165 gr Critical Defense loads?

[Teninator]

OK so I have 1000 165 gr Critical Defense bullets. So yeah, looking for some load ideas. Since it has a weird ogive, I can't just use any standard 165 loads and OAL's.

I see that The_Shadow did a pulldown of the Hornady Critical Defense, and revealed a C.O.A.L. of 1.2690 (which is of course way out of whack with most loads), but it doesn't look like anyone figured out the powder.

Yes I could just work it up a starting 165gr load and 1.269 OAL and check the primers? But I've never done that before, invent my own load. 

Honestly, when I bought these things in early 2019, I assumed that Hornady sold the bullets (not just loaded ammo) and there'd be load data.    You can see in the photo that they were pulled.

[The_Shadow]

The COAL being slightly long was because of the rubber/poly tip sticking up past the end of the copper jacket.

[Teninator]

The COAL being slightly long was because of the rubber/poly tip sticking up past the end of the copper jacket.

OK, in your pulldown you gave two lengths for the bullet, not the cartridge. So was that OAL counting the rubber? Because minus the .0180" it's 1.251 OAL. 

Cartridge is from Ammo Manufacture: Hornady 165gr Hornady Critical Defense FTX
Ballistics Information: 10mm Auto
Muzzle Velocity: 1225 fps
Muzzle Energy: 550 ft. lbs
Pictures: Before/After disassembly:
Brass Make/Headstamp: Hornady - Nickel
Bullet Make/Weight/Construction/Info; Length 0.6440"/Dia. 0.400": Hornady 165gr. FTX has a cannelure
Actual weight 166.2 grains       Length 0.6260" not including the red rubber
C.O.A.L.: 1.2690"
Primer: Brass color
Case: Diameter 0.4215" Crimp Diameter 0.4205" Length 0.9900"
Powder Description/Positive ID/Type/Charge Weight:  8.4 grains  very fine small flake has very fine yellow specks as identifier ?
Tested in 10mm S&W1006 5" 1191 fps June 8, 2013
Case expanded to 0.4260", primer slightly flattened, case look good.

[Graybeard]

The Sierra 165gr Sportsmaster HP is .593" in length. Just a little shorter (.033" not counting the rubber tip) than the FTX 165s that you have. I'd use that data, just start a little lower with the charge and ignore the polymer tip re internal case volume when seated. I would guess that the polymer tip is the greatest variable and that Hornady probably seats them based on the end of the copper jacket.