AMMO REVIEW: 9mm 147 gr Federal HST in Calibrated Gel (2021)

Comprehensive review of 9mm 147 grain Federal HST JHP defensive ammo. Includes day/night shots, overview, chronograph velocities, 10% calibrated gel test with IWBA 4 layers denim, and summary.
Making the gel: Using Knox powder, mixed 18 oz per gallon of distilled water; total of 4 gallons for this size block. Low boil at 130 to 140 degrees F for about an hour and constantly mixing at low speed with a drill using painter's paddle bit. Pour into 18 x 8 x 8 stainless steel mold. Cool outdoors an hour or so to burn off steam. Store in refrigerator at 34 degrees F for 72 to 96 hours. When calibrating, steel BB at approx. 600 FPS at 10 feet. Acceptable range at block temp of 39 degrees is 3.25 to 3.75". Otherwise, the block is out of calibration.
rumble.com/use...

[@schumacr1]

SO glad you're back doing ammo reviews! You and Paul Harrell are the best on the web!

[@terrybrown5402]

Tools and targets is very good too.

[@MegaAwsometurtle]

Annnnddddd he's gone...

[@j.t.cooper2963]

@@MegaAwsometurtle He's busy doing other things. He does this when he has time. This is a hobby to him.

[@Kaelland]

Favorably comparing someone to Paul Harrel is high praise, but it's entirely appropriate here.

[@TexasDog3]

@@MegaAwsometurtle I wish he'd come back.

[@toddford2323]

Nine years ago, I was extremely "undecided" as to which self-defense round I wanted to carry. UNTIL, I discovered a video that TS uploaded onto this channel, testing the HST in .45ACP. I didn't look back. That test sold me. Unprecedented expansion & penetration. I'll never forget the term, 'effing tarantula'!!

[@quietus13]

Same 😂

[@Keifsanderson]

If I recall, he's the one who helped me pick Speer Gold Dots for my 357 Sig years ago.

[@ItsEverythingElse]

The .45 HST is a beast, especially in the +P. It's the only .45 round I would ever use in a sub-5" barrel.

[@colddeadhand7414]

Same, I keep those loaded up in all of my 45acps based on that review.

[@nathanw6867]

Same! Wealth of information here!

[@forsleezy]

I like this guys channel so much. I was so disappointed when he gave it up a while back. Just a great scientific and unbiased approach to ammo testing.

[@CookbookAdventures]

You produce some of the best ballistics videos on the internet. Thank you for all the hard work. Love you channel. Merry Christmas.

[@aryanpashtun416]

If ever in doubt for what kind of self-defense ammo to choose, this federal 147 grain will work for you and is an exceptional standard self defense round.

[@j.rob.5943]

Depends on barrel length. May not expand from 3” or shorter barrel

[@MrAPCProductions]

@@j.rob.5943 Have seen it expand in sub 3 inch barrels. Works as advertised.

[@adamsaylor7427]

This is what I always carry and keep in my home defense carbine as well

[@aryanpashtun416]

@@adamsaylor7427 This round will do some serious damage through a carbine lol.

[@aryanpashtun416]

@@j.rob.5943 You can see multiple tests on youtube that shows it expand on even shorter barrels. They also make a +P version just to be more assured of it's expansion.

[@sgtjarhead99]

My favorite load in 9mm. I've got a large stockpile of the older, 50ct LE boxes in both standard pressure and +P so I won't be buying these rounds any time soon, but I am glad the company is making incremental improvements whenever possible. Certainly better than just sitting on their laurels.

[@Joe_Friday]

I have some of the 147 +p. I thought they quit making the 147 altogether or maybe it was just the +p variant.

[@chaddking8333]

@@Joe_Friday Just the +p variant

[@TerminalM193]

I've been trying like hell to find the 147g +p

[@Joe_Friday]

@@TerminalM193 I think they quit making it a while back.

[@abc-wv4in]

I'm not sure the newer version is an improvement through shorter barrel carry guns. I'd like to see it tested through a Shield, Hellcat, or other 3.1" barrel.

[@madhatter6913]

This and Hornady Critical Duty 124 +P live in the barrels of my P320 and MP5. Both hold great groups and provide excellent potential down range. These videos give me confidence in my selections. The 147 HST remains subsonic in the MP5 and pairs nicely with a can.

[@Jace8637]

I found 140 gr to be more quiet with a can

[@Racecarresurection]

After carrying Federal Hydra-shok for years I changed over to the 147 HST after watching your test several years ago. First of all I'm glad you're back. You produce some of the best info on youtube. Second after carrying yhec147 now for several real years I appreciate the update. For now I think I will continue with the HST.

[@12799MaDeuce]

"If you've been around this stuff long enough, you know exactly what I'm talking about" Me: pretty death flower time 😁

[@tomslovenski]

Absolutely love this guys videos. Very informative but down to earth! Keep up the great job!

[@bertofehr]

He went off the grid for a while. I was like "Oh no"..LOL...

[@HillbillyNitroUSA]

Well, he does hire Hickok45 for the security guard shack in his backyard. I mean, who has that kind of money laying around… 💸

[@marksdroidx]

Been watching him for years

[@e7tegt503]

This has been my go to load for years. This test doesn't change anything for me. It's nice to see it still performing well into the next generation. Thanks for the great video review.

[@pinoy413]

Christmas came early: another Tnoutdoors9 video. Yessss

[@robison87]

Im pretty sure the 124 grain averages around 400 foot pounds versus 326 foot pounds. Both will hurt and kill of course, but I'd rather have 25% more energy per the math. I have a few hundred rounds of both 124, 147 and 150, but I would easily get rid of the 150 grain. This man got me into hollowpoints and helped me make my decision to use HST. It goes in my glock 30s too in .45 caliber.

[@doghousedon1]

I've really enjoyed your ammo tests over the years and hope you continue doing so. Thank you very much.

[@basti080891]

Wow your reviews are getting comprehensive! I remember watching your older reviews left some questions open abou different barrel lengths, consistency of performance and so on. Now you manage to answer every possible question precisely. Thanks for this great review!

[@sonnygunz9207]

I’ve been using the 147 HST since it came out. Recently I was in the market for a new case of them and ended up with the new version. I was made a where of the double cannelure by you sometime back. I’ve done my usual tests with it and can’t complain. I appreciate a little more penetration for a little less expansion. From my 3.4” 9mm’s I get consistent expansion between .58 & .62. I still love the 147gr HST. Thanks for the video.

[@frankhinkle5772]

Man, I am glad that you are back! Thank you for this review. I'm impressed by how well this ammunition works at standard 9mm pressures. In these times when you carry whatever you can buy, this is what I need to shop for. Thanks again, and Merry Christmas to TN and family!

[@Mbartel500]

Thank you for this comprehensive demonstration. You gave us a lot of very useful data here. HST ammo is one of, if not the best on the market.

[@Gsmooth10455]

The best in any caliber as far as I'm concerned.

[@walla1je]

Been carrying standard pressure 147gr HST in all of my carry guns for about the past 5 years. I’ll continue to carry it based on the results of this video.

[@scubaguy007]

I've always said, "every handgun wants to be a Glock 19 and every bullet wants to be an HST." Getting that out of the way I carry a Glock 19 with 124 gr. HST because your tests look like mine and this combination just works. I hope I never need to use this to defend my life, but if I do I have a good feeling it will be every bit as effective as I hope. Thank you for your efforts and I wish you the best success in all you do.

[@robison87]

We run the same combo! 👍

[@Gsmooth10455]

@@robison87 I have a Glock 23 with a 40-9 conversion barrel, and I use the 124 grain +P HST's. So basically I'm running the same combo as well.

[@MrSbigden]

@@Gsmooth10455 is that a carry gun for the street?

[@Gsmooth10455]

@@MrSbigden A Glock 23 has been my EDC for almost 28 years. I had a Gen 2 from 1994 to 2019 which I sold and then bought a Gen 4. So it most definitely is a carry gun for the street.

[@prepperoverwatch7965]

Glad to see this review, that is what I carry in my EDC, but I use the 124gr +P in another pistol I carry sometimes. It would be interesting to see you visit that rendition.

[@ConditionZero]

The HST is the absolute gold standard. (Sorry Gold Dot). I personally run 147 HSTs in all three barrel lengths. 4.49” 4.02” and 3.39”. No problems whatsoever! I’m more than confident in these rounds because not only do they pass in the labs (as our videos have shown) but they pass in the streets as well. Good video like always.

[@benmacdhui]

@ConditionZero - just so you know, your channel name does not come up in the 'Search' bar, just some video game does

[@ConditionZero]

@@benmacdhui yup. Trying to work it out. Probably have to put “gel test” or something after it.

[@seanhiggins7518]

I’ll take my 147 grain Winchester ranger any day over the hst

[@ConditionZero]

@@seanhiggins7518 the 147 grain rangers are awesome. I’ve tested them in gelatin and have seen what they do on the streets. They’re bad ass.

[@JoshBenware]

HST's suffer when barriers come into play. It's great that they expand so easily, especially for 3" barrels, but, gold dot is superior in terms of construction for barriers and ft lbs of energy.

[@brent338]

Looks like a great option for full sized barrels, I'd like to see a 3" similar test. Until then I'll just stick with the older versions in my P365... Thanks for another legendary video brother!

[@georgewashington7312]

Never tried the 147gr but carry the 124 hst for quite a while now, I might try this out after I'm done with the last couple of boxes after new year's.

[@nelsonr1467]

Stick to 124 grain. 147 grain is a neutered 9mm

[@jpdesimone]

124g HST has been and remains my EDC. I train with their matching 124g Syntec ammunition too (purple coated bullet). Federal's law enforcement/personal protection ammunition is as reliable as it gets.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Many people and PDs 👮🏻 like or buy Federal brand HST. I've used it in the past. .45acp, 9mm. I switch from Speer Gold Dot to HST, to newer Winchester Defender bonded styles. I don't like the new red tip nickel style First Defense. I'm also steering away from Hornady Critical Duty loads. I'd add the 155gr Silver Tip .40 is a great value too. ✔

[@TerminalM193]

@@DavidLLambertmobile The critical Duty have their place in the market for sure but it's the critical defense that is amazing. It may not be the furthest expanding but it's by far the most reliable 9mm self defense round from a 3-5" barrel. I honestly would run them more if they weren't so damn exspensive and actually came in boxes of 50.

[@Free_Dom-Now]

Thank you Sir and I'm glad you're back consistently with more and more enjoyable...and educational videos on ccw rounds.

[@seriouos9855]

You were MIA for all this time and LOOK!!! Still managed to have 1/4+ million subscribers!!!!! You are THE ISH!!!!!! I hope all is well with you and you’re family. It is so pleasing to hear your voice back again. Looking forward for hundreds more videos from you. There will never be anyone like you. =D

[@KenjiPN]

Now this is how you do a ballistic test! Man! First time watching your channel and I am impressed on how much detail you provided.

[@ericedmister6200]

Another great job! I have always looked forward to viewing your tests of popular defensive ammunition. You are very thorough and consistent. Thank you and God bless you, Sir!

[@arpatriot616]

Easily the best 9mm defensive round out there. You can carry other stuff, and it will work, but this is the standard. Didn't know they changed some stuff on it, thanks TN.

[@benmacdhui]

Agreed on all points Patriot. Just don't understand why Federal would change it at all? If it ain't broke...

[@arpatriot616]

@@benmacdhui I think TN nailed it. Better performance through windows etc. Lowering the cross section and adding toughness to the jacket would do that. Lots of criminals using vehicles against cops and civilians these days...

[@hardtarget2359]

@@arpatriot616 Absolutely right. That's why I still prefer 124gr XTP from Hornady. But this has really intrigued me!

[@dragonballjiujitsu]

Not near enough velocity or energy. Any number of 124gr or 115gr options would be better.

[@arpatriot616]

@@dragonballjiujitsu 124 and 147 HST is splitting hairs. 115 vs 147 is just silly. 115 is target ammo and other than maybe 9BPLE (+P+) is really not worth it. Look at his tests...other than these new rounds having less expansion, the penetration is perfect, and I bet it does even better through glass or walls than what it replaced. Which is probably why Federal did it. They cater to LE before us, and LE have to shoot bad guys through barriers way more often than you'd think.

[@R_K_S2401]

I love your ballistic gel testing. It is probably the best gel testing on the internet.

[@thereallonerenger]

Thank you "King of Ammo" reviews. Always a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@moparedtn]

Always a treat to see a new one from you, Tommy, thanks! Perfect one to review, too - this is the exact round that's in all my 9mm right now (2 CC and 2 home pistols), based in no small part on past reviews including your own. I was never satisfied with whatever brands I tried prior to these, either - but once I tried these, that was all she wrote. Merry Christmas to you and yours from all us up here! - Ed on the Ridge

[@hotrodpc66]

Looks like a great SD round. I'd suggest shooting a 50rd box through your weapon before trusting it. Not because of ammo failure, but I've heard of a couple of the smaller micro handguns aren't liking 147gr ammo and causing FTF and FTEs, so make sure your gun likes what you're feeding it before you trust it.

[@12799MaDeuce]

Most guns that choke on 147 have issues with FMJ bullets that are truncated cone. Fortunately a 147 hollowpoint is a different geometry that usually works well.

[@onpsxmember]

The issue I see with 147gr is an increase in group size at 25m compared to 124gr and 115gr.

[@TimberwolfCY]

If it's FTF or FTE, and it's older 147s, I'd be worried about lack of power (which would be evidenced by comparatively-slow velocities) causing what amounts to short-stroking the slide, causing it to not extract properly and/or not seat the round fully into battery due to lack of slide motion. I had some older Ranger-Ts that did this on occasion with my XD9 full-size a while back. Those rounds got rotated out the instant I found something better.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I use 124gr +P in 9mm mostly. 124gr is the type most gun makers, engineers use when T&Eing new designs. 147gr is popular but most NATO military units still use 124gr.

[@mackg92usmc]

​@@onpsxmember This is the dumbest comment I have ever seen

[@blacksocialist]

Welcome back, we missed you.

[@robbt90]

Love your reviews. Thanks for taking the time to show them. Glad your back. Look forward to whatever you do next.

[@jamesa.7604]

I appreciate you doing this research. I had been depending on 124 Grain 9mm because that was the bullet weight I used before I retired and was more familiar with the performance. However, after seeing this I will try a box of 147 Grain to see how well it does from my 1911 with it's 5 inch barrel.

[@Boobtube.]

with a 5 inch barrel, 147 should be fine.

[@TerminalM193]

Aww man I bet the 147g would be fun to shoot out of a nice 5" 1911!

[@clebermachado8991]

hug from a fan from Brazil!!!

[@williambaker1753]

The HST 147gr is on of my top picks for self defense it's hard to beat it's time tested performance and bone crushing penetration. It's a true heavy hitter and one that gives me a piece of mind with EDC.

[@Iberian247]

Thank you for your thoroughness and information. I’m sure most of us look things up like this to learn, not just for brainless entertainment.

[@jasonbenton7962]

Thank you! This will still be my round of choice for > 3.5 in barrels. I recently switched from Glocks to sigs (don’t tar and feather me, I shoot the sigs better but Glock is still my #2). All of my P320s are loaded with this my 365s are loaded with 124 hst. In any weight hst is my favorite round because it’s proven and I’ve never had one not go bang.

[@Gsmooth10455]

Absolutely 100% on point with your comment. And BTW I own three Sigs, 4 Glocks, 1 Walther, and 1 S&W. The S&W is the only revolver though. And I love them all.

[@chrisn9018]

Would love to see this load put through the 3.1" Shield into Gel or sim test media. Not sure I could be confident in them expanding based on their reduced performance out of the G19.

[@mikesurratt1922]

Look up "shooting the Bull" 9mm ammo quest. He tests this round thru denim and he'll thru a 3" gun and it works great.

[@ronbloomberg]

@@mikesurratt1922 ...It's not exactly the same round. His test was done 7-years ago with the original version, which is loaded a bit hotter.

[@grantharris6575]

HST, even in 147gr will expand in sub 4" barrels just fine. that and ranger T. all other 147gr loads are pretty iffy out of something under 4"

[@bigben9379]

He apparently changed his mind after choosing 147 grains to 124 being better sometime after all the testing was completed (don't know if he was ill or something else as he stopped testing altogether for a while). His reasoning was he thought 124 would expand more reliably due to increased velocity.

[@josephpacchetti5997]

Check out Tools&Targets, He uses the Sig P365 3.1" barrel.

[@DJJakeyJake]

Easily the best and most informative 147gr HST test. You should do other ammo tests. Great work.

[@chopinbloc]

So glad to see you back. And I'm glad to see you using real ballistic gelatin. May God bless you and yours.

[@codybill24]

I actually think I'd prefer the performance of the previous HST over this new one. Not that it's bad at all, but doesn't seem like an improvement in my mind. I could see the argument for possible enhanced barrier penetration though. Thank you for pointing out the difference and doing a new test!

[@kathrynck]

I agree. It's possible that the version they sell to law enforcement (which is +p) would recover that lost expansion. (maybe, I dunno) Federal doesn't sell it to civilians, but it is not illegal or anything to buy it second hand or to own it.

[@John5.56]

@@kathrynck What are you talking about, the 50 rnd boxes that say law enforcement?

[@kathrynck]

@@John5.56 Federal makes a +p version of the HST. But it is only retailed to law enforcement (not by law, but by Federal's choice). It's not illegal, banned, or anything like that. it's just Federal being pansies.

[@John5.56]

@@kathrynck I've seen the +p in shops and online so I was just confused by your comment. I didn't know if maybe they sold a completely different ammo that I was unaware of or what.

[@gameraddikted]

@@kathrynck You can purchase the 147gr +p directly from Federal or other retailers.

[@sheldoniusRex]

I've noticed a general trend of premium ammo, especially from Federal/Speer to be a half step slower than what was normal ten years ago, and I suspect that because of their advances in bullet technology the ammo will pass barrier and gel testing at lower velocities which will in turn let them load the ammo lighter which will reduce felt recoil and enhance practical accuracy while delivering identical terminal performance.

[@TerminalM193]

Very good observation! I think you're spot on with those thoughts! Alot of people fail to realize that brands like federal have a reputation to uphold. If they're lowering pressures then I'm sure it's for a good reason and I trust their decision making. After all, their money is made on their consistent reputation and performance results.

[@sloanmagnum5009]

Doubt it. They're trying to save money on gun powder and hoping no one notices

[@TheWeatherbuff]

Thank you for another detailed review. I'm still impressed with this round, and comfortable carrying it. Since I just invested in six boxes of it, I'm a happy camper. 😉

[@stephensonger7324]

These have been my choice for a while now and after watching your video they will continue to be! Thank you for what you do, saves us a fair amount of time and money haha.

[@Goldenwithaleash]

I use the 124gr HST almost exclusively in my 9mm pistols. The concern I have if 147gr is if it’ll hit expansion threshold in some of my smaller 9’s.

[@caseyplunkett6083]

I prefer the previous HST construction. For my personal protection load I opt for Winchester Defend or Ranger T in 147 grain. The 124 gr Gold Dot from Underwood is also a phenomenal option.

[@directorbeau]

Or the 124 gr + p gold dot from Speer.

[@lialovecraft]

I'll add to those who wish you would gel test the new version of the 147 in the 3.1" barrel ... And I'll also add to those who send their thanks to you for another great video. Your content never fails to delliver interesting and useful information, and this video is no exception. Thanks!

[@danielford5027]

I just realized you are back. So happy! I may be a few (5) months late but I really hope you keep at it. You are the most scientific tester on KZbin. I love your format and you have the voice for it! Keep at it.

[@Tony-nx2cj]

I am still using the older 147 HST rounds for now. But that is good information on the newer 147 HST rounds.

[@704ab]

HST is great stuff. I carry 147 in 9mm, 180 in .40, and 230+P in .45. .380? Well, I run Lehigh Extreme Defender in those. I don't trust anything to expand in such a weak caliber.

[@hinglemccringleberry6009]

Hornady XTP's (Custom or American Gunner) and Federal Hydrashok Deep both expand and penetrate adequately and reliably in .380.

[@guardianminifarm8005]

HST is still too tier bullet. I am not surprised nor am I disappointed. Well done as always. It is so good to see you back & have your perspective.

[@colddeadhand7414]

This is what I've grown to love about the HST and why it remains my edc round. They are consistent and will get the job done.

[@postingid3214]

It's so great to see you doing videos, again. Thank you so much for your time and effort into producing these, for us. You are very appreciated. Merry Christmas from Texas.

[@johnnyhonda4404]

Great test! I'd love to see a test with a 3" barrel.

[@TheZerplex]

Beautiful slice through the block! Good looking ammo. Still the best reviews in the business keep it up 👍

[@anthonyz.4560]

So happy that you are making videos again!

[@bbmw9029]

Thanks for doing this. This is a pretty definitive test. If I would have done anything differently, I would have done three shots with the G19 and three shots with the Shield Plus (given how popular short barrelled 9mms have become.

[@johnnybagofdoughnuts4193]

Interesting that they would mess with a good thing. I suppose it’s good they aren’t resting on their laurels.

[@xxxDaMIeNxxx666]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! MY FAVORITE GUNTUBER IS BACK!!!!

[@TheKentuckyPatriot]

So glad to see you making videos again. One of my all time favorite channels :-)

[@SuspiciousGanymede]

147gr HST are some of the only rounds that expand at 100yds from a glock 19, I personally run the +p 147gr.

[@ConditionZero]

I’d stash those 147 +Ps. They’re discontinued!

[@tajituck888]

Too bad they no longer make 147 + p

[@thomasmcozart1093]

I have never seen them in person anywhere in the last 5-8 years

[@Gsmooth10455]

@@ConditionZero Good point, but what a shame that they don't make them anymore.

[@Gsmooth10455]

@@tajituck888 Sad indeed.

[@boostimalaka1]

The Federal HST 150 grain is designed for use specifically in micro pistols. It is a low velocity round that seems to work well.

[@brucecook502]

I'm a federal HST fan and I have that in my other caliber carry guns but I just got my first 9 mm recently, a Springfield Hellcat and I researched the heck out of the performance differences between the 124g and 147g, both standard and +p to see what best suited my Hellcat with its 3-inch Barrel, and I found that the best performance of all of these was the 124g +p. In all of the tests I watched, this performed flawlessly 100% of the time and never exceeded the 18-inch limit of penetration. The 124 standard also did great in 3 inch barreled handguns but the +p provided more energy dump On Target so that is what I went with. Neither standard or +p 147g would perform consistently out of a 3 inch barrel and often over penetrate from lack of expansion. Thanks for the informative video:-)

[@briansupermag3918]

Good stuff and didn't know they changed. But i like the older stuff by comparison. Thanks for your time and incredible videos. Glad your back and you look great TN

[@BLACKRIFLEREVIEWS]

Another outstanding Video !🐽I have used this 9mm round in the past the 147 grain out of my Ruger PC carbine on Feral Hogs is accurate and performance is good out of the 16.5" barrel of the PC Carbine.I put down the Hog at 150 yards with a shoulder shot ruined a Boston butt as that cut of meat comes from the shoulder .but it killed the hog with one shot.

[@rob6850]

That's impressive. How big was the hog?

[@BLACKRIFLEREVIEWS]

@@rob6850 375 pounds on the hoof.The Largest I have taken was 585 pounds and it broke my tailgate hinges .

[@rob6850]

@@BLACKRIFLEREVIEWS hot damn! So I suppose a deer would be no problem with that setup?

[@BLACKRIFLEREVIEWS]

@@rob6850 Deer are no problem with a. 22LR. The Distance to the target & shot placement matter a shot to the head and they are taking a dirt nap as a Nuisance Wildlife control operator I use the .22LR to take wild boar at 50 -75 yards over bait and have culled deer with the. 22LR because of it being close to a residence.And .22LR will not over penetrate the Animal. And if it does it will not have enough velocity to harm anything.I often use .22LR , .22WMR , 9mm for Nuisance Wildlife Control.

[@Ifoughtpiranhas]

I still haven't seen an HST in any weight or caliber that wouldn't be an excellent choice for carry or home defense ammo.

[@jonahpatton8879]

.380, it wasn't too good in .380.

[@Ifoughtpiranhas]

@@jonahpatton8879; Well, I may have to agree with you on that one. However there isn't many good choices for the the .380 ACP that meet all the criteria for penetration, expansion, and availability. That's probably why I've never considered buying a .380 ACP.

[@jonahpatton8879]

@Papa Bleach buy online

[@Ifoughtpiranhas]

@Papa Bleach ; I stocked up on HST in 9mm when the gettin' was good, and before California banned internet ammo sales. If you live in a more 2nd Amendment friendly state, I recently seen HST 124 +P in 20 round boxes available at SGammo for around $30/box.

[@jonahpatton8879]

@@Ifoughtpiranhas the Hornady XTP seems to do okay in a .380, the only hollow point that I've seen that expands technically (average diameter is like .408 after expanding) and penetrates adequately to around 14 inches.

[@ItsEverythingElse]

Said it before and I'll say it again: glad to see you doing ammo tests again!

[@timrobinson6573]

I started carrying this because I noticed it has about the same recoil as the Blazer 115 grain range ammo I use. And it hits in the same place as that ammo. I always knew it was good ammo but it works well with my range ammo.

[@drfrankenstein4127]

Great video , I would’ve loved to see how the expansion was for the 3.1” barrel. I carry a 365 and use lighter bullets so it’s more likely to have proper expansion. But if I can shoot heavier bullets and still get good expansion that would be great.

[@rendezvous5784]

I just pick up a P365, curious how they would perform from a 3.1" barrel also.

[@j.gordonellis4175]

Where did you go? You were gone and then back and now gone again?

[@tnoutdoors9]

Sort of. This is just a hobby when in the mood. Could be in the mood for a couple of updates soon.

[@usmcson3]

​@tnoutdoors9 we miss your vids, you do a fantastic job at creating no nonsense vids that are packed with information.

[@woody2727]

This guy is clearly new to the game when it comes to ammo and testing. Seems more like a TikTok gun guy based on the commentary remark. Keep doing what you've been doing, you've been my go to source for years (30+ Law Enforcement). Your work is sincerely appreciated. Thank you.

[@dondulah]

I'm glad you still have these going. Nobody ever came close to your ammo videos.

[@DeltaSig80121]

I’d be curious to see the same test run using the Shield Plus instead of the Glock 19. 147 grain HST has been my carry ammo for years and I have noticed the addition of a red sealant around the primer, with the more recent ammo having the blue sealant noted in the video. The double cannelure is interesting and I think I will keep using HST despite the changes.

[@Paelorian]

Sounds like the new version of the round will be more consistent and slightly deeper penetrating. That's an improvement. I agree that I'd like to see slightly higher velocities, given that people are carrying shorter barrels nowadays. Federal could slightly increase velocity and still keep it subsonic at typical pistol barrel lengths. I prioritize penetration over expansion, as less expansion has an almost negligible impact on effectiveness but underpenetration can often render a shot completely ineffective. I tend to like to see 16-18" penetration depth. But I can't complain about 15" penetration, as it's perfectly in the middle of the 12-18" FBI standard. I expect that with a shorter barrel, there will be less expansion and deeper penetration. I'd be confident with this round as I have been in the past. Not only is it worthwhile to test smaller changes of the best rounds, the ones we carry, but even if there wasn't a change it's not a bad idea to test a known excellent round just to "recalibrate" once in a while after all the "innovative", novelty, and poorly performing rounds. The 147gr HST remains one of my preferred handgun cartridges for defense against unarmored human attackers. You can't go wrong with the other 9mm HSTs, either, which perform very similarly, but I tend to like the relatively heavier bullets. I prefer standard velocity over the +P. The standard velocity is better balanced and one of the best 9mm JHPs on the market. +P isn't needed.

[@jamesransom3]

One of the better ammo test vids I’ve seen. Though none on KZbin are “scientific” yours is thorough and provides good information with good production value. Can’t figure out why Federal won’t offer the 147 HST in a +p configuration.

[@pinkysgarage4517]

Always a good review. So good to have you back and doing your great videos!!

[@user-tw8ov]

Best 147 hst or gold dot

[@dwightneal1]

Agreed, John. I run Speer Gold Dot 147 grain in two of my EDC's with longer barrels. I also run Speer Gold Dot 124 grain +p in my other EDC which is a 3 inch barrel. Can't go wrong with Speer Gold Dot or Federal HST. They're both made by the same company anyway 🙂

[@mjolnirdynamics8789]

Great video! Good comprehensive info. Thanks for putting it out. I've been on the fence between 124 & 147 HST for a while. I really think I'll just stick with 147 for the theoretically softer recoil.

[@frankunderwood798]

I appreciate the way you cut the block and applied the lighting in this video. Overall, this is just an outstanding video!

[@larrymota]

It's great to see another of your videos. Truly the best on the internet.

[@insanity6105]

Thanks for another great review. Short and to the point, no bloviating

[@tnoutdoors9]

Thanks. I hate bloviating.....have to chew Tums for several hours when that happens.

[@BuffRANGE]

Still one of my top three picks! Excellent work sir!

[@thepatriotsrage661]

Mine too mate. I just wish Federal would still make the P9HST4, 147gr +P HST. That was a fantastic load!

[@ArcanusLibero]

Thanks for updating our knowledge... You still do the best job on social media with ammo analysis...

[@bobjarrard]

This be my choice in 9mm and 40 S&W. Contacted S&W and basically got told "no 38 Special" coming anymore. Would love to be able to buy this in 357 Mag reduced load and in 327 Magnum +P. this stuff is hard to find, I bought private sales after a long search. Thanks, glad to have you back at the mill working away for us!!! Bob in Nevada..

[@bearman000ify]

I absolutely love your videos! Can't wait for more!

[@Defenze]

Thanks so much for the review and hard work. I find your test and conclusions to be fully agreeable and see nothing that would dissuade me from using the 9mm HST as a Personal Defense round. The consistency of expansion and penetration is remarkable. So glad to see you doing what you have proven is a love of yours. None do it better IMHO. God bless.

[@jdglock9114]

Shooting The Bull - KZbin channel tested HST 147 from a 3.1 inch barrel. These perform extremely well. Ditto 124 and 124+P

[@chaecoco2]

I was considering making my own ballistic gel, but I realized that I don't really have a pot that would hold 4 gallons of liquid. Thanks for all the work you put in to this for our benefit.

[@raywing90]

Love when I stumble upon these new vids. Great work as always.

[@1212blaze]

That is one of the most well put together video on ammo I've seen. Great job

[@bannedbycommieyoutube5time920]

I would love for you to shoot a 3-3.5 inch barrel, at least one shot for each test, even if it’s into the same gel block. Since that is what the majority EDCs (shields, G43, P365, etc.), I think a large number of your audience would love to see the performance (thanks for including velocity data in shorter barrels as well😃). Thank you very much for all your hard work over the years, best practical ballistics testing channel on KZbin 🇺🇸

[@m17glock35]

i have 147 hst in all of my 9mm including my scorpion . has proven very accurate and has also worked well dispatching various critters on the farm .

[@TheDkb427]

Thanks for doing these test and using real gel. I know it's a lot of work so I appreciate it. Merry Christmas from NC!!

[@darrelclouse8137]

excellent....EGGG-SUH-LENT!! Today I see you've posted new ballistics analysis. You are probably the best on KZbin! It is great to see you're doing your very informative, professional, and personable ballistics studies videos. THANKS CHAMP!

[@abc-wv4in]

Would love to see this newer 147 HST tested through a shorter barrel such as the Shield. I have a lot of the older version and a few of the newer. My carry 9 is the Shield or Shield Plus with a 3.1" barrel.

[@JohnSmith-zw6tr]

Thank God you’re back; I missed seeing your videos! You do a really good job!