Can it still expand? .45 Auto Federal 230gr HST Short Barrel Gel Test

Published on December 15, 2018
Duration: 6:35

This expert-level analysis details a ballistic gel test of Federal Premium .45 Auto 230gr HST ammunition fired from a short-barrel handgun. The test, conducted by an authoritative instructor, evaluates expansion and penetration through bare and heavy clothing barriers. Results demonstrate excellent performance, meeting FBI standards and confirming the HST's suitability for short-barrel defensive use.

Quick Summary

The .45 Auto Federal 230gr HST ammunition reliably expands from short-barrel handguns, achieving over 0.90 inches of diameter and maintaining nearly 100% weight retention. Penetration depths ranged from 15.6 to 16.9 inches, meeting FBI standards even after passing through heavy clothing.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: .45 Auto HST Short Barrel Test
  2. 00:44Bare Gel Test & High-Speed Footage
  3. 01:20Bare Gel Results Analysis
  4. 02:50Heavy Clothing Test (IWBA Standards)
  5. 03:24Heavy Clothing Results Analysis
  6. 05:06Data Summary & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Can .45 Auto Federal 230gr HST ammunition still expand when fired from a short-barrel handgun?

Yes, the .45 Auto Federal 230gr HST demonstrates excellent expansion even from short barrels. Despite reduced velocity, the bullet achieved significant expansion, exceeding 0.90 inches in diameter, and maintained nearly 100% weight retention in ballistic gel tests.

What are the penetration depths for the .45 Auto Federal 230gr HST in ballistic gel tests?

In ballistic gel tests, the .45 Auto Federal 230gr HST achieved penetration depths between 15.6 and 16.9 inches. This performance falls well within the FBI's recommended 12-18 inch range for effective defensive ammunition.

How does heavy clothing affect the expansion of .45 Auto Federal 230gr HST?

The .45 Auto Federal 230gr HST performed exceptionally well even after passing through four layers of heavy clothing. Expansion remained robust, with diameters comparable to bare gel tests, and penetration remained within FBI standards.

What is the average velocity of .45 Auto Federal 230gr HST from a short barrel?

When fired from a short-barrel handgun (Springfield Armory XD-S 3.3-inch), the .45 Auto Federal 230gr HST averaged a velocity of 732 feet per second (FPS). This velocity was sufficient to ensure reliable expansion.

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