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

Description

Authentic Hornady Critical Defense 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) Ammo 45 Grain Hornady FTX Polymer Tip is engineered for shooters who demand reliable terminal performance from a rimfire platform, particularly in compact handguns where consistent expansion under stress is non-negotiable. Its primary differentiator is the Flex Tip technology that prevents clogging and initiates expansion at lower rimfire velocities.

Key Features

• FTX Polymer Flex Tip: The hollow point cavity is filled with a flexible polymer tip. This matters because it eliminates the risk of plugging with clothing or barriers, ensuring the bullet initiates expansion every time, a critical factor for defensive use.
• 45-Grain Jacketed Hollow Point: The specific weight and construction are optimized for the .22 WMR cartridge. This matters for maintaining velocity and energy downrange from short barrels, providing more predictable performance than lighter varmint loads.
• Nickel-Plated Cases: Cases feature a corrosion-resistant nickel finish. This matters for long-term storage reliability and smoother feeding in semi-automatic actions, reducing the chance of a malfunction when it counts.
• Precision Manufacturing: Consistent propellant charges and seating depths. This matters because rimfire ammunition is notoriously variable; Hornady’s controls yield tighter velocity spreads, translating to more accurate and repeatable point of impact.

Specifications

Specification	Detail (Per Manufacturer)
Cartridge	.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR)
Bullet Weight	45 Grains
Bullet Type	FTX Jacketed Hollow Point
Muzzle Velocity	1,550 fps (from 4″ barrel)
Muzzle Energy	240 ft-lbs
Case Finish	Nickel-Plated
Quantity	50 rounds per box

Head-to-Head

Feature	Hornady Critical Defense .22 WMR	Standard .22 WMR JHP
Tip Design	FTX Polymer Flex Tip	Open Hollow Point
Barrier Performance	Engineered to expand after heavy clothing	Often plugs and fails to expand
Case Reliability	Nickel-plated for corrosion resistance	Standard brass
Purpose	Defensive / Critical Use	Varmint / Plinking

Pros & Cons

Pros:

1. Superior expansion reliability compared to traditional .22 WMR hollow points, especially through barriers.
2. Nickel-plated cases resist corrosion and feed with high reliability in semi-autos.
3. Velocity and energy figures are optimized for short-barreled defensive handguns, making it effective downrange.

Cons:

1. Premium price per round compared to plinking or varmint ammunition.
2. Limited availability due to specialized design and manufacturing process.

Who Should Buy This

• The owner of a .22 WMR revolver or pistol who carries it for personal defense and requires ammunition validated for that role.
• The shooter who needs a highly reliable, feed-and-function-tested rimfire load for a mission-critical backup or kit gun.
• Individuals in humid climates or who prioritize long-term ammo storage, benefiting from the nickel-plated cases.

FAQ

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

If you are using a .22 WMR firearm for defensive purposes, yes. Standard hollow points can fail to expand. The FTX tip guarantees initiation, making the terminal performance significantly more reliable and justifying the cost for that specific application.

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

You receive one 50-round box of factory-new ammunition. Each round is assembled to Hornady’s Critical Defense specifications with nickel-plated cases and the 45-grain FTX bullet.

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

It is the only .22 WMR load specifically engineered with Flex Tip technology for defensive use. It compares directly to CCI Maxi-Mag but with a decisive advantage in consistent expansion, especially through heavy clothing. For other defensive calibers, see our full ammunition category.

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

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Last updated: March 2026