Federal JHP 9MM Hydra-Shok

[phil dirt]

I was able to buy 2 boxes of Federal 9MM 124 grain HYDRA-SHOK the other day. It is standard pressure, not +P. I've never used this stuff. How does it rate as a defense load compared to more modern loads?

 

[sota]

what's the part # on the box. P9HS1? P9HST1?

 

[phil dirt]

It is P9HS1G.

 

[sota]

from what I remember in researching it's "meh" compared to the newer HST rounds. reports that it clogs, fails to expand properly, or fragments.

 

[ku4hx]

Old data for sure, but penetration as listed here is still respectable. Not the newest fodder, but certainly no slouch either. Body-body-head should be an effective tactic.
http://www.firearmstactical.com/ammo_data/9mm.htm

 

[Steve C]

The Federal standard pressure 124gr Hydra-shok has been used by Law enforcement for over 30 years with excellent effect. Yes its an older design but it has hung around and is still in use because its good. You are not going to find anything significantly better in standard pressure ammo.

 

[mljdeckard]

Yes, it's terrible. Now it's only the second-best defensive cartridge you can buy.

I think concerns like clogging with cloth are completely overblown.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

The lead post in the center of the hollowpoint acts as a lead "clog" when the bullet passes through medium-heavy clothing. The cloth plug that is cut out, cookie cutter style, by the rim of the hollowpoint as the bullet passes through clothing effectively plugs the cavity. The lead post prevents the cloth plug from being pushed down into the base of the cavity to clear the cavity mouth and allow fluid to enter the cavity and produce expansion.

I'd use it as training ammo and purchase fresh modern ammo for defense, which is designed for more robust and reliable expansion.

 

[wally]

Placement, Placement, and Penetration are the three most important things in handgun effectiveness. By most reports it has adequate penetration, the rest is on you!

 

[blkbrd666]

It's deadly against nekkid people.

 

[mljdeckard]

As I said. Completely overblown.

 

[LiveLife]

Federal JHP 9MM Hydra-Shok
I was able to buy 2 boxes of Federal 9MM 124 grain HYDRA-SHOK

That's what I used before switching to Remington Golden Saber/Speer 124 gr +P JHP.

During current shortage of ammo, I would gladly use them over any FMJ rounds, but as always, I will keep shooting until my threat is not moving or need to reload.

Also, I would shoot enough rounds to ensure they fed reliably in your pistol and to gauge POA vs POI.

 

[Shipwreck]

I use it exclusively in my 92s. Different weights and brands seem to work a little different in different guns. The POA/POI with the 124gr non +P hydrashok is just perfect. I really like the stuff

 

[Hunter991]

It's a fine round. You don't need +p for it to work.

 

[newglockguy]

It's a nice round. I carry it daily in 40 S&W

 

[utbrowningman]

Shot a few mags last year from my Kahr CW9. My son and I went out to look at the target and several slugs, aside from the rifling, appeared undamaged. This was in a garden area with soft dirt.

 

[Shawn Dodson]

See - http://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?p=1599016#post1599016

 

[mdauben]

from what I remember in researching it's "meh" compared to the newer HST rounds. reports that it clogs, fails to expand properly, or fragments.

I love the way the Hydra-shok went from one of the top choices for SD ammo 15 years ago, to a worthless POS today.

Personally, I used H-S ammo for years in both my 9mm and 45ACP Glocks. While I've mostly transitioned to HST or Gold Dot these days due to local availability, I would have no reservations about using H-S again. It might be a step behind the very best modern JHP in performance, but its still a reliable, proven SD round.

 

[RBid]

I have seen multiple tests in which Hydra Shoks in 9mm have completely failed to expand, and behaved as FMJ. They are not as consistent as more modern designs. They *were* one of the better choices for many years, but they are not on par with Speer Gold Dots, Winchester PDX1s, or their younger siblings, the Federal HSTs.

Shot placement and penetration minimums should not be an issue, which is good. Those are the two most critical elements. Expansion is the question mark.

I also want to remind everyone that length of time spent carrying a round, whether it has been a week or 30 years, is not supporting evidence for performance. Real world data and gel testing are where we see how these function once they leave the muzzle.