The Critical Defense .32 H&R Magnum is another self defense load announced by Hornady at the 2012 NASGW show last week.  Designed for any revolver chambered for the .32 H&R Magnum, the ammunition performs equally as well in .327 Federal Magnum revolvers also.

This load uses an 80 grain FTX bullet.  The FTX bullet is a polymer tipped hollowpoint that has proven to be very successful in both self defense and hunting applications.  A friend who uses the Hornady Leverevolution .30-30 ammo with an FTX bullet tells me the wound channel they create is unbelievable.  These rounds use the same bullet technology.

Velocity is listed as 1150 fps at the muzzle.  I did not see what kind of barrel was used, but I suspect it was a 4″ test barrel based on other Hornady tests.  So, if you have a shorter barrel gun, expect less velocity.  At 1150 fps, the bullet generates 235 ft-lbs of energy.

Like other loads in the Critical Defense line, these use low flash powder to minimize the blinding effect when shooting in low light.  Cases are nickel-plated.

Revolvers chambered for the.32 H&R Magnum are not as common as they once were.  But, they still are carried by people.  Hornady has really gone after some of the less-popular calibers in the Critical Defense line, where there is a lack of quality self defense ammo.  For example, this year the company introduced a .32 NAA load and last year Hornady rolled out a version for the 9mm Makarov.

It will be interesting to see how many niche calibers Hornady might touch with this line.  For example, would they do a 7.62×25 or .45 GAP?

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Surviving the Street: Guide to Concealed Carry of a Firearm

Essential information on concealed carry. This book has just the basics - not a lot of fluff to get bogged down in. Easy to read, Surviving the Street introduces the reader to the important information you need as an armed citizen.

The author presents frank information about self defense in a way that is easy to understand and use.