Hornady's Critical Defense Heavy Magnum 12 gauge load is a 3-inch magnum shell carrying 1 1/4 oz. of #1 nickel-plated lead shot behind Hornady's VersaTite wad, marketed for personal defense.
Why it matters
It is a dedicated home-defense shotshell from a major maker using #1 shot, a size between buckshot and birdshot, with a wad Hornady says patterns consistently from modified to full chokes.
Full specs
| Item | 86223 |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 GA |
| Shell length | 3 in. (magnum) |
| Payload | 1 1/4 oz. #1 nickel-plated lead shot |
| Wad | VersaTite |
| Box | 10 rounds |
Specs from: Hornady product page[1], Hornady 2027 new-products release[2]. Checked Oct 25, 2026. Where sources disagree we use the maker's figure. Specs the maker has not published are left out. Hornady lists choke guidance as modified to full; it publishes no velocity figure on the product page.
Status history
Verification logLast status check: Oct 25, 2026
Announced Oct. 14, 2026 as part of Hornady's 2027 new-product release. Hornady gave no price or ship date.
Who it's for: Hunters and shooters who want a new factory load for their rifle.
Compare with
Similar new releases at a similar price, from our database:
| Product | Status | MSRP | Announced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady Critical Defense Heavy Magnum 12 GA 3 in. #1 Nickel Shotshell (this page) | Announced | Not yet announced | Oct 14, 2026 |
| Hornady SBR Suppressed Supersonic Ammunition | Announced | Not yet announced | Oct 14, 2026 |
| Hornady Precision Hunter 6.8 Western 176 gr ELD-X | Announced | Not yet announced | Oct 14, 2026 |
| Federal Berger Elite Hunter 7mm PRC 195gr | Shipping | $84.99 | Sep 24, 2026 |
