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Thread: Federal Hydra-Shok Deep .38SPL, thoughts?

  1. #1

    Federal Hydra-Shok Deep .38SPL, thoughts?

    What's the thoughts on this load? Found some local but wonder if its worth getting a couple boxes.
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  2. #2
    Testing looks good.. Federal has done a fine job in general with this line.

    Recoil is mild in an Airweight J. (130 @ 830 fps, compared with 135 @ 870 with Gold Dot, for example.)

  3. #3
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    Looking at the gel tests that Federal did, it looks really good on both expansion and penetration from both snubby and 4" barrels. I got a couple of boxes and it went 858 fps from my 2" Detective Special, 862 fps from my 1-7/8" M49, and 898 fps from my 3" M10. I didn't try it from a 4". I wish we could get some correctly-done independent gel tests for comparison.

    Right now I have enough Ranger Bonded 130-grain JHPs and Golden Sabre to keep me for a while. When that runs out, I'll definitely be interested in getting some more of the HS Deep.
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  4. #4
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    I've only tested it in Clear Ballistics gel so far, but it expanded reliably and penetrated 12-13" through 4 layers of denim. Mild recoil in my J frame and POI/POA was good at 7 yards. I was pleased enough to switch to it for ccw.

  5. #5
    Site Supporter PNWTO's Avatar
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    It didn’t quite go well enough to sites on my 2” LCR but I can attest that, from a 3” LCRx, it’ll go right through a porcupine at about 20yds.
    "Do nothing which is of no use." -Musashi

    What would TR do? TRCP BHA

  6. #6
    Mike Wood at Revolver Guy did a very thorough review on this a while back.

  7. #7
    Site Supporter gringop's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by PNWTO View Post
    It didn’t quite go well enough to sites on my 2” LCR but I can attest that, from a 3” LCRx, it’ll go right through a porcupine at about 20yds.
    Was that Clear Porcupine or properly calibrated Porcupine?

    Sorry for the BS question but I couldn't resist.

    Carry on.

    Gringop

    PS: I'm such a luddite I'm carrying original 129gr +P HS in my J-Frames.
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    Play that song about the Irish chiropodist. Irish chiropodist? "My Fate Is In Your Hands."

  8. #8
    It's my choice for a lot of reasons given in the .38 carry load thread.


    Very curious, do any of you have any 147+p+ HS still?

    As in, would you be willing to sell 6-20 rounds let's say or do some kind of ammo swap?

  9. #9
    Site Supporter PNWTO's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by gringop View Post
    Was that Clear Porcupine or properly calibrated Porcupine?

    Sorry for the BS question but I couldn't resist.

    Carry on.

    Gringop

    PS: I'm such a luddite I'm carrying original 129gr +P HS in my J-Frames.
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    I like to think the appropriate planets were in retrograde and my chakras were fine as the little guy ceased any further activity. A Clear Porcupine (TM) would have most likely turned around and force-fed me the projectile.

    That HS load shoots near-perfect in my 442. I’ve become pretty ammo agnostic/pragmatic in the past few years but the Deep, that HS loading, and a handful of others are instant buys if I come across a box.
    "Do nothing which is of no use." -Musashi

    What would TR do? TRCP BHA

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