The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: Badgersmilk on November 07, 2010, 01:40:52 PM

Title: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Badgersmilk on November 07, 2010, 01:40:52 PM
Took the LCP out for it's first firing (post factory testing).  The gun performed flawlessly.  Very smooth operating, no FTF's, and when field stripped afterwords was still VERY clean!  All fouling was contained to inside the barrel, and the bolt / slide face.  The first patch through removed all visible dirt from the bore!  All fired cases inspected were clean and unmarred.  Great stuff for reloading.  The firing pin made a deep, solid impact on the primers every time.  No light strikes (extra critical for a self defense weapon IMO).
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/P1010891.jpg)

As mentioned the ammo shot SUPER clean (I mashed the first one shown out of round in my fingers if your wondering)
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/P1010884.jpg)

The Italian made Ruger magazine is easily the smoothest operating I've ever loaded for any gun!  VERY impressed with the quality.  Machining and molding is nice on the pistol as well.  Note how tight the fit of the FTX bullets in the mag.  :-\
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/P1010890.jpg)

(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/P1010889.jpg)

Now.  The messed up part.  :(  Check out the FTX bullet that had cycled through the gun but not been fired (on the right).  The face of the hollow point around the plastic insert is mashed in on three sides!  So the tip of the bullets when fired is a triangle!
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/P1010886.jpg?t=1289157541)

The bullet on the left was cycled through the gun 4 times by hand.  It's fine.  The one on the right was at the bottom of a 6 round clip.  The first five rounds were fired through the gun.  Other rounds that had been chambered by firing the gun then ejected by hand looked the same.   :(

The FTX hollow point is so thin I can mash it in with a very, very light push on a table top.  The feed ramp on the LCP is polished.  Even if it weren't, it's hard to see how the gun is mashing the bullet in on three sides.  But...  There it is.

OVERALL:  I'm VERY happy with the gun!!!  Can't say I'll be buying any more FTX's though.

"Critical Defense",  Hmmmm?   :-\
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: ellis4538 on November 07, 2010, 01:47:31 PM
Have both, love both and carry both without question.

JMHOFWIW

Richard
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: twyacht on November 07, 2010, 02:09:28 PM
Cor-Bon DPX, and Speer GD's, are also excellent .380 "leetle" pistol ammo.

Thanks for the report, congrats on the new addition. How did you like the trigger and accuracy?

Even though it's a Kel-Tec copy,... ;)
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Badgersmilk on November 07, 2010, 02:21:48 PM
Trigger is a long pull (expected with this type saftey), but smooth as greased owl shi#!  Worlds better than my Glock.

Can't speak on accuracy as yet.  I was concentrating on my grip, the action, function, and feel of the gun so much for these first few rounds that I'm surprised I hit paper.  

Went to Wallyworld and Dick's today looking for other types of ammo...  Still empty handed other than the FTX's.  :(

Need to find a couple more clips magazines to!  :)
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: MikeBjerum on November 07, 2010, 02:28:01 PM
Quote from: Badgersmilk on November 07, 2010, 01:40:52 PM

The bullet on the left was cycled through the gun 4 times by hand.  It's fine.  The one on the right was at the bottom of a 6 round clip.  The first five rounds were fired through the gun.  Other rounds that had been chambered by firing the gun then ejected by hand looked the same.   :(


In  Coming !!!
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 07, 2010, 02:36:49 PM
Meowing aside, is this typical of Hornady? I've never tried it. I've been tempted though. I usually just buy hydra-shock out of force of habit. The 124gr jhps have never deformed, even when stuck in a fully loaded Glock or Hi-Power bullet holder thingy. Both of them are as tight as a nun's...well, they're tight. ;D Does this effect accuracy, expansion, etc, or is it a non-issue?
FQ13
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 07, 2010, 02:38:49 PM
Quote from: fightingquaker13 on November 07, 2010, 02:36:49 PM
Meowing aside, is this typical of Hornady? I've never tried it. I've been tempted though. I usually just buy hydra-shock out of force of habit. The 124gr jhps have never deformed, even when stuck in a fully loaded Glock or Hi-Power bullet holder thingy. Both of them are as tight as a nun's...well, they're tight. ;D Does this effect accuracy, expansion, etc, or is it a non-issue?
FQ13

Glad to see you using those technical terms FQ  ;D

As to the other, I think that depends on previous employment     :o    ::)

   (  I know I'm going to hell, but I'll stop by the corner first, do we need more cheez whiz ?  )
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: McGyver on November 07, 2010, 05:18:45 PM
HAZ! HAAZZZ! HEY HAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!


BM said "clip!"   ;D
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Firststring on November 07, 2010, 05:36:07 PM
I have the .45acp Critical Defense ammo myself and HAVE notice the copper jacket gets ate up pretty good. not as heavily as yours but it is noticeable enough it goes in my "range chex mix!"
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Badgersmilk on November 07, 2010, 06:15:35 PM
Wife picked up a "hundred box" for me!   ;D

Next up for trials:  Remington 88gr. JHP's!
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/P1010892.jpg)
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: twyacht on November 07, 2010, 07:37:12 PM
From the folks I know with an LCP, stick to biting the bullet, so to speak and get Ruger mags. I don;t think Meggar makes them, they might, but I have not seen any.

But with a leelte gun, with a big job of protecting you and your families life, stick to the Ruger Mags.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/MAG445-36.html

$21 bucks, my PPK/S mags are $34.... :-\  Kel-Tec mags around $19-$25.
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: fightingquaker13 on November 07, 2010, 07:45:28 PM
Dittoes to TW. For an SD pocket pistol that you aren't going to shoot all that much once you get it broken in and yourself acclimated to it, two mags, three at the outside, are enough. Why buy aftermarket? Stick to factory. Just my .02.
FQ13
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Badgersmilk on November 08, 2010, 12:09:34 AM
I agree.  Mags are no place to start skimping.  Planning on getting 2 more, and $21 bucks ain't bad at all IMO!  Gonna check out the local BassPro next week for ammo and mags.  Then eventually get the dies to start reloading. 

There were four or five booths at the show I got the gun from selling nothing but reloaded ammo!  Never seen that before.  :-\

I trust my handloads more than factory stuff.  NO WAY I'd ever buy reloads from a stranger at a show!!!  :o  That's just a kaboom video in the making!
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: ellis4538 on November 08, 2010, 02:55:48 AM
I carry my LCP in a pocket holster with the spare mag in a knife pouch.  Both mags are Ruger.

FWIW

Richard
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Badgersmilk on November 08, 2010, 08:26:47 AM
Quote from: ellis4538 on November 08, 2010, 02:55:48 AM
I carry my LCP in a pocket holster with the spare mag in a knife pouch.  Both mags are Ruger.

FWIW

Richard

Knife pouch is a great idea!  Believe I've still got a leatherman pouch around somewhere.
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: tombogan03884 on November 08, 2010, 01:01:48 PM
That's what I carry my spare 1911 mag in.
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: pioneer on December 01, 2010, 03:07:55 PM
Hornady's Critical Defense is good stuff, and the jacket is made thin to promote expansion, especially at lower velocities such as one normally finds in the .380 caliber.  It seems to me you may be having a MAGAZINE problem.  Does it do the same thing with all of your MAGAZINES?  Modern ammo has improved terminal bullet performance, but it is still a .380.
clip
(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb294/pioneer461/Clip.jpg)

clips
(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb294/pioneer461/imagesCA1KTC45.jpg)

magazines
(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb294/pioneer461/Magazines.jpg)
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Pecos Bill on December 01, 2010, 10:01:52 PM
I just hand cycled 6 Critical Defense thru my Taurus 738 and saw no bullet deformation. Haven't got any during firing testing either. Will have to do more testing as soon as I can afford the cost of the local indoor range.

Pecos
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Ping on December 29, 2010, 11:15:45 AM
I have been thinking of buying another LCP. My wife's LCP is awesome. Ran Corbon's through it with no problem. Sent many Remington UMC down range without failure. The Hornady Critical Defense fired the best and was most accurate so we keep the mag's loaded with it.
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: badbob38 on December 29, 2010, 12:53:13 PM
Cor-Bon has a load called DPX i got a box for save your life only they cost me 45 dollars and i have seen them up to 54 dollars.  I shot a buddys 10 lb. ham  and made a little ham hash.  very nasty little things
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: wtr100 on December 29, 2010, 12:58:51 PM
Quote from: pioneer on December 01, 2010, 03:07:55 PM
Hornady's Critical Defense is good stuff, and the jacket is made thin to promote expansion, especially at lower velocities such as one normally finds in the .380 caliber.  It seems to me you may be having a MAGAZINE problem.  Does it do the same thing with all of your MAGAZINES?  Modern ammo has improved terminal bullet performance, but it is still a .380.
clip
(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb294/pioneer461/Clip.jpg)

clips
(http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb294/pioneer461/imagesCA1KTC45.jpg)

magazines
(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:EkK1BFvUryNSsM:http://static.thehollywoodgossip.com/images/gallery/lisa-rinna-first-playboy-cover.jpg)
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Badgersmilk on December 29, 2010, 04:46:19 PM
Well, took her out for some shooting again today.  This time with 3 magazines in all.  All three Ruger brand.  Brand new.  One that came with the gun, and two I just got for Christmas from Midway.  I've disasembled all the magazines to inspect and clean them.  All look perfect.  All function perfect.  The damage to the Hornady bullets is from when the round is chambered by the gun cycling.  If I just pull the slide back and let it go, no problem.  After I fire even one round.  The next round chambered is crushed.  The bullet on the right is the original one from weeks ago.  The bullet on the left is from today.  And bullet on the bottom is unfired from a loaded magazine.  The dirt you see on the left bullet is just from my finger when I rubbed / inspected the little red insert.

I've run 50 rounds of Remington 88gr. JHP through the gun...  Flawless!

I've run 50 rounds of Fiocchi 90gr. JHP through the gun...  Flawless! Notably louder, and a little more kick to them than the other two.  These are also rated at higher velocity, though I haven't checked with the Chrony yet I have no doubt in the claim.

The two dented up bullets are from two different magazines.  I stopped shooting, and this is what they looked like fresh out of the chamber (dents on three sides).

(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/P1010962.jpg)

Accuracy was IMO EXCELLENT from all three brands!  I was blown away at how well it did at 15 yards.  And can't imagin ever shooting this gun any further.  Unless I was shooting fast repeatedly I hit a 6" square target every shot.  And the misses are entirely my fault I'm SURE!  ;)  Not the gun or ammo.  

In the end.  Accuracy from all three brands was awsome IMO!  I didn't see ANY damage on the Fiocchi bullets, or the Remington's I pulled from the chamber.  Only the FTX's...  Glad I only bought one box!  Won't be buying more.
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: CJS3 on December 29, 2010, 08:52:22 PM
I had always thought the "Critical Defense" ammo was just the XTP bullet with a plastic insert. They deformed bullets don't look like the XTP at all. I use XTPs in various calibers for reloading and buy factory XTP cartridges for SD ammo. I had considered switching from XTP to FTX ammo for SD, but I think I'll just stick with XTP customs.
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Badgersmilk on December 29, 2010, 09:19:35 PM
Quote from: CJS3 on December 29, 2010, 08:52:22 PM
I had always thought the "Critical Defense" ammo was just the XTP bullet with a plastic insert. They deformed bullets don't look like the XTP at all. I use XTPs in various calibers for reloading and buy factory XTP cartridges for SD ammo. I had considered switching from XTP to FTX ammo for SD, but I think I'll just stick with XTP customs.

I hand load XTP's in half a dozen calibers and LOVE the things!  Never had an issue with a single one in thousands of rounds.  Very effective bullets, made with second to non quality standards in my experience.  GREAT PRODUCT!

The FTX's appear to be very precisely made as well.  Hornady held off on making them in the .380 caliber for some time...  I can guess why.   :-\

This doesn't deminish Hornady's XTP line in the least for me.  I just bought a BUNCH of Fiocchi .380 ammo.  I think the bullets they use are as close as they were able to come to exact copies of XTP's.  And at $16 for a 50 box, the stuff's a steal.  ;)

Fiocchi with the XTP look a likes in the middle.  FTX's on either side for comparison.  
(http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww40/BigCheeseStick/P1010965.jpg)
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Solus on December 30, 2010, 08:10:52 AM
BM, don't know if you are interested in doing any further research, but if you are, think about this.

With the chamber loaded, remove the magazine and mark the case of the top round with a Sharpie.  Then fire the gun and eject the loaded round.  Might be interesting to see where the deformation is happening...on the ramp or the top of the chamber or maybe the top of the chamber and both sides.

Thanks, if you get around to it...and thanks for the info so far.

Solus
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Ping on December 30, 2010, 11:53:01 AM
Decided to take all three of my Ruger magazines loaded with Hornady "Critical Defense" ammunition. I racked all the rounds through to see if there was any issue with deformation of the projectile. There were none.

Not sure what is causing the problem whether it be the ammo or the weapon? I would definitely have someone check it out.
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Solus on December 30, 2010, 11:55:24 AM
Quote from: Ping on December 30, 2010, 11:53:01 AM
Decided to take all three of my Ruger magazines loaded with Hornady "Critical Defense" ammunition. I racked all the rounds through to see if there was any issue with deformation of the projectile. There were none.

Not sure what is causing the problem whether it be the ammo or the weapon? I would definitely have someone check it out.

Badger does not have the problem when he manually cycles them through the action.

It is only when the round is chambered by firing a round.
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Ping on December 30, 2010, 01:41:46 PM
Looks like I will have to take a trip to the range.  :)

Badger has me rather curious about this.
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Badgersmilk on December 30, 2010, 02:57:39 PM
Quote from: Solus on December 30, 2010, 08:10:52 AM
BM, don't know if you are interested in doing any further research, but if you are, think about this.

With the chamber loaded, remove the magazine and mark the case of the top round with a Sharpie.  Then fire the gun and eject the loaded round.  Might be interesting to see where the deformation is happening...on the ramp or the top of the chamber or maybe the top of the chamber and both sides.

Thanks, if you get around to it...and thanks for the info so far.

Solus

Still got a few rounds left to get rid of.  I'll try to get out and give this a shot tommarow. 
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Solus on December 30, 2010, 06:41:57 PM
Quote from: Badgersmilk on December 30, 2010, 02:57:39 PM
Still got a few rounds left to get rid of.  I'll try to get out and give this a shot tommarow. 

Thanks.

Maybe we'll learn something, maybe not...
Title: Re: Ruger LCP and Hornady "Critical Defense" FTX ammo
Post by: Badgersmilk on January 04, 2011, 07:31:24 PM
Still waiting for a chance to get out and do this test...  SOON!