Federal Tactical HST 9mm Jacketed Hollowpoint Expansion Testing

This evening I had the opportunity to do a bit of expansion testing with my fresh box of Federal Tactical HST 9mm 147 grain ammunition. Nothing fancy, just a few jugs of water lined up. Shot it from maybe 7 yards and sprayed a bunch of water everywhere. Recovered the bullet and this is what I found:





















I've not made it to the shop to get my calipers to make any measurements but I'm pleased with what I've seen so far. Really wish I had a macro lens for my camera so I could get some better shots.

That's pretty amazing -- almost looks fake because it's so uniform. Did you weight it yet?

Photos are great as is

Well, they say the human body is like 90% water, so those ought to do a good job. I'm going get some.

smoffett wrote:That's pretty amazing -- almost looks fake because it's so uniform. Did you weight it yet?

I've not weighed it yet, but from what I've seen in other testing it usually retains 100% or more of the weight, usually with an extra couple tenths of a gram added from whatever it was shot at. I will be able to weigh it on a scale calibrated to < +/- .1 grams at 1200 grams Monday morning.

shoeshooter wrote:Photos are great as is

Well, they say the human body is like 90% water, so those ought to do a good job. I'm going get some.

Thanks for the compliment on the photos. I hope you have an easier time finding some. I had a hard time finding these particular ones, couldn't use any that were +P in my Ultra Compact. (not supposed to at least)

Amazing! That is great expansion from a short barrel.

Looks like a "purty" flower in full bloom!! BTW: Nice pictures!!

Looks like a potential carry load

put a pair of old blue jeans in front of the jugs next time.

I like it. Looks good enough for me.

146 grains. 99.3% weight retention.

Nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to do this. How many jugs did you use? And how far away were you?

Kind of gives new meaning to the old statement about better to give than receive.

I would certainly hate to be on the receiving end of one of those.

terry

Xd357 wrote:I want to do this. How many jugs did you use? And how far away were you?

I lined up 5 various plastic containers. The original plan was to use 5 two liter bottles, but I didn't have any. I had three plastic folger's coffee containers, one milk jug, and one bottle that used to have who knows what in it. Filled 'em all up with water and lined them up. I shot it from 5-10 yards away, not far at all. I never came close to getting wet but I've heard it can happen if you use the two liter bottles. I'm sure it'd be fine to back up some if you wanted.

It went through all 5??

Xd357 wrote:It went through all 5??

No, with the hard plastic containers it stopped at three. With the thinner plastic two liter bottles usually stops in the forth or fifth.

Thanks, I've got a few that I want to do and need to see how many I might need.

Xd357 wrote:Thanks, I've got a few that I want to do and need to see how many I might need.

That should cover most similar sized handgun rounds.

I just did a hornady 230gr +p(critical defence I think). Went through 3 gallon jugs and stoped in the 4th. Weighs 229.7 grains. I tried to take some pics with my phone but they didn't turn out.

Calipers show between .700 and .715ish.