First Impressions of **Hornady CD Lite .38SPCL 90 Grain FTX Brass Case Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The Hornady CD Lite .38SPCL 90 Grain FTX Brass Case Centerfire Pistol Ammunition arrives with a promise: manageable recoil and reliable performance for personal defense. For years, I’ve wrestled with .38 Special rounds, some snappy and unpleasant, others underwhelming in their delivery. This offering from Hornady, with its 90-grain FTX bullet, piqued my interest, promising a lighter recoil profile without sacrificing terminal ballistics.
I was looking for a reliable round for my wife’s lightweight revolver. She enjoys shooting, but the recoil of standard .38 Special loads can be a deterrent. I needed something she could practice with comfortably, yet still trust for self-defense.
The Hornady CD Lite rounds come neatly packaged in a box of 25. The brass casings gleam, and the FTX bullets exhibit Hornady’s signature red polymer tip. The overall impression is one of quality and attention to detail. Compared to some bulk-packed, generic .38 Special ammunition, the Hornady rounds immediately feel like a step up.
I considered other low-recoil .38 Special options, but the FTX bullet design swayed me. It’s designed for consistent expansion, even at lower velocities. This made the Hornady CD Lite seem like a more effective choice than standard lead round nose or wadcutter rounds. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; I was eager to see if the real-world performance matched the promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Hornady CD Lite .38SPCL 90 Grain FTX Brass Case Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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First Use Experience
My first outing with the Hornady CD Lite ammunition was at an indoor shooting range. I brought along my wife’s Smith & Wesson Airweight, a lightweight revolver notorious for amplifying recoil. The range offered a controlled environment to assess the ammo’s performance.
The Hornady CD Lite rounds performed admirably. Recoil was significantly reduced compared to standard 158-grain .38 Special loads. My wife immediately noticed the difference and was able to maintain better control and accuracy. We also tested the rounds in a heavier steel-framed revolver, where the recoil was even more negligible. There were no malfunctions or issues with feeding or extraction.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 200 rounds fired, the Hornady CD Lite ammunition has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I have experienced no failures to fire or any other malfunctions. The ammunition burns relatively clean, leaving minimal residue in the revolvers’ cylinders.
I regularly clean my firearms after each range session, and the Hornady CD Lite leaves minimal fouling. This makes cleaning a breeze compared to some cheaper, dirtier ammunition. So far, I have seen no signs of excessive wear and tear on either of our revolvers that could be attributed to this ammunition.
The performance has exceeded my expectations, particularly in terms of recoil management and accuracy. The Hornady CD Lite has become my preferred choice for practice and a viable option for self-defense in lightweight revolvers.
Breaking Down the Features of **Hornady CD Lite .38SPCL 90 Grain FTX Brass Case Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Specifications
The Hornady CD Lite .38SPCL 90 Grain FTX Brass Case Centerfire Pistol Ammunition boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance.
- Caliber: .38 Special – A classic and widely available revolver cartridge.
- Bullet Weight: 90 grain – Significantly lighter than standard .38 Special loads, resulting in reduced recoil.
- Bullet Type: Soft Point Boat Tail (SPBT) with FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding) – The FTX design ensures reliable expansion even at lower velocities. The soft point boat tail aids in accuracy and stability.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass – Provides reliable feeding and extraction, and is reloadable.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1200 ft/s – This is a listed maximum, and in shorter barrels, will be lower.
- Muzzle Energy: 288 ft-lbs – Adequate for personal defense, especially with reliable expansion.
- Primer Style: Centerfire – Reliable ignition.
- Number of Rounds: 25 – A practical quantity for range use and self-defense preparation.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the shooting experience. The lighter bullet weight and FTX design work together to reduce recoil and promote reliable expansion. The brass casing and centerfire primer ensure consistent performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Hornady CD Lite ammunition excels in several key areas.
- Recoil is noticeably reduced. This makes it easier to control the firearm and maintain accuracy, especially in lightweight revolvers.
- Accuracy is impressive. The SPBT bullet design contributes to consistent groupings at typical self-defense distances.
- Reliability is excellent. I have experienced no malfunctions in multiple revolvers.
One potential weakness is the lower muzzle energy compared to standard .38 Special loads. While the FTX bullet is designed to compensate for this with reliable expansion, it’s still a consideration for those prioritizing maximum stopping power. The ammunition meets and exceeds expectations for a low-recoil .38 Special round designed for personal defense.
Design & Ergonomics
The Hornady CD Lite ammunition is designed for optimal performance and ease of use.
- The brass casings are clean and well-finished. This ensures smooth feeding and extraction in revolvers.
- The FTX bullet design is visually appealing and contributes to reliable expansion.
- The ammunition is easy to load and handle.
The ammunition presents no learning curve; it performs as expected straight out of the box.
Durability & Maintenance
The brass casings are reloadable, extending the lifespan of the ammunition components. The relatively clean-burning powder reduces fouling and simplifies cleaning. The Hornady CD Lite ammunition is designed for reliable performance and long-term storage.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hornady CD Lite .38SPCL 90 Grain FTX Brass Case Centerfire Pistol Ammunition itself does not have accessories. Its performance can be enhanced with various revolvers and grips designed for recoil absorption. It is compatible with speed loaders and speed strips designed for .38 Special cartridges.
Pros and Cons of **Hornady CD Lite .38SPCL 90 Grain FTX Brass Case Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Pros
- Significantly reduced recoil, making it ideal for shooters sensitive to recoil or using lightweight revolvers.
- Reliable expansion thanks to the FTX bullet design, ensuring adequate terminal performance.
- Excellent accuracy for consistent groupings at self-defense distances.
- Consistent reliability with no malfunctions experienced during testing.
- Clean-burning powder, simplifying firearm maintenance.
Cons
- Lower muzzle energy compared to standard .38 Special loads, which may be a concern for some shooters.
- The cost per round may be higher than some bulk-packed, generic .38 Special ammunition.
Who Should Buy **Hornady CD Lite .38SPCL 90 Grain FTX Brass Case Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The Hornady CD Lite .38SPCL 90 Grain FTX Brass Case Centerfire Pistol Ammunition is perfect for:
- Individuals with recoil sensitivity.
- Those who carry lightweight .38 Special revolvers for self-defense.
- Shooters looking for a reliable and accurate practice round.
This product may not be ideal for individuals prioritizing maximum stopping power above all else. Those shooters might prefer a standard pressure or +P .38 Special load with a heavier bullet. A quality holster and speed loader/speed strips are must-have accessories to complement this ammunition.
Conclusion on **Hornady CD Lite .38SPCL 90 Grain FTX Brass Case Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The Hornady CD Lite .38SPCL 90 Grain FTX Brass Case Centerfire Pistol Ammunition delivers on its promise of reduced recoil and reliable performance. The FTX bullet design ensures consistent expansion, compensating for the lower muzzle energy. The ammunition is accurate, reliable, and clean-burning.
The price is justified by the quality and performance of the ammunition. This is especially true for those seeking a manageable and effective option for self-defense in lightweight revolvers. I would personally recommend the Hornady CD Lite to anyone seeking a low-recoil .38 Special load that doesn’t compromise on terminal ballistics. If you’re tired of snappy recoil and want a .38 Special you can shoot comfortably and confidently, give the Hornady CD Lite a try. You won’t be disappointed.