Couple Newer Federal Loads in Gel

[octagon]

Speaking of Federal defense loads does anyone know of a test in 10% ord gel Not clear gel of the new Syntec defense load in 9mm. I'm curious how it performs particularly on the FBI tests with barriers rather than just bare gel and clothed gel.

[Lester Polfus]

My two take aways from this article are:

1) There are increasingly more offerings that meet acceptable ammunition performance standards in all service pistol calibers. I used to really sweat what 9mm ammo I bought, but now I think there are at least a half dozen offerings that would be just fine.

2) If your goal is a cartridge that will penetrate 12" to 18" and expand 1.5x, there's really no point in the 10mm.

[Clusterfrack]

My two take aways from this article are:

1) There are increasingly more offerings that meet acceptable ammunition performance standards in all service pistol calibers. I used to really sweat what 9mm ammo I bought, but now I think there are at least a half dozen offerings that would be just fine.

2) If your goal is a cartridge that will penetrate 12" to 18" and expand 1.5x, there's really no point in the 10mm.

I like the 10mm HST for when I’m carrying a 10mm in the backcountry and go into town.

[Mike C]

I am continually impressed with what Federal does with their ammunition. Interesting tests and that is some seriously consistent expansion.

[Wondering Beard]

2) If your goal is a cartridge that will penetrate 12" to 18" and expand 1.5x, there's really no point in the 10mm.

True, but if one is interested in getting through hard stuff and then still get that level of penetration and expansion, then the 10mm is still interesting.

[Lester Polfus]

I like the 10mm HST for when I’m carrying a 10mm in the backcountry and go into town.

Yes. There's certainly room for a "town" load for folks who carry a the 10mm as a "woods gun." I just don't get people who carry it as a primary EDC gun in an urban/suburban setting.

[perlslacker]

Maybe I missed it, but what does the Hydra-Shok Deep do that HST doesn't do?

Other than have the center "post" that may or may not actually do anything positive.

[0ddl0t]

Maybe I missed it, but what does the Hydra-Shok Deep do that HST doesn't do?

Other than have the center "post" that may or may not actually do anything positive.

From a short barrel 9mm, it seems to trade a little maximum expansion for reliable 16-20" penetration

From TFBtv's youtube tests using 3.1" barrel, clear gel


9mm 135gr Hydra-shock deep

Bare gel data:
Penetration: 19.5", 19.2"
Retained weight: 135.3gr, 135.4gr
Max expansion: 0.540", 0.545"
Min expansion: 0.439", 0.419"

Heavy clothing data:
Penetration: 17.6", 16.9"
Retained weight: 135.6gr, 135.2gr
Max expansion: 0.562", 0.539"
Min expansion: 0.418", 0.419"


9mm HST 124 +P

Bare gel
Penetration: 14.9", 16.0"
Retained weight: 122.9gr, 123.9gr
Max expansion: 0.638", 0.663"
Min expansion: 0.414", 0.405"

Heavy clothing
Penetration: 19.1", 19.4"
Retained weight:123.8gr, 123.5gr
Max expansion: 0.635", 0.675"
Min expansion: 0.393", 0.386"


9mm 147gr HST:

Bare gel:
Penetration: 18.1", 15.6"
Retained weight: 147.2gr, 147.6gr
Max expansion: 0.686", 0.722"
Min expansion: 0.382", 0.384"

Heavy clothing:
Penetration: 14.8"
Retained weight: 147.5
Max expansion: 0.459"
Min expansion: N/A


9mm 150gr HST:

Bare gel:
Penetration: 16.7"
Retained weight: 148.9gr
Max expansion: 0.681"
Min expansion: 0.384"

Heavy clothing:
Penetration: 32+
Retained weight: ?
Max expansion: N/A
Min expansion: N/A

[Tom Duffy]

I tried a box of Hydrashock Deep when it first came out. I was impressed by its low recoil and accuracy. I was looking for a standard pressure round intended for my 1911 with 4.25 inch barrel. I found the bullet to have the same point of impact as my Lawman 147 grain practice ammo.

[LtDave]

If you choose a 135 gr carry round, what would you shoot as a training round that MIGHT shoot to the same POI?

124's close enough???

Hornady makes a 135 grain training load, 90238 with a FMJFP. Supposed to duplicate their Critical Duty load. It shoots well, but it is hard to find and not particularly cheap