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Hornady Critical Defense 223 Ammo 55 Grain Flex Tip Expanding - 80270
Rated 4.81 out of 5 across over 69 verified reviews and growing, with over 59 five-star reviews and growing, Hornady Critical Defense 223 is built around a 55 grain Polymer Tip bullet with Flex Tip expanding design. This Critical Defense 223 load is intended for short-range defensive use in self-defense rifles, with quick expansion and limited penetration as stated by Hornady.
Why Shooters Choose Hornady 223 Remington
- Defensive Flex Tip Design: The patented Flex Tip helps the bullet expand at low velocities, supporting the short-range defensive purpose of this Hornady 223 Critical Defense load.
- 55 Grain Polymer Tip Bullet: The verified bullet type is Polymer Tip, a design generally used to initiate controlled expansion while preserving a streamlined bullet profile.
- Verified Ballistics: This Hornady Critical Defense 223 55gr load is rated at 3240 fps muzzle velocity and 1282 ft lbs muzzle energy.
- Built for Self-Defense Rifles: Hornady states this Critical Defense rifle load is designed for quick expansion and limited penetration from self-defense rifles.
- Low-Light Practicality: Silver nickel-plated cases are designed for smooth feeding and better visibility during chamber checks in low light.
- Reduced Flash Formulation: Additives blended with the propellants help reduce flash, supporting night vision in defensive conditions.
- Packaging Options: Available as a Box of 20 or Case of 200, giving shooters a simple way to buy for carry, testing, or bulk planning.
What Customers Say
Customers rate this load 4.81 out of 5 across over 69 verified reviews and growing, with over 59 five-star reviews and growing.
Can’t beat Hornady ammo. Works great every time, clean and precise. Target Sports never fails to have great discounts and free shipping.
Chris N.
Love the Hornady Critical Defense line of ammo. High quality and at a reasonable price. Always quick and efficient shipping.
James T.
Quality .223 ammo made by Hornady Critical Defense. Awesome, Will purchase again when ammo gets better priced. Thanks TSUSA!
John H.
What is the muzzle velocity of Hornady 223 Remington 55 grain Polymer Tip?
The verified muzzle velocity is 3240 fps. The verified muzzle energy is 1282 ft lbs.
Is 223 good for home defense with this load?
Hornady designed this Critical Defense 223 load for short-range defensive situations. Its Flex Tip bullet is made to expand, and Hornady states the design provides quick expansion with limited penetration from self-defense rifles. Always match any home-defense ammunition choice to your firearm, training, and local requirements.
Is this Hornady red tip 223 ammo?
This load is built with Hornady’s Flex Tip expanding bullet design. The verified bullet type is Polymer Tip, and the manufacturer identifies it as part of the Critical Defense FTX design.
Is this the same as Hornady Critical Duty 223?
This product is Hornady Critical Defense 223, not a separate Critical Duty listing. It is specifically described by Hornady as a short-range defensive load for self-defense rifles.
Is this Hornady 223 hollow point ammo?
The verified bullet type for this item is Polymer Tip. It is an expanding defensive bullet design, but this listing should be identified by its Polymer Tip and Flex Tip construction rather than as standard hollow point ammo.
What primer and packaging does this 223 Critical Defense load use?
The verified primer type is Centerfire / Boxer. Packaging is listed as Box of 20 or Case of 200.
About Hornady 223 Remington
Hornady 223 Remington 55 gr FTX Critical Defense ammunition, 80270, combines a Polymer Tip bullet with Hornady’s Flex Tip technology for defensive rifle use. The design is focused on short-range defensive situations, where quick expansion and limited penetration are stated priorities.
This 223 defense ammo uses Centerfire / Boxer priming and nickel-plated cases for smooth feeding and easier chamber checks. For shooters comparing 223 duty ammo or home-defense rifle loads, the main value is the purpose-built Critical Defense construction rather than a generic range bullet.
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| Manufacturer |
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| Caliber |
223 Remington |
| Bullet Type |
Polymer Tip |
| Grain |
73 |
| Muzzle Velocity |
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| Muzzle Energy |
1262 ft lbs |
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| Caliber |
223 Remington |
| Bullet Type |
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| Grain |
53 |
| Muzzle Velocity |
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| Muzzle Energy |
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| Manufacturer |
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| Caliber |
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| Bullet Type |
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| Grain |
55 |
| Muzzle Velocity |
3240 fps |
| Muzzle Energy |
1282 ft lbs |
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| Manufacturer |
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| Caliber |
223 Remington |
| Bullet Type |
Full Metal Jacket |
| Grain |
55 |
| Muzzle Velocity |
3240 fps |
| Muzzle Energy |
1282 ft lbs |
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| Manufacturer |
Hornady |
| Caliber |
223 Remington |
| Bullet Type |
Polymer Tip |
| Grain |
55 |
| Muzzle Velocity |
3220 fps |
| Muzzle Energy |
1273 ft lbs |
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Choose this 223 Remington defensive load when you want Hornady Critical Defense construction with a 55 grain Flex Tip expanding bullet. It fits naturally within the Hornady lineup for shooters comparing personal-defense rifle ammunition, with box and case options available for those planning bulk ammo purchases.
| Field | Details |
| MPN | 80270 |
| UPC | 090255802702 |
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
| Platform | Rifles |
| Ammo Application | Self Defense |
| Ammo Type | Flex Tip Expanding |
| Caliber | 223 Remington |
| Grain Weight | 55 |
| Quantity Per Package | Box of 20 / Case of 200 |
| Test Barrel Length | 24 inches |
| Muzzle Velocity | 3240 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 1282 ft. lbs |
| Ballistic Coefficient (G1) | .175 |
| Case Type | Nickel Plated |
| Primer Type | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Lead Free | No |
| Staked Primer | Not Provided |
| Country of Origin | USA |
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