Hornady 38 Special ammo is a small lineup with a clear focus. Three of the five loads we carry are Critical Defense, Hornady’s carry ammo with a red polymer tip. The other two use the XTP hollow point for practice, hunting and general use. If you carry a revolver, this short list is worth knowing well.
The Two Hornady Bullets in This Lineup
FTX: The Red-Tipped Bullet
The FTX bullet has a soft polymer tip sitting in the hollow point cavity. Hornady designed it so heavy clothing can’t plug the cavity. The tip also helps start expansion. It is the bullet in every Critical Defense load.
XTP: The Classic Hollow Point
XTP stands for Extreme Terminal Performance. It is a jacketed hollow point with a long track record in handgun hunting and defense. It is built for controlled expansion and good penetration.
Critical Defense: Three Choices for Carry
Critical Defense Standard Pressure
The Hornady Critical Defense 110-grain FTX lists 1,010 fps and 249 ft-lb. It is a standard pressure load, so it is safe in any 38 Special revolver in good shape. This is the one to pick if your revolver is not rated for +P.
Critical Defense +P
The Critical Defense +P 110-grain FTX lists 1,090 fps and 290 ft-lb. That is the highest listed energy of the Hornady loads we stock. Only use it in a revolver its maker rates for +P.
Critical Defense Lite
The Critical Defense Lite 90-grain FTX uses a lighter bullet. It lists 1,200 fps and 288 ft-lb. Hornady designed the Lite line for less felt recoil. That helps shooters who find a light snub-nose hard to control. It is a good option for new shooters or those with weaker hands.
Defensive ammo laws vary by state and city. Check your local rules before you carry.
XTP Loads: American Gunner and Custom
The American Gunner 125-grain XTP lists 900 fps and 225 ft-lb. American Gunner is Hornady’s value line. It works for practice, home defense and general use.
The Hornady Custom 158-grain XTP lists 800 fps and 225 ft-lb. The heavy bullet suits revolver owners who like a classic 158-grain weight. Some people use it on small game or pests where legal.
Hornady 38 Special Comparison Table
| Load | Grain | Bullet | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Defense Lite | 90 | FTX | 1,200 | 288 | 25-round box |
| Critical Defense | 110 | FTX | 1,010 | 249 | 25-round box |
| Critical Defense +P | 110 | FTX | 1,090 | 290 | 25-round box |
| American Gunner | 125 | XTP | 900 | 225 | 25-round box |
| Custom | 158 | XTP | 800 | 225 | 25-round box |
Figures are Hornady’s published muzzle data. Short barrels will show lower speeds.
How to Pick the Right Hornady 38 Special Load
Start with your revolver. Look for a +P rating in the manual or on the barrel. Then think about recoil and use.
- Standard pressure revolver: Critical Defense 110-grain or Critical Defense Lite.
- +P-rated revolver: Critical Defense +P.
- Light snub or recoil-sensitive shooter: Critical Defense Lite.
- Practice and general use: American Gunner 125-grain XTP.
- Heavy bullet fans: Custom 158-grain XTP.
Next, shoot a few cylinders of your choice. Check that it hits close to your sights. Also check that the empty cases eject cleanly. A 25-round box is enough to tell you a lot. Hornady 38 Special loads come in 25-round boxes, which makes this test easy.
What +P Means on the Box
A +P load runs at higher pressure than a standard 38 Special load. SAAMI sets the limits for both. The extra pressure buys more speed, but it also adds recoil and wear. Many modern steel-frame revolvers are rated for +P. Some older or very light guns are not. When in doubt, ask the maker. A .357 Magnum revolver can fire any of these loads, +P included. Check its manual to confirm.
Is 38 Special Good for Self-Defense?
The 38 Special came from Smith & Wesson in 1898. It served as a police round for much of the 20th century. Today it is a common carry round in small revolvers. A revolver is simple to run, and the 38 Special is easy to control in most guns. Pair it with a good hollow point and regular practice.
Want to understand how defense loads are judged? Read our guide to reading 38 Special gel test results. To compare another brand, see the Federal 38 Special ammo guide.
Shop Hornady 38 Special Ammo
See our Hornady 38 Special ammo category or browse all brands in the main 38 Special ammo section. Pick one carry load and one practice load, and train with both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hornady Critical Defense?
Critical Defense is Hornady’s carry ammo line. It uses the FTX bullet, a hollow point with a red polymer tip. Hornady designed the tip to keep clothing from plugging the cavity. In 38 Special it comes in standard, +P and reduced-recoil Lite versions.
Is Hornady Critical Defense Lite good for a snub-nose?
Critical Defense Lite uses a 90-grain bullet for less felt recoil. It lists 1,200 fps and 288 ft-lb. That makes it easier to control in light snub-nose revolvers, which helps with fast, accurate follow-up shots. Test it in your own revolver.
Is 38 special good for self-defense?
The 38 Special has more than a century of service with police and civilians. In a revolver you shoot well, with a quality hollow point, it remains a common carry choice. Practice often, and check your state and local rules on carry and ammo.
Is 38 special bigger than 9mm?
The bullets are almost the same width. A 38 Special bullet measures about .357 inch and a 9mm about .355 inch. The 38 Special uses a longer, rimmed case for revolvers. The two cartridges are not interchangeable in any firearm.
What does XTP stand for?
XTP stands for Extreme Terminal Performance. It is Hornady’s jacketed hollow point bullet, designed for controlled expansion and penetration. In 38 Special, we carry it in the American Gunner 125-grain and Custom 158-grain loads.
