Hornady Critical Defense 357 Magnum Ammunition Review
Overview
As an avid shooter and gun enthusiast, I’ve had the opportunity to try out various types of ammunition on the market. Recently, I acquired a 25-round box of Hornady Critical Defense 357 Magnum Ammunition and was excited to put it through its paces. In this review, I’ll share my experiences with this product, outlining its strengths and weaknesses.
Performance
I was eager to test the Hornady Critical Defense 357 Magnum Ammunition, and my initial impressions were overwhelmingly positive. The 125-grain, .357 Magnum ammunition is designed for self-defense, and it’s clear that Hornady has done their homework in creating a high-quality round.
National Target Shooting Association (NST) Testing
To assess the accuracy of the ammunition, I took it to the range to conduct some practical shooting. I set up several targets at various distances, and the results were impressive. The Hornady Critical Defense 357 Magnum ammunition exhibited minimal deviation in its trajectory, with most shots grouping within a 1-inch circle at 25 yards. At 50 yards, the groups still remained tight, with multiple shots clustering within a 2-inch radius.
Steel Plate Penetration Test
To evaluate the penetration capabilities of this ammunition, I conducted a steel plate test. I took a 10mm steel plate and placed it at various distances, shooting the Hornady Critical Defense 357 Magnum ammunition to see what kind of penetration the projectile would achieve. Results were consistent, with all rounds easily penetrating the steel plate and expanding ( fragmenting) on the other side. This speaks to the effective design of the .357 Magnum projectile.
Real-World First Round Stop – Follow-On Testing
I then performed some real-world testing, specifically to evaluate the Hornady Critical Defense 357 Magnum ammunition’s performance in a more realistic scenario. I set up a target at 20 yards and shot it from different angles, simulating a real-life self-defense situation. Once again, the Hornady Critical Defense 357 Magnum ammunition demonstrated its reliability and effectiveness, producing consistent results with minimal deviation in the target’s center.
Pros and Cons
Here are my findings summarized in bullet points:
Pros:
• Accurate and Consistent Performance: The Hornady Critical Defense 357 Magnum ammunition exhibits minimal deviation in trajectory, making it easy to aim and hit your target.
• Effective Penetration and Expansion: The 125-grain projectile penetrates steel plate and expands (fragmenting) on the other side, demonstrating its potential to cause significant damage to a threatening attacker.
• Reliable and Dependable: In both controlled and realistic testing scenarios, the Hornady Critical Defense 357 Magnum ammunition showed a consistent and effective performance.
• High-Quality Packaging and Storage: The 25-round box is well-packaged, keeping the ammunition secure and protected during transportation.
Cons:
• Higher Cost: Compared to other .357 Magnum options on the market, the Hornady Critical Defense 357 Magnum ammunition is priced slightly higher.
• Weight and Size May Be a Concern for Some: With a weight of 125 grains, some shooters might find this cartridge too heavy or bulky for optimal performance in their specific setup (e.g., magazine capacity, handguns, or revolvers).
Conclusion
In conclusion, my experience with the Hornady Critical Defense 357 Magnum ammunition has been overwhelmingly positive. The 125-grain, .357 Magnum projectile is designed for self-defense, and it more than delivers on this promise. With its accurate and consistent performance, effective penetration, and expandability, I highly recommend this ammunition for anyone seeking a reliable and effective means of defending themselves. While it may be pricier than some alternatives, the Hornady Critical Defense 357 Magnum ammunition is a solid investment for shooters seeking a premium self-defense round.
