{"id":9417,"date":"2022-03-25T04:46:21","date_gmt":"2022-03-25T04:46:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wideners.com\/blog\/?p=9417"},"modified":"2022-03-25T04:46:21","modified_gmt":"2022-03-25T04:46:21","slug":"what-is-hst-ammo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wideners.com\/blog\/what-is-hst-ammo\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is HST Ammo?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Federal Premium Ammunition is one of the most well-known and respected ammunition manufacturers on the planet, and for good reason too. Federal produces top-quality ammunition for virtually every caliber and purpose imaginable. Whether you need ammunition for hunting big game, self-defense HST ammo, or target shooting, Federal has what you are looking for.<\/span><\/p>\n

Among the many different types of cartridges produced by Federal, HST ammo is by far one of the most popular. HST ammo is a non-bonded hollow-point that is designed to offer maximum expansion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Released in 2002, HST ammunition is a revamped version of Federal\u2019s famous<\/span> Hydra-Shok cartridge<\/span><\/a>, more on that below. For now, let\u2019s just focus our attention on HST ammunition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Ammo Quality Matter?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Before we dive into the specifics of HST ammo, we’ll briefly address a common question we encounter from new shooters. The short answer to this question is yes. The quality of the ammunition you are using can significantly impact performance and the overall shooting experience. If the ammunition you’re carrying in your gun is unreliable, old, or not intended for self-defense use, we’d recommend an upgrade.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While there is nothing wrong with using budget ammo for practice, we strongly recommend investing in quality ammo for self-defense. Carrying the right ammo is just as important as the professional training<\/a> you’ll need to learn how to use it. Quality ammo isn’t cheap, but there’s a good reason for that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

HST ammo is premium self-defense ammo from Federal. It is engineered to provide consistent expansion when passing through fabric barriers into soft targets. When you buy a product like HST, you’re getting a defensive round that has been thoroughly tested in many scenarios with a variety of popular handguns. Engineers have invested countless hours into making sure the ammo performs consistently. It may cost a little more, but you’re getting a proven product and the overall investment is worth it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Core Features Of HST Ammo<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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The skives of the HST bullet are engineered to open consistently when passing through fabric barriers into soft targets.<\/p><\/div>\n

As noted above, HST cartridges are very similar to Federal\u2019s Hydra Shok ammunition. This is likely because the same bullet engineer, the famous Tom Burczynski, spearheaded the development of both rounds.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Like the Hydra-Shok, Federal came up with the HST cartridge to meet the unique needs of law enforcement agencies and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Specifically, these agencies wanted a cartridge that expands significantly upon impact without reducing penetration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are familiar with Hydra Shok, then you know that the cartridge contains a non-bonded hollow-point, just like HST ammo. However, there are a few key differences. Hydra Shok projectiles have a post in the center of the hollow point, whereas HST ammunition does not. Both cartridges perform very similarly in terms of velocity and penetration. However, HST rounds expand more reliably when passing through multiple layers of fabric and common barriers.<\/span><\/p>\n

While the lack of a center post is notable, what really sets the HST apart is the series of skives that are etched into the jacket. A skive is a notch that is intended to facilitate positive expansion upon impact. The skives serve as separation points. They are intentionally structurally weaker than the rest of the surface area of the projectile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cumulatively, the lack of a center post and the skives allow the HST to expand more consistently than the Hydra-Shok cartridge. Typically, the HST will expand to approximately twice its normal diameter upon impact.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Available HST Ammo Calibers<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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HST ammo achieved a superior performance rating in FBI ammunition testing protocols.<\/p><\/div>\n

Currently, Federal\u2019s HST ammo is available in many popular handgun calibers, including:<\/span><\/p>\n