unable to find/afford PD ammo? question

[Mike from Texas]

Old technology and have a tendency to plug and not expand when going through clothing. Have been issues of jacket/core separation when I tested as well.

Federal HSTs are a much better choice (if you can find them).

[TexasComputerDude]

Old technology and have a tendency to plug and not expand when going through clothing. Have been issues of jacket/core separation when I tested as well.

Federal HSTs are a much better choice (if you can find them).

I'm actually not 100% sure what version I'm shooting. lol its been so long since I changed them I forgot. I guess I'll just start looking around. I had some good luck with gold dots but they are impossible to find now.

[longtooth]

Plugging is the reason I quit using HS too.

[TexasComputerDude]

how did you determine that they were plugging?

[Frost]

how did you determine that they were plugging?

Link

[longtooth]

Thanks Frost.
All I was going to be able to do was say I read the report & thought it correct.

[TexasComputerDude]

well I guess I'm switching first time I get a chance, then using the 18 rounds I currently have to self test.

[kd5zex]

Keep on the lookout on ammoengine.com and be ready to buy. I picked up several boxes of Federal HST in .40 and .45 from ammunitiontogo.com on "accident" not too long ago. And they are "Law Enforcement" which scores a few tacticool points!

[TexasComputerDude]

lol, never cared for tacticool, lol

I just want something that will get the job done.

[MoJo]

Too many people get their shorts all in a wad over gelatin testing. Hydrashock has an enviable track record on the street. An example, if you go by gelatin testing, the .357 Magnum 125 gr JHP round won't stop a chipmunk yet it is still the "king of the hill" in self defense loadings. I wouldn't hesitate to carry Hydrashock in any of my handguns in fact, I do in some calibers.

[Liberty]

I spent a good part of my life not carrying. Today I carry almost 24/7. I feel if I carry WWB in a .380 (I don't) I am much better prepared than I used to be.

[billfromtx]

I'm not LEO,but...I carry 230gr. Ball in my 45 all the time. Its a great SD round. No worries.

[Mike from Texas]

Too many people get their shorts all in a wad over gelatin testing. Hydrashock has an enviable track record on the street. An example, if you go by gelatin testing, the .357 Magnum 125 gr JHP round won't stop a chipmunk yet it is still the "king of the hill" in self defense loadings. I wouldn't hesitate to carry Hydrashock in any of my handguns in fact, I do in some calibers.

There is more than one documented source that show that the HS have a problem plugging when shot through denim. In my own tests in shooting water jugs with 2 layers of denim in front, I experienced a 40% rate of plugging. Obviously you will never know how a round will react in an actual shooting but since we don't have people willing to line up and volunteer to be test subjects we have to go with what's available. I will say that I have shot the HSTs and Gold Dots under the same conditions and have not had this problem with either of them.

EDIT TO ADD: If you need some Gold Dot ammo go to http://www.doubletapammo.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Their loads are listed as "bonded defends loads" but they are Gold Dots.

[Mithras61]

There is more than one documented source that show that the HS have a problem plugging when shot through denim. In my own tests in shooting water jugs with 2 layers of denim in front, I experienced a 40% rate of plugging. Obviously you will never know how a round will react in an actual shooting but since we don't have people willing to line up and volunteer to be test subjects we have to go with what's available. I will say that I have shot the HSTs and Gold Dots under the same conditions and have not had this problem with either of them.

EDIT TO ADD: If you need some Gold Dot ammo go to http://www.doubletapammo.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Their loads are listed as "bonded defends loads" but they are Gold Dots.

True, but a .45ACP HydraShok that's plugged is still equivalent to hardball in performance. That still qualifies as better than a whole bunch of other options, in my book...

[Mike from Texas]

There is more than one documented source that show that the HS have a problem plugging when shot through denim. In my own tests in shooting water jugs with 2 layers of denim in front, I experienced a 40% rate of plugging. Obviously you will never know how a round will react in an actual shooting but since we don't have people willing to line up and volunteer to be test subjects we have to go with what's available. I will say that I have shot the HSTs and Gold Dots under the same conditions and have not had this problem with either of them.

EDIT TO ADD: If you need some Gold Dot ammo go to http://www.doubletapammo.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Their loads are listed as "bonded defends loads" but they are Gold Dots.

True, but a .45ACP HydraShok that's plugged is still equivalent to hardball in performance. That still qualifies as better than a whole bunch of other options, in my book...

Not disagreeing at all, a .45 caliber gun is always going to leave at least a .45 hole. But I'm more concerned with over penetration than expansion although I much prefer a near 1.0" hole if I can get it.