Federal Hydra-Shok vs HST - What's the Difference?
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to go over the difference between Federal Hydra-Shok and HST ammo. These two product lines from Federal are popular with a wide range of shooters and have built solid reputations over the years. We are going to compare these two types of loadings while delving into things such as their differences, what they are used for, and more. Without further ado, let’s compare Federal Hydra-Shok ammo to HST ammunition.
Who is Federal?
Federal is a notable ammunition manufacturer based in Anoka Minnesota. Founded in 1922, the company represents a long-standing American ammo production force which has persisted for over a century. Currently, the company is a subsidiary of Vista Outdoor, the parent company of many outdoors-oriented brands. Federal notably produces a wide variety of ammunition in pistol, rifle, shotgun, and rimfire calibers. These loadings span offerings intended for use cases such as hunting, precision shooting, self-defense, and recreational target shooting. Shooters can find support for popular calibers such as 5.56, .22 Long Rifle, 9mm, and 12 gauge in the form of Federal product offerings.
What Firearms are these Loadings For?
Previously, Federal offered Hydra-Shok branded defensive shotgun ammunition for sale, though this product line has been since discontinued. As of now, the Hydra-Shok and HST offerings offered today are intended for use in handguns. Both semi-automatic pistols and revolvers can utilize loadings of either type. This holds true regardless of the size of the handgun. Additionally, firearms chambered in compatible calibers, such as pistol caliber carbines, or PCCs, can utilize these types of loadings.
Federal Hydra-Shok
The Hydra-Shok product line for Federal has persisted for decades. Federal Hydra-Shok ammunition made its debut in 1989, three years after the infamous 1986 Miami-Dade shootout. The incident sparked the FBI’s desire for loadings with improved terminal ballistics and defensive performance. At their core, Hydra-Shok bullets from Federal are improved jacketed hollow point (JHP) loadings. In a departure from traditional hollow point projectiles, Hydra-Shok bullets feature a distinct post in their cavity. This post faces outward and sits below the rim of the hollow point cavity. The post works in conjunction with the serrations on the projectile’s jacketing to produce reliable and uniform expansion upon impact. These projectiles are designed to achieve adequate penetration prior to expansion, aiding in lethality.
Federal Hydra-Shok ammo can be had in a variety of popular calibers. Additionally, loadings of this type can be had in the form of various product families for different end users. Beyond the standard Hydra-Shok offerings, Federal also offers their Hydra-Shok Deep and Hydra-Shok Low Recoil product lines. The Hydra-Shok Deep product line features an updated post which is more robust than the original Hydra-Shok style. Additionally, this robust post is complimented by a new core design that is conducive to rapid expansion. Like the name suggests, the low recoil loadings are a boon to recoil-sensitive shooters. With Federal Hydra-Shok Low Recoil offerings, shooters can access a soft shooting and potent defensive loading. The varied Hydra-Shok loadings allow shooters to consider multiple options when considering a defensive loading.
Federal HST
The origins of HST ammo can be traced back to 2002. Initially, sales of this type of ammunition were limited to law enforcement personnel and similar end users. Commercial sales of Federal HST ammo began in 2015, allowing civilians to purchase the company’s new type of loading. HST loadings serve as an evolution of the established Hydra-Shok offerings from Federal. Many have hypothesized that the new “HST” name stands for “Hi-Shok Two,” or “Hydra-Shok Two,” a name reflective of its improved nature. These loadings from Federal omit the iconic post introduced with the Hydra-Shok line of ammo and appear to resemble traditional hollow points. Like their predecessors, HST loadings are designed to expand upon impact, making them well-suited to personal defense.
When compared to the original Hydra-Shok loadings, the HST offerings are designed to achieve better levels of penetration while still achieving desirable levels of penetration. Additionally, HST loadings are capable of higher degrees of barrier penetration than their Hydra-Shok counterparts. This means that bulky clothing and other potential barriers that can inhibit expansion are capable of being defeated by HST loadings. In addition to their terminal ballistics, HST loadings are also well-known for their high accuracy potential and can be employed accurately if the shooter does their part. HST loadings are also available in offerings optimized for either standard sized or compact, micro handguns, providing a wide range of shooters and pistols with viable defensive loads no matter the size of their firearm.
What Calibers are Supported by Hydra-Shok and HST Loadings?
As mentioned above, pistols and revolvers can utilize both Hydra-Shok and HST loadings. As such, these loadings are available in many popular handgun calibers employed by both autoloaders and revolvers.
Hydra-Shok Calibers:
HST Calibers:
- .327 Federal Magnum
- .30 Super Carry
- .380 ACP
- 9mm
- .357 Magnum
- .40 S&W
- 10mm Auto
- .45 ACP
As mentioned above, shooters will have access to many popular pistol calibers in various loadings in the form of either Federal Hydra-Shok or HST ammo. The ample coverage and support provided by Federal allows for shooters to find a loading well-suited for their preferences and needs.
How Available are Hydra-Shok and HST Loadings?
At this point in time, shooters will have little difficulty finding either Hydra-Shok or HST loadings from Federal. These types of loadings have garnered a reputation among shooters as they have been employed by concealed carriers and professional end users alike to great success. Because of this, many shops stock ammunition of either type. Of course, garden variety offerings from Federal and other ammunition manufacturers may be more prevalent than these specialized defensive loadings. Additionally, the popularity of either loading may lead to stock being depleted or running low at times. These loadings are not impossible to find by any means, one just may need to look a bit harder than they would for standard ammo. Of course, if one elects to shop for ammo online, one can easily access a wide variety of ammunition for sale. This is to say that one will no longer be constrained by what is in stock at local shops. All in all, one will be able to find loadings of either type if they wish.
Are Hydra-Shok and HST Loadings Expensive?
It is no surprise that Federal Hydra-Shok and HST loadings come with higher price tags than other ammunition offerings. This is due to the fact that both loadings are specialty defensive offerings which feature proprietary, premium components and specialized processes. In short, the cost of producing Hydra-Shok or HST loadings is more expensive than the cost of producing standard ball ammo. That being said, shooters are getting what they pay for with either type of defensive loading from Federal. The higher cost of entry with either loading is ultimately accompanied by performance and reliability you can confidently stake your life on.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, shooters cannot go wrong with either Federal Hydra-Shok or HST loadings. Since their respective introductions, Hydra-Shok and HST loadings have been utilized to good effect by private citizens and professional end users alike. Regardless of the specific loading you choose, you are getting potent and capable defensive pistol ammunition. We here at True Shot Ammo carry Federal Hydra-Shok and HST ammunition in addition to our wide range of ammo for sale. Whether you are after either Federal loading or want to buy bulk ammo, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.
Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Ammo, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotammo.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at [email protected] for more ammo options.
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