Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135gr +P FlexLock

Hornady Critical Duty 135-grain +P FlexLock was purpose-built to meet every requirement of the FBI ammunition protocol. The FlexLock bullet features Hornady's patented InterLock band that mechanically locks the jacket to the core, preventing separation even through the most punishing barriers. The flexible polymer insert in the hollow point cavity prevents clogging from clothing and drywall.

In Lucky Gunner's gel testing, the 135gr +P Critical Duty achieved 18.08 inches of penetration with 0.468 inches of expansion. The +P loading drives the bullet at 1,118 fps, providing the velocity needed for reliable barrier penetration and expansion. This is the load the FBI selected for its duty ammunition after extensive protocol testing across all six barrier types.

The 135-grain weight represents a calculated middle ground between 124gr and 147gr, optimizing the velocity-to-mass ratio for consistent expansion across all barriers. The nickel-plated case ensures reliable feeding and the +P pressure provides the velocity margin needed for shorter barrels. Critical Duty is designed for duty-size pistols (4"+ barrels) — for compact carry guns, Hornady recommends Critical Defense instead.