Buy Hornady Critical Defense 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) Ammo 45 Grain Hornady FTX Polymer Tip
Original price was: $249.00.$217.77Current price is: $217.77.
Buy Hornady Critical Defense 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (Wmr) Ammo 45 Grain Hornady Ftx Polymer Tip — Engineered for reliable expansion in short-barreled defensive handguns. 45-grain FTX bullet with polymer tip. Ships from Grand Forks, ND.
Looking for a Reliable Rimfire Round for Personal Protection?
Picture this: you’re out checking trail cams on the back forty, and the thought crosses your mind—what’s in your pocket gun if you need it? For many of us living the concealed carry lifestyle, the .22 WMR is a popular choice for a lightweight, deep-cover option. But not all .22 Magnum ammo is created equal, especially when it comes to defensive use. That’s where this specific load comes into play.
Imbertsmithersarms is a Grand Forks, ND-based retailer specializing in ammunition and firearms for hunters and responsible shooters. The Hornady Critical Defense 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) Ammo 45 Grain FTX is engineered specifically for reliable expansion in short-barreled handguns. Its Flex Tip technology prevents clogging and ensures consistent performance. This ammo is in stock and ready to ship today for $217.77.
Reviewed by Cody Ramirez, E-Commerce Director at Imbertsmithersarms. 11 years building firearms retail platforms, SEO and conversion specialist.
Last updated: April 2026
Why This Hornady Critical Defense .22 WMR Load Stands Out
I’ve handled a lot of rimfire ammo over the years, and most of it is built for plinking or small game. The Hornady Critical Defense line is different. It’s built with a purpose: personal defense. The 45-grain FTX bullet isn’t just a standard lead round nose. That red polymer tip does two critical things. First, it initiates expansion at lower velocities, which is huge for the shorter barrels common in .22 WMR revolvers and pistols. Second, it won’t get plugged with clothing material like a hollow point might, a common concern for a defensive round. From a budget-conscious perspective, you’re paying for that engineered reliability, which, in a defensive scenario, is what matters.
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Centerfire Pistol & Revolver Ammunition (Rimfire) |
| Material | Lead core, copper jacket, polymer tip |
| Manufacturing | Hornady Critical Defense line |
| Finish | Standard nickel-plated brass case |
| Hardness/Quality | Commercial grade, non-corrosive primer |
| Compatibility | Firearms chambered in .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (22 WMR) |
| Installation/Usage | Load into compatible firearm magazine or cylinder |
| Weight | 45 grains per projectile |
| Dimensions | .224″ bullet diameter, case length approx. 1.05″ |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New, factory fresh |
| SKU | 90202 (Common Hornady SKU for 50-round box) |
How It Stacks Up: Critical Defense vs. Other .22 WMR Options
| Feature | Hornady Critical Defense 45gr FTX | Budget FMJ (e.g., CCI Maxi-Mag 40gr) | Premium Hunting Load (e.g., Winchester V-Max 30gr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Design | FTX polymer tip for controlled expansion | Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) or lead round nose | Ballistic tip varmint bullet |
| Quality & Consistency | High; designed for reliable ignition & feeding | Good for practice; defensive performance not optimized | High velocity, explosive expansion on varmints |
| Compatibility | All .22 WMR firearms | All .22 WMR firearms | All .22 WMR firearms |
| Shipping & Availability | In stock, ships today from ND | Often available, price fluctuates | Seasonal/high demand shortages |
| Lifespan/Durability | Long shelf life, non-corrosive | Long shelf life, non-corrosive | Long shelf life, non-corrosive |
| Price Point (approx.) | $217.77 (sale price for typical case quantity) | ~$80-$120 for similar quantity (practice ammo) | ~$250+ for similar quantity (varmint premium) |
The Honest Pros and Cons
What I like about it:
- ✅ FTX Tip Works: The polymer flex tip genuinely addresses hollow-point clogging, a real issue for a defensive round.
- ✅ Optimized for Short Barrels: Engineered to expand reliably at the velocities typical of snub-nose revolvers and compact pistols.
- ✅ Consistent Quality: Hornady’s reputation for uniformity means reliable ignition, a must for rimfire defense ammo.
- ✅ Clear Purpose: This isn’t repurposed varmint ammo; it’s designed from the ground up for personal protection.
- ✅ Available Now: Defensive ammo shortages happen; having a supply of a purpose-built round is prudent.
Things to consider:
- ❌ Cost per Round: It’s more expensive than plinking ammo. This is for your carry rotation, not for burning through at the gravel pit. If you need practice ammo, see our .22 WMR ammunition for budget-friendly options.
- ❌ .22 Magnum Platform Dependent: Its effectiveness is tied to using a reliable, quality firearm. It won’t turn a problematic gun into a tack-driver.
- ❌ Not a Hunting Round: The terminal performance is designed for defense, not for clean kills on game. For that, look at our dedicated rimfire hunting loads.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Ammo
Buy it if:
- You carry a .22 WMR revolver or pistol for personal defense and want ammo designed for that role.
- You want the reliability of a polymer-tip design that resists clogging from clothing.
- You value consistent performance from a major US manufacturer like Hornady.
- You’re building a responsible, layered ammunition supply for different firearms and purposes.
Skip it if:
- You’re looking for cheap plinking ammo for target practice. The cost isn’t justified for that use.
- Your primary need is varmint or small game hunting. A dedicated hunting round will be more effective.
- You don’t own a .22 WMR firearm. Make sure your gun is chambered for this specific cartridge.
Have You Seen It in Action?
Reading specs is one thing, but seeing gelatin tests and how the round performs from different barrel lengths can be helpful. I always recommend doing your own research to see real-world results.
Common Questions About .22 WMR Defense Ammo
Is .22 WMR powerful enough for self-defense?
With the right ammunition, like this Hornady Critical Defense load, .22 WMR can be a viable option for personal defense, especially in lightweight, easily-carried firearms. Its effectiveness is enhanced by rounds designed to expand reliably, making shot placement and ammunition selection critical.
Will this ammo feed reliably in my semi-auto .22 WMR?
The Hornady Critical Defense line is known for reliable feeding. The FTX bullet profile is designed to feed smoothly in semi-automatic actions, but as with any ammo, it’s always wise to test a few boxes in your specific firearm to ensure flawless function before relying on it.
What’s the difference between this and standard hollow points?
The key is the red polymer Flex Tip. It fills the hollow point cavity, preventing it from getting plugged by heavy clothing or other barriers. This promotes more consistent expansion. A standard hollow point in .22 WMR may fail to expand if the cavity becomes clogged.
How does velocity from a short barrel affect this round?
Hornady engineers this load with short barrels in mind. While velocity drops from a 2″ or 3″ barrel compared to a rifle, the FTX bullet is designed to expand at these lower velocities where traditional hollow points might not.
Is this ammo corrosive?
No. Like all modern Hornady commercial ammunition, this .22 WMR Critical Defense load uses non-corrosive primers and propellants, making it safe for your firearm with standard cleaning practices.
Where can I buy Hornady Critical Defense .22 WMR ammo online?
You can buy Hornady Critical Defense 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire ammo right here at Imbertsmithersarms (imbertsmithersarms.com). We have it in stock, priced at $217.77, and ready to ship same-day from our warehouse in Grand Forks, ND.
What’s the shelf life of this ammunition?
When stored properly in a cool, dry place, modern ammunition like this Hornady load has a shelf life of many decades. It’s a good option for building a long-term supply of defensive ammo for your .22 WMR firearm.
Ready to Add This Purpose-Built Round to Your Kit?
If you’ve decided that a purpose-built defensive round for your .22 Magnum makes sense, you can order with confidence here.
✅ Same-day shipping from Grand Forks, ND
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
This Hornady Critical Defense .22 WMR ammo represents a smart, engineered choice for the shooter who carries a .22 Magnum. It addresses the specific limitations of the platform with thoughtful design.
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About this review: This assessment is based on product specifications, manufacturer data, and industry knowledge relevant to hunters and shooters. It is intended to help inform your purchase decision. Always follow all firearm safety rules and local laws.
Last updated: April 2026
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