Hornady Critical Defense 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WM…

Need a Rimfire Round That Actually Performs When It Counts?

Imbertsmithersarms is a Grand Forks, ND-based retailer specializing in ammunition and gear for hunters and shooters. The Hornady Critical Defense 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire is a purpose-built defensive load engineered for reliable expansion and penetration. Its FTX bullet and Flex Tip technology set it apart from standard rimfire ammo. This 50-round box is in stock and ready to ship for $249.

Why This Hornady Critical Defense 22 WMR is a Smart Choice

Let’s be honest, most .22 WMR ammo on the shelf is designed for plinking or varmints. If you’re considering a rimfire pistol or revolver for a concealed carry lifestyle or as a backup, you need ammunition you can trust. That’s where this Hornady load comes in. It’s not just another box of rimfire; it’s engineered from the ground up for defensive scenarios. The 45-grain FTX bullet with its polymer Flex Tip is designed to initiate consistent expansion through heavy clothing, something most .22 WMR rounds simply won’t do. Having handled and recommended this ammo for years, I see it as a serious option for those who want a lightweight, low-recoil defensive firearm without sacrificing terminal performance.

Detailed Specifications

How It Stacks Up: Hornady Critical Defense vs. Other 22 WMR

Feature	Hornady Critical Defense 22 WMR	Budget 22 WMR (e.g., CCI Maxi-Mag)	Premium Varmint Load (e.g., Federal V-Shok)
Material & Design	FTX bullet with polymer tip for controlled expansion	Standard lead or plated lead round nose	Varmint-specific hollow point for fragmentation
Quality & Consistency	High; built to defensive handgun standards	Good; reliable for its intended plinking/varmint use	High; optimized for accuracy on small game
Compatibility	All 22 WMR firearms	All 22 WMR firearms	All 22 WMR firearms
Shipping	Same-day from ND	Varies	Varies
Lifespan/Durability	Long shelf life, reliable primer system	Standard rimfire shelf life	Standard rimfire shelf life
Price Point	~$0.50 per round (Premium Defensive)	~$0.20-$0.30 per round (Value)	~$0.35-$0.45 per round (Premium Hunting)

The Real-World Pros and Cons

What you’ll appreciate:

• ✅ Engineered Expansion: The Flex Tip design helps the hollow point open reliably, even through denim or heavy fabric, which is critical for defensive use.
• ✅ Consistent Performance: Hornady’s quality control means more reliable ignition and velocity consistency than some bulk rimfire ammo.
• ✅ Low Recoil Advantage: In a lightweight revolver or pistol, follow-up shots are fast and manageable, a real benefit for some shooters.
• ✅ Serious Rimfire Option: It legitimizes the .22 WMR as a viable defensive caliber choice when other options aren’t suitable.
• ✅ Great for Training: The shooting characteristics allow for affordable, low-recoil practice that’s closer to your defensive routine than standard .22 LR.

What to consider:

• ❌ Cost Per Round: At this price, it’s for serious use, not plinking. For high-volume practice, you’ll want standard ammo. See our rimfire ammo for training options.
• ❌ Rimfire Limitations: It’s still rimfire. While Hornady’s priming is excellent, it doesn’t have the absolute ignition reliability of a centerfire primer. Have a backup plan.
• ❌ Not a Varmint Round: This is designed for defense. For prairie dogs or raccoons, a varmint-specific load is more appropriate. Browse our hunting ammunition.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Ammo

Buy it if: You carry a .22 WMR revolver or pistol for personal defense and want the best-performing ammunition available for it. It’s also a smart buy for someone with recoil sensitivity who has settled on .22 WMR as their primary defensive caliber, or for a budget-conscious shooter who wants to stock a limited amount of high-quality defensive ammo for a backup gun.

Skip it if: You’re just looking for ammo to shoot tin cans or hunt ground squirrels—this is overkill and too expensive for that. Also, if absolute, 100.00% ignition reliability is your non-negotiable top priority, you should be looking at a centerfire caliber. Check our full shop for other caliber options.

Common Concerns & Straight Answers

Q: Is .22 WMR really powerful enough for self-defense?
A: With the right shot placement and a bullet that expands like this Hornady FTX, it can be effective. It’s a legitimate choice for those who cannot handle more recoil or need a very small, lightweight firearm. It’s better than a .22 Long Rifle and far better than being unarmed.

Q: Will this ammo cycle in my semi-auto .22 WMR rifle?
A> It should cycle in most firearms chambered for .22 WMR, as it’s loaded to standard pressures. However, always test a box in your specific firearm to ensure function before relying on it.

Q: Why is it so much more expensive than other .22 WMR?
A> You’re paying for the advanced bullet engineering (the FTX tip), higher quality control standards for consistency, and the R&D that went into making a rimfire round perform like a defensive centerfire round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Order? Here’s What You Can Expect

From my desk here in Grand Forks to your doorstep, we get this ammo out fast. When you’re building a defensive system, having the right components matters. This Hornady load is a critical component for the rimfire carrier.

Browse more: Ammunition | Rimfire Ammunition | Full Shop