Hornady Introduces .22 Magnum Critical Defense Ammo
The new 22 Magnum round uses a 45-grain FTX bullet that reaches a muzzle velocity of 1000 fps when shot from a 1 7/8-inch test barrel, according to a Hornady rep. The .22 WMR, a heavier bullet, penetrated to almost the same depth as the .380 ACP Critical Defense.

The top bullet is a 380 Auto 90 grain Critical Defense round at 896 fps from a 2.75-inch barrel Ruger LCP. The bottom bullet is a 22 WMR 45 grain Critical Defense round from a S&W 351 PD with a 1-7/8-inch barrel at 1038 fps. Chart courtesy of Hornady.
Hornady has introduced the .22 WMR load into the company's Critical Defense line of ammunition that's optimal for a short-barreled handguns, the company told POLICE Magazine at SHOT Show 2011.
The new 22 Magnum round uses a 45-grain FTX bullet that reaches a muzzle velocity of 1000 fps when shot from a 1 7/8-inch test barrel, according to a Hornady rep. The .22 WMR, a heavier bullet, penetrated to almost the same depth as the .380 ACP Critical Defense load (see chart).
The cartridges are nickel-plated, and carry the suggested retail price of $16.65 for a box of 50.
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