Federal 9mm 147gr HST in Clear Ballistics Gel

[5pins]

Test Gun: Sig P229, Kahr MK9.
Barrel length: 3.9, 3 inches.
Ammunition: Federal 9mm 147gr HST.
Test media: 10% Clear Ballistics Gel.
Distance: 10 feet.
Chronograph: PACT 1 XP with inferred sky screens.
Five shot velocity average: 967, 916fps
Gel Temperature 71 degrees.


This is the fourth installment and probably last with the 9mm HST line. Here is a link to the other 9mm HST rounds I tested.

http://www.general-cartridge.com/blog/federal-9mm-124grp-hst-in-clear-ballistics-gel

http://www.general-cartridge.com/blog/federal-9mm-124gr-hst1-in-clear-ballistics-gel

http://www.general-cartridge.com/blog/federal-9mm-hst-147gr-p-in-clear-ballistics-gel

I got an average velocity of 967fps out of the P229 with a high of 975fps and a low of 953fps.




I switch back to my Kahr for the short barrel testing and got an average velocity of 916fps with a high of 929fps and a low of 893fps.



In the bare gel, out the P229 the first round had a velocity of 966fps and penetrated to 15.25 inches and had a recovered diameter of .67 inches. Round two hit at a velocity of 976fps expanded to .65 inches and also penetrated to 15.25 inches.



In heaving clothing covered gel, the first round had a velocity of 976fps, penetrated to 19 inches and expanded to .65 inches. The second round had a velocity of 962fps expanded to .62 inches and penetrated to 16.25 inches.



Out of the Kahr in the bare gel, the first round hit at a velocity of 922fps, penetrated to 16.25 inches and expanded to .65 inches. round two traveled at a velocity of 914fps, also penetrated to 16.25 inches and expanded to .63 inches.

 

[Deus Machina]

This is exactly the round I carry, in the barrel lengths I use. Once again, this shows that HST is the very best available 9mm right now.
IMO, of course, but it's based on tests like these.
And it works so consistently in gel that I'm not worried if it will work in a body.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Nice performance.

 

[amd6547]

My G26 and G17 are both loaded with the +P version of this load.

 

[SharpDog]

That's what I use as well

 

[Curtism1]

I used the standard load 124gr HST in both the 19 and 43. Always like the performance that I have seen from them.

 

[JR24]

My favored load, though I have considered switching to 124 HST occssionally.

But I just like how they shoot.

 

[RPZ]

Excellent performance, and kudos to Federal.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Just ordered 200 rounds of the 124 gr +p stuff. Looking forward to trying it.

 

[herrwalther]

I currently carry 147gr HST in my PPS. The local retailer I got the ammo from out of business so now I have to find a new source for my slim stack 9mm.

 

[Steve_M]

Thanks for testing the 147 gr bullet with a 3 inch barrel. I use the 147 grain bullet in my CZ 85 house gun but loaded the Kahr CM 9 carry gun with 124 grain HST because I did not expect the round to do well at lower velocities. I'll have to try some out of my carry gun and see if I can keep both guns with the same ammo.

 

[CopperFouling]

That load fared well with the testing on Lucky Gunner, too. I am considering switching to it, but I have to see how my HKs do with the 147s.

 

[mljdeckard]

Currently carrying Hydra-shoks, because I was unable to find any HSTs, but I will look again, it was always my intention to carry them.

Now, I have said for years, that the Hornady Critical Defense line about clogging with cloth and failing to expand is mostly invented, and that they are no more or less likely to expand through clothing than any other premium defensive bullet. It appears to me, that this test would confirm that?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

They look so purrdee. lol

Thanks for posting your results.

 

[JR24]

Currently carrying Hydra-shoks, because I was unable to find any HSTs, but I will look again, it was always my intention to carry them.

Now, I have said for years, that the Hornady Critical Defense line about clogging with cloth and failing to expand is mostly invented, and that they are no more or less likely to expand through clothing than any other premium defensive bullet. It appears to me, that this test would confirm that?

I order mine from here. Good prices and reasonably fast shipping.

https://www.sgammo.com/product/fede...ral-hst-147-grain-hollow-point-le-ammo-p9hst2

 

[Sistema1927]

I order mine from here. Good prices and reasonably fast shipping.

https://www.sgammo.com/product/fede...ral-hst-147-grain-hollow-point-le-ammo-p9hst2

Even cheaper here: https://www.bonefroggunclub.com/col...147gr-federal-premium-tactical-hst-jhp-p9hst2

I just received 150 rounds from them and shipping was fast. Total, including shipping, was $64.55.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

I order mine from here. Good prices and reasonably fast shipping.

https://www.sgammo.com/product/fede...ral-hst-147-grain-hollow-point-le-ammo-p9hst2

Yep, I have a thousand-round case of 147-gr. HST in my closet right now. Probably last me a decade.

 

[Wichaka]

Currently carrying Hydra-shoks, because I was unable to find any HSTs, but I will look again, it was always my intention to carry them.

Now, I have said for years, that the Hornady Critical Defense line about clogging with cloth and failing to expand is mostly invented, and that they are no more or less likely to expand through clothing than any other premium defensive bullet. It appears to me, that this test would confirm that?

In actual shootings, both Hydra-Shok and Critical Defense fall short for recommendations for carry.

Hydra-Shok is pathetic, and Critical Defense is inconsistent in its performance.

Any of the offerings from Federal HST, Remington Golden Saber, or Winchester T will do you well. Just stay away from 115gr, it's performance is erratic.

 

[sota]

That load fared well with the testing on Lucky Gunner, too. I am considering switching to it, but I have to see how my HKs do with the 147s.

Todd carried P9HST3 in his P30. Glenn E. Meyer tested several of the P9HST flavors and consistently got good results as well. I doubt you'll be disappointed in any HST's performance out of an HK.

 

[Proinsias]

Would 147 be better out of 3", 124 for longer barrels?

Bonefrog was the best prices when I looked at pretty easy to deal with. And better if you're not paying sales tax like me.

 

[mdThanatos]

GTDist.com has them at a good price too. Came out cheaper than bonefrog for me due to shipping.

 

[sota]

Would 147 be better out of 3", 124 for longer barrels?

Bonefrog was the best prices when I looked at pretty easy to deal with. And better if you're not paying sales tax like me.

go search out shooting the bull 410's ammo quest videos.