[Sbh87]

Mr. Ayoob,

I have a S&W 640 and currently carry Speer Gold Dot 135 gr. .357 magnums for short barrels. But the Hornady critical defense ammunition has recently sparked my interest. It seems like the perfect round for SD due to the claim of consistent expansion every time, fast burning and low flash powder and they say its specifically designed to perform out of shorter barreled firearms. What more could one want in a self-defense round? Now when I read certain threads here or on other forums regarding self-defense rounds it seems that a vast majority of people are using anything besides the Hornady critical defense. Is it because they are a bad round or is it just too new yet that the reputation is not there. Most of the reason I currently have the gold dots is because of their solid reputation for reliability and I am just a little discouraged by the lack of people saying the Hornady is their ammo of choice because my thinking is if it was a good round worth putting your life behind people would probably carry it and recommend it. So basically what I want to know is do you recommend the Hornady or should I stick with the already proven Gold Dots?

[Mas Ayoob]

Sbh, I'm one of those belt-and-suspenders geezers who clings to stuff that's been proven in the field. I've been very pleased with what I've personally seen of the accuracy and quality control in the Hornady Critical Defense. In a revolver, it has the advantage of a pointy bullet shape that actually expands, making for very fast speed reloads when it's used as spare ammunition.

LAPD was apparently very impressed with the .380 version of the Critical Defense in testing, since I'm told it's now the approved load for that caliber in backup and off duty guns. Therefore, I expect we'll soon have a data base from that source on how it works on the street. LAPD is a "busy shop."

It would probably also be my choice if I was carrying in New Jersey on one of the rare concealed carry permits issued in that state, since hollow points are forbidden for public carry there except by law enforcement, though they may be used for home and store defense.

On the street, I personally stay with rounds that have been in the field long enough to develop a solid reputation for getting the job done: 125 grain Magnum full loads in the .357, 158 grain lead hollow point +P or Speer 135 grain +P in the .38 Special, that sort of thing.

Wishing you the best whatever your choice,
Mas

[Sbh87]

Thank you very much for the response. Given what you have seen with the Hornady and with LAPD trusting them I think I will be investing in some. It was interesting LAPD tired them in .380 because I am looking to get one soon and I now know I'll be loading it with the Hornadys. Thanks again for your help.


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