Federal HST vs, Hydra-Shock pics - .40s&w

Sticks · May 5th, 2008, 06:38 AM

The proof is in the puddin'

I just can not accept some things unless I see it or do it myself.

Yesterday I spent some time with a buddy out shooting, and I wanted to do some impromptu ballistic tests on my SD loads.

Federal HST 180gr. and Hydra-Shock 180gr.

Target media, 1 gallon jugs of Artesian water.

Range 15 ft.

Federal HST penetrated 2 jugs and stopped in the third.

Federal Hydra-Shock first shot went through all three jugs, and the plywood backstop...not located.

Second shot went through three jugs, (started veering off) glanced off the fourth and glanced off the plywood, no located for 30 minutes 20' away

Third shot through 3 jugs, bounced off the fourth and back into the third jug (there was clearly an exit hole and an indentation in the fourth jug)

I was concerned about over penetration with the 180gr, and the effectiveness of a 15 year old design. I now have my new SD load until something better comes along.

goldshellback · May 5th, 2008, 06:45 AM

Good pics.....and thanks for the post.
I remember when the Hydra-Shocks came out and they were the 'rage'.
My water test (done with 3 liter bottles) I did back in the late '90s came out with similar results.
I do like the HST results you got.....believe I'll pick up a few boxes.

SilenceDoGood · May 5th, 2008, 05:05 PM

Looks to me like you can't go wrong with either. Good post.

nn · May 5th, 2008, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilenceDoGood

Looks to me like you can't go wrong with either. Good post.

I agree with you.

Sticks · May 5th, 2008, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilenceDoGood

Looks to me like you can't go wrong with either. Good post.

The Hydra-Shocks are good, don't get me wrong, but there is an over penetration concern, and the wound tract looks like it would be more of a "push" the media to the side, and it closes it up behind it, whereas the HST "cuts" leaving a more...nasty wound, and it has greater expansion .

That and the HSTs are 1/2 the price of Hydra Shocks.

JD · May 5th, 2008, 09:01 PM

Glad I all ready picked up a box for the .45s, and several for the 9mm, otherwise I'd be ticked off that I need to run out and buy more ammunition.

Now I just gotta' get some 147s to go along w/ the 124+Ps.

Slim_45 · May 5th, 2008, 09:22 PM

Quote:

The proof is in the puddin'

I agree with "sticks" i had just done my own research & testing on this same subject (with multiple rounds) HST's win hands down

with the hydra-shocks in 2nd place (among those tested).
Long story short i now carry HST's in our 9mm & my new .45

cdwolf · May 6th, 2008, 05:42 AM

HST's look wicked, I can only imagine the wound channel !!

My stimulus check will get me a couple of boxes!!

Reborn · May 6th, 2008, 07:39 AM

Ahh nuts now its off to the gun store and buy more bullets........thanks for the pics

........I was wondering what to do with that extra check from uncle Sam.

fatboy97 · May 6th, 2008, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilenceDoGood

Looks to me like you can't go wrong with either. Good post.

I agree. Thanks for the great pictures.

May 5th, 2008, 06:38 AM	#1
Sticks Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 758	Federal HST vs, Hydra-Shock pics - .40s&w The proof is in the puddin' I just can not accept some things unless I see it or do it myself. Yesterday I spent some time with a buddy out shooting, and I wanted to do some impromptu ballistic tests on my SD loads. Federal HST 180gr. and Hydra-Shock 180gr. Target media, 1 gallon jugs of Artesian water. Range 15 ft. Federal HST penetrated 2 jugs and stopped in the third. Federal Hydra-Shock first shot went through all three jugs, and the plywood backstop...not located. Second shot went through three jugs, (started veering off) glanced off the fourth and glanced off the plywood, no located for 30 minutes 20' away Third shot through 3 jugs, bounced off the fourth and back into the third jug (there was clearly an exit hole and an indentation in the fourth jug) I was concerned about over penetration with the 180gr, and the effectiveness of a 15 year old design. I now have my new SD load until something better comes along. __________________ Sticks Curiosity was framed, poor judgment killed the cat 911 is just part of the procedure for filing paperwork

May 5th, 2008, 06:45 AM	#2
goldshellback Distinguished Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: St. Mayberry, GA Posts: 1,547	Good pics.....and thanks for the post. I remember when the Hydra-Shocks came out and they were the 'rage'. My water test (done with 3 liter bottles) I did back in the late '90s came out with similar results. I do like the HST results you got.....believe I'll pick up a few boxes. __________________ "Just getting a concealed carry permit means you haven't commited a crime yet........CCP holders commit crimes." Daniel Vice, senior attorney for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, as quoted on Fox & Friends, July 7th, 2008

May 5th, 2008, 05:05 PM	#3
SilenceDoGood Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 566	Looks to me like you can't go wrong with either. Good post. __________________ "A government is like fire, a handy servant, but a dangerous master." -- George Washington

May 5th, 2008, 09:01 PM	#6
JD Senior Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bedford County Virginia Posts: 7,950	Glad I all ready picked up a box for the .45s, and several for the 9mm, otherwise I'd be ticked off that I need to run out and buy more ammunition. Now I just gotta' get some 147s to go along w/ the 124+Ps. __________________ Code of Virginia: § 18.2-308. Personal protection; carrying concealed weapons; when lawful to carry. The Bible and Self Defense VA Concealed Handgun Permit Info: From the VSP VA Reciprocity: From the VSP

May 6th, 2008, 05:42 AM	#8
cdwolf Distinguished Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: MS Posts: 1,584	HST's look wicked, I can only imagine the wound channel !! My stimulus check will get me a couple of boxes!! __________________ GUN CONTROL= I WANT TO BE THE ONE IN CONTROL OF THE GUN A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

May 6th, 2008, 07:39 AM	#9
Reborn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Rowlett, Texas Posts: 1,004	Ahh nuts now its off to the gun store and buy more bullets........thanks for the pics ........I was wondering what to do with that extra check from uncle Sam. __________________ Psalms 144:1 Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight. CHL INSTRUCTOR, Retired LEO

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