Hornady introduced two new handgun loads during the 2013 SHOT Show in Las Vegas: Hornady Critical Defense .410 and Critical Defense Lite. Critical Defense .410 is designed specifically for .410 revolvers and features a non-jacketed bullet with Hornady’s Flex Tip design, followed by two .35-caliber lead balls. When fired, the base of the bullet flares and expands, engaging the rifling and creating a straight path for the bullet, while the lead balls will spread out, making the Critical Defense .410 a good short-range defense round.

Another new round from Hornady, Critical Defense Lite, was introduced to round out the Critical Defense line. This .38 Special round features a 90-grain bullet with the Flex Tip design, lessening the recoil while still ensuring proper expansion and performance. Proceeds from the Critical Defense Lite will be donated to cancer research. Check out the video from SHOT Show.