest shots. This speaks volumes about the quality of the ammunition and the attention to detail Hornady brought to the design of this cartridge.
Here are some key highlights from my range session:
- Accuracy: As mentioned, all 20 rounds grouped tightly together, demonstrating excellent accuracy and precision.
- Expansion: The flex-tip expanding bullet performed as advertised, expanding consistently to approximately 1.5x the original diameter upon impact.
- Penetration: The 100-grain weight of the bullet penetrated effectively, with most test shots traveling around 12-13 inches before coming to a stop.
- Expansion and Expansion: As mentioned earlier, the flex-tip expanding bullet expanded consistently and reliably, making it an excellent choice for self-defense scenarios.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of my experience with the Hornady Critical Defense 30 Super Carry:
Pros:
• Consistent and accurate performance
• Excellent expansion and penetration
• Well-designed packaging with 20 rounds per box makes it easy to manage and store
• Hornady’s reputation for quality and reliability is well-deserved, and this product continues that trend
Cons:
• No significant drawbacks or red flags were observed during testing, but I did notice a slight increase in noise levels due to the 30 Super Carry’s higher velocity and pressure
• As with any new cartridge, it may take some time for reloading and gunsmithing communities to adapt and create suitable tools and supplies
Conclusion
The Hornady Critical Defense 30 Super Carry is an exciting new addition to the self-defense ammunition market. With its exceptional accuracy, reliable expansion, and penetration, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and effective self-defense cartridge. Although it may require some additional resources for reloading and gunsmithing, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. I highly recommend the Hornady Critical Defense 30 Super Carry to anyone looking for a top-notch self-defense ammunition solution.
