#FederalHST

Ever since the dawn of the pistol, we’ve always sought to optimize the projectiles we shoot at those who are threatening us. Throughout history, we’ve seen the simple round ball shot evolve into all sorts of shapes, and eventually into the sleek, high ballistic coefficient, and complex expanding bullet designs meant for the greatest terminal effect out of the shortest barrels. With such a long history of developing ammunition, humanity has a long laundry list of even just 9mm cartridges that many people would consider carrying for self-defense. How do you sort through all of that? Today I’m going to give you what I and a lot of the TFB staff agree are the best available 9mm carry ammo.

Two new load offerings have just been introduced by Federal Ammunition in the personal defense category including new HST 357 Magnum and 327 Federal Magnum. Both calibers have been popular choices for those who still choose to field a revolver for self-defense. Both new offerings will feature nickel-plated cases, specially engineered 104-grain, and 154-grain hollow point bullets, as well as high-performance primers for more consistent ignition. These new HST offerings join the ranks of other proven and popular self-defense loadings from federal including a 9mm Luger, 45 ACP, and the new 30 Super Carry.

Federal has announced that its latest offering to the ammunition market has just started arriving at dealer locations. The New Federal Practice & Defend ammunition packs will contain 50 HST Personal Defense loads as well as 50 Federal Syntech rounds intended for practice.

We shoot Federal .40 S&W 165 gr HST ammunition from a Glock 23 with a 4″ barrel into Clearballistics ballistic gel and measure velocity, penetration, expansion/fragmentation, and retained weight.

Nothing says “I Love You” over the holidays to your significant other like a vase of flowers… Made from Federal HST bullets! Bullet Bouquets is a crafty idea spawned from of all places, Reddit.