Hornady Critical Duty 45 ACP +P 220gr FlexLock Ammunition

Description

This is duty-grade ammunition engineered for full-size 45 ACP handguns where barrier penetration matters. The 220-grain FlexLock bullet uses Hornady's Flex Tip design to prevent hollow point clogging, which means the bullet expands consistently whether it passes through auto glass, plywood, sheet metal, or bare tissue. Most defensive ammunition struggles with one or the other, but this load passes FBI protocol testing through all urban barriers with reliable terminal performance every time.

How the FlexLock Design Works

The key to this round is the combination of two features working together. The Flex Tip polymer insert initiates expansion without requiring the hollow point cavity to fill with material from the barrier, so the bullet responds the same way regardless of what it hits first. The InterLock band mechanically locks the jacket to the high-antimony lead core, preventing separation that can tank performance. This means you get excellent expansion, proper penetration depth, and maximum weight retention across real-world scenarios.

Low-Flash Propellant and Nickel-Plated Cases

The nickel-plated brass casings are bright and easy to visually inspect in dim light, and they're sealed at the primer pocket and case mouth to eliminate moisture that could cause feeding issues when you need reliability most. Hornady loads this round with low-flash propellant so your night vision stays intact during low-light shooting. At 975 feet per second from a 5-inch test barrel, you're getting the velocity needed for the FlexLock design to do its job.

Built for Full-Size Handguns

This is a +P loading designed specifically for full-size 45 ACP pistols that are rated for higher pressures. The 220-grain bullet weight at this velocity makes it a relatively uncommon loading, which gives you a heavy bullet with good speed rather than the lighter fast rounds or heavier slower rounds you typically see. Actual shooters report reliable feeding, clean burning, excellent accuracy, and minimal recoil for a +P load.