Hornady American Gunner vs Critical Defense

[Brubz]

What is the difference between Hornady American Gunner versus Critical Defense ammunition?

 

[WrongHanded]

Basically, the XTP bullet (Gunner ammo) expands well towards the upper velocity range for the bullet. The XTP is a good design, but is shoehorned into loads (and barrels) that don't push it fast enough.

That's where the FTX bullet (Critical Defense ammo) comes in. It expands much more reliably at slower velocities typical with shorter barrels.

 

[TTv2]

The American Gunner stuff can work, but it depends on the caliber you're looking at getting. Something I recall with it is the powder seems like it's not optimized for short barrels, so if it's a snub revolver or a 3 inch semi auto, best look up that ammo for gel tests on youtube.

It's been a while since I knew which JHP ammo were good for which calibers, but American Gunner never really impressed me outside of 125gr .357 Mag. If it was a semi auto caliber over .380, I stuck with Winchester White Box for JHP, if it was a revolver Hornady Critical Defense and Critical Duty wasn't much more and I went with that.

I reload for my revolvers now, so it's half forgotten now.

 

[Pistolay]

In the Ammo Quest .380 tests (which are on YouTube), the XTP bullet outperformed the FTX. I carry Hornady American Gunner in all of my .380s.

 

[Brubz]

In the Ammo Quest .380 tests (which are on YouTube), the XTP bullet outperformed the FTX. I carry Hornady American Gunner in all of my .380s.

The issue for me is how it will perform in my Taurus 856 Ul .38 special snub nose. There seems to be some problems with short bbl. revolvers according to the YouTube videos. But I'm not worried about gel blocks. I just need them to fire every time.