Video: Hornady’s Critical Defense Lite

Take aim at two lethal threats: human attackers and breast cancer.

posted on October 23, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Hornady’s Critical Defense Lite self-defense pistol ammunition is much more than a pretty pink polymer tip. It’s a way to take aim at two lethal threats: human attackers and breast cancer. The fact that it’s called “lite” refers not to its terminal performance (which happens to be tremendous, thank you very much), nor to its caloric content (although breast cancer does make us mad enough to spit bullets). Hornady’s Critical Defense is called “Lite” because it offers reduced recoil and reduced muzzle flash without sacrificing stopping power. 

In this video, NRA Women contributor Kristy Titus demonstrates the message that is at the core of self-defense strategy: When you are one-on-one with someone bent on harming you, you must be able to rely on yourself. Hornady’s Critical Defense Lite was designed to open the path to self-reliance, especially for people with reduced hand strength or medical conditions.

But what about that pretty pink polymer tip? That’s there to allow maximum impact, even through thick clothing. It’s pink because Hornady donates a portion of the proceeds from sales to breast-cancer research—almost $40,000 last year alone!

Hornady assures us that they are moving Heaven and Earth to get as much Critical Defense Lite (among other popular loads) onto American shelves as possible. If you’re having a hard time finding it, here’s an article with our best advice to get some for yourself. Hornady.com

Latest

NRA Women The Armed Citizen Shooting A Pistol
NRA Women The Armed Citizen Shooting A Pistol

The Armed Citizen® Reload May 15, 2026

Trouble sleeping? Not anymore for three armed women who defended themselves from middle-of-the-night attackers.

Review: Henry's H16 Golden Boy .22 LR Deadeye Revolver

An adjustable sight set makes this double-action rimfire even more enjoyable to shoot.

Gun Stocks: Which Wood—You Choose!

The stock is the first thing you notice about a rifle. Here's why the wood chosen for a particular model firearm is anything but random.

Three Tips for Summer Road Trips While Carrying Concealed

It seems like an easy task to just pack your CCW and be on your way to your summer destination. But wait—there's more.

Where Memories Take Flight: A Mother-Son Tower Shoot

As shared by the author, the most meaningful moments with our children are the ones without distractions, when phones are put away and we can focus on simply making memories.

Terminology Wars: Seasoned Firearms Instructors vs. Younger Students

With each generation, archaic phrases can seem like a whole new language. If you are from "back in the day," here's how to handle the passing of the torch to new—and younger—instructors.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.