Hornady Critical Defense 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) Ammo 45 Grain Hornady FTX Polymer Tip

Description

Hornady Critical Defense 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) Ammo 45 Grain Hornady FTX Polymer Tip is engineered for the shooter who demands reliable terminal performance from a rimfire platform. This load is for the user who carries a .22 WMR for personal defense and refuses to compromise on bullet design. Its primary differentiator is the FTX bullet, which delivers controlled expansion at rimfire velocities where conventional hollow points often fail.

Key Features

• FTX Polymer Tip: The tip initiates expansion immediately upon impact, driving the jacket into a consistent, wide-diameter mushroom. This matters because it creates a larger permanent wound channel than a non-expanding round, increasing stopping power.
• Flex Tip Technology: The polymer tip prevents clogging from clothing or barriers. This matters for real-world reliability; the bullet will perform as designed whether it strikes heavy denim or bare gel.
• Clean-Burning Propellant: Formulated for consistent velocity and reduced fouling. This matters for maintaining reliability over multiple strings of fire and for easier maintenance of your firearm.
• Nickel-Plated Cases: Provides superior corrosion resistance and smoother feeding. This matters for ammunition carried daily, exposed to sweat and humidity, ensuring it chambers without issue under stress.

Specifications

Specification	Detail (per manufacturer)
Cartridge	.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR)
Bullet Weight	45 Grain
Bullet Type	FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) with Polymer Tip
Muzzle Velocity	1,650 fps (from 4″ barrel)
Muzzle Energy	272 ft-lbs
Case Material	Nickel-Plated Brass
Quantity per Box	50 Rounds

Head-to-Head

Model	Hornady Critical Defense 45gr FTX	CCI Maxi-Mag 40gr JHP	Winchester Super-X 40gr JHP
Bullet Design	Polymer Tip, Controlled Expansion	Traditional Hollow Point	Traditional Hollow Point
Barrier Blind	Yes (Flex Tip)	No	No
Case Finish	Nickel-Plated	Standard Brass	Standard Brass
Primary Use	Defense	Small Game / Varmint	Small Game / Varmint

Pros & Cons

Pros:

1. Superior expansion reliability compared to standard .22 WMR hollow points.
2. Barrier-blind performance ensures consistent terminal ballistics.
3. High-quality, corrosion-resistant construction for carry ammunition.

Cons:

1. Premium price point per round compared to general-purpose .22 WMR.
2. Limited availability due to specialized design and high demand.

Who Should Buy This

• The shooter who carries a compact .22 WMR revolver or pistol as a primary or backup defensive firearm and needs ammunition engineered for that role.
• The user in jurisdictions with caliber restrictions who still wants the most effective terminal performance possible within those limits.
• The individual who values ammunition reliability for mission-critical applications and understands that rimfire defense loads require specialized design.

FAQ

Is Hornady Critical Defense 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) Ammo 45 Grain Hornady FTX Polymer Tip worth the price?

If you are carrying a .22 WMR for personal defense, yes. Standard hollow points in this caliber are notoriously inconsistent. The FTX design solves that problem, making it the most reliable expanding .22 WMR load available. For plinking or varminting, it’s overkill. For defense, it’s the correct tool.

What comes with Hornady Critical Defense 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) Ammo 45 Grain Hornady FTX Polymer Tip?

You receive one box containing 50 rounds of ammunition. Each round features the nickel-plated case and red polymer-tipped FTX bullet. Packaging is Hornady’s standard Critical Defense red box.

How does Hornady Critical Defense 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) Ammo 45 Grain Hornady FTX Polymer Tip compare?

It is in a different class than common 40-grain JHP loads like CCI Maxi-Mag. Those are varmint rounds. The Critical Defense is purpose-built for two-legged threats, with a bullet designed to expand reliably through heavy clothing at typical defensive engagement distances. Think of it as duty-grade ammunition for the .22 WMR platform.

In stock at Glock Switch Shop. Ships discreet. 30-day returns.

Ready to load your .22 WMR with ammunition designed for the task? Grab One now.

Last updated: March 2026