Hornady Critical Defense 30 Carbine Ammunition 110 Grain FTX is a modern upgrade to a legendary American cartridge, combining the classic performance of the M1 Carbine platform with advanced 21st-century ballistic technology. Designed specifically for personal protection, this ammunition delivers reliable expansion, controlled penetration, and dependable performance when it matters most.
At the heart of this load is Hornady’s patented 110 grain FTX® bullet, featuring the exclusive Flex Tip® design that helps provide consistent expansion and improved terminal performance. Unlike traditional hollow point bullets that can struggle to perform after passing through clothing or other barriers, the FTX projectile uses a polymer tip to initiate expansion while maintaining reliable penetration. In ballistic gelatin testing, this Critical Defense load is designed to consistently achieve approximately 15 inches of penetration, offering an effective balance between stopping power and controlled performance.
The 30 M1 Carbine cartridge has earned its place as an American classic, and Hornady’s Critical Defense ammunition brings this historic platform into the modern era. With velocities reaching approximately 2,000 feet per second, this load provides a significant performance upgrade while maintaining the manageable handling characteristics that made the M1 Carbine popular for generations. The combination of proven cartridge design and advanced bullet engineering creates a dependable defensive option for shooters who appreciate this iconic firearm.
Hornady Critical Defense ammunition is purpose-built for personal protection applications. Every component is carefully selected and optimized to deliver reliable function, consistent accuracy, and reduced recoil. Specialized propellants are formulated to burn efficiently, helping minimize muzzle flash while providing dependable cycling and performance in defensive situations. These features make Critical Defense ammunition a trusted choice for shooters looking for confidence and reliability from their defensive firearm.
With a sectional density of .166 and a ballistic coefficient of .178 (G1), the 110 grain FTX bullet provides stable flight characteristics and predictable performance. Whether used for home defense, personal protection, or maintaining a classic M1 Carbine, this ammunition offers modern defensive capability in a familiar and proven cartridge.
Packaged in a 25-round box, Hornady Critical Defense 30 Carbine ammunition represents the perfect combination of heritage and innovation. Built with premium components and backed by Hornady’s reputation for precision and quality, this load delivers the dependable performance shooters expect from a dedicated defensive cartridge.
Available at Smoky Mountain Knife Works, a Tennessee landmark and the world’s largest knife store.