Hornady Critical Defense Rifle Ammo.

[SNORTHRUP1]

Hi guys, I didn't know if anyone tried the Hornady Critical Defense load in .308, and if so how it shot & grouped for them? It features the 155 grain FTX bullet at 2,785 out of a 24" test barrel according to Hornady's website. I have a Remington 700P LTR (20" Barrel w/ 1 in 12" RH twist) that I plan on using for target shooting and predator & varmint hunting. (Fox & coyote hunting and woodchuck & raccoon control) It's advertised as a close range rifle defense round, and when I looked at the ballistic's of the Critical Defense round it's lower muzzle energy & velocity at 100 & 200 yards compared to the standard 168 grain load at 2,700 FPS it seems like a load that might work. I don't have the money or space where I live to reload my own ammo, and was looking for a factory load that I could use for predator hunting that wouldn't blow the coyotes intestines out the other side & was wondering if the Critical Defense load in .308 would fit the bill?

 

[Podmonkey]

Hi guys, I didn't know if anyone tried the Hornady Critical Defense load in .308, and if so how it shot & grouped for them? It features the 155 grain FTX bullet at 2,785 out of a 24" test barrel according to Hornady's website. I have a Remington 700P LTR (20" Barrel w/ 1 in 12" RH twist) that I plan on using for target shooting and predator & varmint hunting. (Fox & coyote hunting and woodchuck & raccoon control) It's advertised as a close range rifle defense round, and when I looked at the ballistic's of the Critical Defense round it's lower muzzle energy & velocity at 100 & 200 yards compared to the standard 168 grain load at 2,700 FPS it seems like a load that might work. I don't have the money or space where I live to reload my own ammo, and was looking for a factory load that I could use for predator hunting that wouldn't blow the coyotes intestines out the other side & was wondering if the Critical Defense load in .308 would fit the bill?

I noticed a box of this in the gunshop this morning. Very pricey. I'd like to try a box but I think the Speer Gold Dots in 308 would be as much or more effective at a lower cost. Suitable for hunting as well. I am a big fan of the 223 Gold Dots.

 

[SNORTHRUP1]

I was eyeing those as well when I was looking at .308 ammo.

 

[Podmonkey]

I was eyeing those as well when I was looking at .308 ammo.

Then again, the Gold Dots are a deeper penetrating load, good for larger game and barrier pen for "self defense". The Critical Defense may be better for blowing up 'yotes and varmints as you originally specified.

 

[SNORTHRUP1]

I know certain .308 loads do hovac on them, i just figured the Critical Defense load would be ok.

 

[Podmonkey]

I know certain .308 loads do hovac on them, i just figured the Critical Defense load would be ok.

Did some reading on it. Apparently the FTX is a deep penetrating, controlled expansion bullet, it would seem this bullet in a 308 would just blow through a coyote. Hornady's 110gr VMax round would likely be a better choice for varmints, though I have no doubt the Critical Defense would drop yotes and such like a cement block through tissue paper anyway. 308 gives a lot of leeway.

 

[SNORTHRUP1]

Thank you for the info. I used to be a .243 guy having rifles in that caliber & recently got into .308's.

 

[FLA45fan]

I know a guy that used their TAP 110 gr .308 on deer a lot. Loved it . Used a Tikka T3 and claimed every shot contained within the animal.

 

[SNORTHRUP1]

I heard of a few people using that load too.