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Posted: 5/19/2018 10:26:48 AM EDT
Test Gun: Colt 1991. Barrel length: 5 inches. Ammunition: Federal .45 ACP 230gr HST. Test media: 10% Clear Ballistics Gel. Distance: 10 feet. Chronograph: PACT 1 XP with inferred sky screens. Five shot velocity average: 920fps Gel Temperature 70 degrees. Whenever I post a new test, on the several forums I post on, the one response comes up a lot is “I’ll stick with HST” or some variant of that phrase. There is a very good reason for that. The HST is one of the best, if not the best, performers in all of the calibers I have tested it in. This is the first complete test I have done in the .45 ACP and I think this test, of the HST, will set the standard. I got an average 5 shot velocity of 920fps with a high of 944fps and a low of 902fps. This average was 30fps higher than the advertised 890fps. Five shots at 10 yards were right at the point of aim and recoil was about what you would expect, not much different than most 230gr ball. 
Round one in the bare gel had a velocity of 904fps, penetrated to 15 inches and expanded to .91 inches. Round two performed very similar to the first hitting the block at 927fps and matching the first round with 15 inches of penetration and .91 inches of expansion. 
The two rounds fired into the heavy clothing covered gel was very much like the two in the bare gel. The first round had a velocity of 921fps and penetrated to 15.5 inches with an expansion of .82 inches. The last shot traveled at 910fps, expanded to .83 inches and penetrated to 15.25 inches. 
I often get asked to post pictures of the gel after I shoot it. I normally don't because they just don't turn out very well or the block is getting dark from remelting. This block has only been reused once I thought I would give it a try. Here are the first two rounds in bare gel.  With the two rounds through heave clothing.  http://www.general-cartridge.com/ |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 5/19/2018 10:38:00 AM EDT
[#1]
I don't own a 45 but if I did, I would load it with HST! Damn. Very impressive.
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NH, USA
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Posted: 5/19/2018 10:52:20 AM EDT
[Last Edit: mcornell]
[#2]
Impressive. Thank you for conducting the test and posting the results.
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Posted: 5/19/2018 11:22:38 AM EDT
[#3]
Jeez.
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Posted: 5/19/2018 12:55:15 PM EDT
[#4]
...doesn't just kill the body. It kills the soul. *stare*
...with apologies to Colion Noir. It was probably better delivered in his video. |
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Posted: 5/19/2018 1:12:35 PM EDT
[#5]
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Posted: 5/19/2018 1:58:58 PM EDT
[#6]
Looks good! Thanks for the gel pics.
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Posted: 5/19/2018 5:32:17 PM EDT
[#7]
My round of choice.
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Posted: 5/19/2018 5:40:26 PM EDT
[#8]
It's hard to believe the Subject Matter Experts who tell us that there is no difference in handgun rounds.
But, they are adamant about it. |
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Posted: 5/19/2018 6:07:34 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By feudist:
It's hard to believe the Subject Matter Experts who tell us that there is no difference in handgun rounds. But, they are adamant about it. |
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Posted: 5/19/2018 6:47:13 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By feudist:
It's hard to believe the Subject Matter Experts who tell us that there is no difference in handgun rounds. But, they are adamant about it. |
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Posted: 5/19/2018 7:28:02 PM EDT
[#11]
Well, but...FBI SCIENCE!!
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Posted: 5/19/2018 7:49:03 PM EDT
[#12]
my three 1911's are feed HSTs.
as are all of my 9mms. |
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Posted: 5/19/2018 7:52:18 PM EDT
[#13]
Some of you get too wrapped up in this crap. Totally and argumentative consumed by it. And when your narrative falls apart because here is one empirical data proving that your own empirical data is wrong, your anemic attempts to gain back your narrative's momentum hits ad nauseam.
No one is going to concede. Live and let live, enough already. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 5/20/2018 9:43:21 AM EDT
[#14]
More is....well, more.
Just as the 9mm benefited from modern bullet design (most especially with the HST) so have all the other calibers. The 9mm loaded with the best modern ammo is good enough while the larger calibers, also benefiting are still better performers terminally. The pro's and con's havnt changed. I still have no desire to carry a 45 (or 357Mag, 10MM, etc). I did that for years back when 9mm loads were pretty marginal. And I'm too spoiled by my Glock 43 and other small lightweight guns. Thanks again OP for posting the informative and excellent results. |
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WI, USA
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Posted: 5/20/2018 11:28:19 AM EDT
[#15]
Outstanding! Perfect penetration/expansion. Thanks, 5pins!
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Posted: 5/20/2018 12:23:44 PM EDT
[#16]
Great job !
Thanks for the post !! 
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Posted: 5/20/2018 12:31:09 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By feudist:
Well, but...FBI SCIENCE!! |
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Posted: 5/20/2018 12:54:05 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Melvin_Johnson: I'm not disputing the FBI testing protocols. |
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Posted: 5/20/2018 5:10:35 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GSL:
No, you are not. He however, is. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GSL:
Originally Posted By Melvin_Johnson: I'm not disputing the FBI testing protocols. The feebs forced the ammo industry to tighten up their game...but they sniff their own farts. |
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Posted: 5/22/2018 2:01:59 AM EDT
[#20]
That's a nice big fat bullet there, I sure wouldn't mind carrying that round!
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Posted: 5/23/2018 4:36:52 PM EDT
[Last Edit: 5pins]
[#21]
A friend at work let me use his Glock 30 so I could try them out. No chronograph results this time just two quick shots in bare gel.
Round one out of the Glock 30 penetrated to 14 inches and had a recovered diameter of .92 inches. Round two penetrated to 13.25 inches and expanded to .93 inches. 
http://www.general-cartridge.com/ |
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Posted: 5/23/2018 4:45:45 PM EDT
[#22]
We need your threads saved. Like Molon has with a ton of valuable links.
Who's the mod here in Ammunition? @Zhukov |
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Posted: 5/23/2018 4:47:45 PM EDT
[#23]
Not a fan of clear ballistic gel since it's not calibrated.
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Posted: 5/23/2018 4:53:06 PM EDT
[#24]
Me neither, but it's so far is the only thing we've got.
I don't think that you'd be a fan of simtest media either? I calibrated mine properly back when I was into this. |
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Posted: 5/23/2018 4:56:49 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Bradd_D:
My round of choice. |
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Posted: 5/23/2018 6:12:04 PM EDT
[#26]
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Posted: 5/23/2018 8:27:22 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GSL: I calibrated mine properly back when I was into this. |
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Posted: 5/23/2018 10:09:07 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Melvin_Johnson:
Calibration BB should probably be a part of the drill even if Clear Gel and Ordnance Gel are not the same stuff. If nothing else it would help verify that the synthetic gel is comparable from one melting to the next. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Melvin_Johnson:
Originally Posted By GSL: I calibrated mine properly back when I was into this. If that bone simulator plate was available back when I started, it would have made for some awesome data thrown in. |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 5/23/2018 10:48:22 PM EDT
[#29]
Thanks for the test! The 230gr HST is my carry load. It seems to perform damn near identical in every test I've seen, and always well. Impressive stuff.
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Posted: 5/23/2018 10:56:57 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GSL:
Stored properly as well as properly molded are also key. If that bone simulator plate was available back when I started, it would have made for some awesome data thrown in. |
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Posted: 5/23/2018 11:05:31 PM EDT
[#31]
cool. maybe I'll take it down to 1 or 2 extra mags instead of 3 extra.... just kidding.
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Posted: 5/23/2018 11:11:00 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Melvin_Johnson:
I need to get me some of that one of these days. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Melvin_Johnson:
Originally Posted By GSL:
Stored properly as well as properly molded are also key. If that bone simulator plate was available back when I started, it would have made for some awesome data thrown in. Two blocks. Two bone plates. Small block with a plate inserted in the middle to represent an arm in the way of POI, space it out because it's obvious that there will be space between the arms and chest, then one bigger block with the plate in front to simulate the rib bone. Imagine the data! But damn is it going to feel like a job rather than a hobby to help us all. |
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Posted: 5/24/2018 8:37:35 AM EDT
[#33]
That stuff's not cheap either.
https://www.synbone.com/product-category/biomechanics-generics/general-basic-training/general-basic-training-plate/ |
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USA
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Posted: 6/4/2018 11:15:20 AM EDT
[#34]
Have you done .40 180 HST or 9mm 124 HST? Did I miss it?
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Posted: 6/4/2018 11:25:08 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By UndrGrndPrdcts:
Have you done .40 180 HST or 9mm 124 HST? Did I miss it? http://www.general-cartridge.com/blog/federal-40s-w-180gr-hst-in-clear-ballistics-gel https://generalcartridge.wordpress.com/2017/06/12/federal-9mm-124gr-hst-in-clear-ballistics-gel/ https://generalcartridge.wordpress.com/2017/07/28/federal-9mm-124-p-hst/ |
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USA
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Posted: 6/4/2018 11:59:11 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote History |
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Posted: 6/5/2018 9:04:38 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryClear ballistics gel is significantly overoptimistic on penetration. Compare your data for the 124 +P to properly calibrated ballistics gel:
http://www.ar15.com/ammo/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/DocGKRData/9mm_HST_GS.htm |
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Posted: 6/5/2018 9:19:48 PM EDT
[#38]
I am really impressed with all the HST reviews. I carry it in 9mm.
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Posted: 6/5/2018 10:23:54 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 13starsinax:
I am really impressed with all the HST reviews. I carry it in 9mm. |
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Posted: 6/5/2018 10:39:28 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Zhukov:
Agreed. There really isn't anything better on the market. I have both my 9mm and .45s loaded with it. But still no 10mm HST from Federal 
In your honest opinion, is the duty caliber HST ever going to be surpassed? I don't think it can personally speaking. |
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USA
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Posted: 6/6/2018 8:25:52 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GSL:
The 9, 40, or 45 is where it really shines. |
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Posted: 6/14/2018 12:13:01 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Zhukov:
Agreed. There really isn't anything better on the market. I have both my 9mm and .45s loaded with it. I guess Winchester stopped marketing it or something because now you never hear about the Ranger T. I stocked up pretty hard on 147 and 230 grain +p HST around '07 or so (when ammotogo was the only place I could find it) and have never looked back. |
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USA
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Posted: 6/14/2018 12:18:52 AM EDT
[#43]
Now if it was the +P version I'd be happy!
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Posted: 7/15/2018 3:29:03 AM EDT
[#44]
Thanks for the test. I still have half a case of older 230gr Hydrashoks that my 1911 is loaded with. Just never home long enough however.
CD |
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Posted: 7/15/2018 6:10:30 AM EDT
[#45]
HST is my second favorite load. According to the official test that both companies use for advertising. The Gold Dot does as good a cross the board but better against glass.
Considering how many cars I'm around all the time I want a little better bullet for barriers. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 7/15/2018 7:32:38 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By feudist:
It's hard to believe the Subject Matter Experts who tell us that there is no difference in handgun rounds. But, they are adamant about it. A 5 or 7/1000 of an inch difference in diameter only makes a difference if it actually comes in contact with something important. There simply is not enough energy delivered to the target by most handgun rounds to cause a catastrophic displacement of tissue that the human body does not close around. Just like the gel. The round expanded and did what it was designed to do. It did not deliver a significantly higher level of lethality. It delivered a projectile to the target with near the same potential energy as the comparable 9mm or 40 round. Potential energy (Ft/lbs)..delivered to the target is the only yard stick we have. 9,40,45 basically all max out within a 50ish foot pound swing. All are available in the same bullet style pushing 450-500ft/lbs of energy. They all get the job done. Made a hole. May or may not come into contact with something important ? |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 7/22/2018 9:10:34 PM EDT
[#47]
True but couldn't you say the same thing about fmj?
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Posted: 7/25/2018 9:58:56 AM EDT
[#48]
Thanks OP
My EDC is a Glock 30s I use the +P version |
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Posted: 7/25/2018 10:25:05 AM EDT
[Last Edit: wildearp]
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ITCHY-FINGER:
I don't own a 45 but if I did, I would load it with HST! Damn. Very impressive. 
HST all the things!! I carry them in my 9mm and my .38 too. |
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Posted: 7/25/2018 12:55:08 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryHey OP Have you thought about testing the Hornady Critical Duty in 45? It is supposed to be more of a perpetrator hence the harder compound lead used. I think of it as the next gen XTP and think it may be decent for a woods round. |
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