Federal Hydra Shok DEEP 135gr 9mm Ballistic Gel Test & Review

Published on March 13, 2022
Duration: 14:42

This video provides a detailed ballistic gel test of Federal Premium Personal Defense Hydra-Shok Deep 135-grain 9mm ammunition. The instructor, operating from Buckeye Ballistics, conducts tests using both 10% Knox ballistic gelatin and Clear Ballistics gelatin, evaluating bullet expansion, penetration depth, and retained weight. The results are compared across different mediums and against previous tests of Federal Punch ammunition, offering insights into the performance characteristics of the Hydra-Shok Deep round.

Quick Summary

Federal Hydra-Shok Deep 135gr 9mm ammunition was tested in ballistic gel, showing velocities around 900-1000 fps from a compact pistol. It demonstrated good expansion and deep penetration, with retained weights consistently high (135.7-138 grains), indicating robust construction and minimal fragmentation.

Chapters

  1. 00:14Introduction
  2. 00:37Ammunition Overview: Federal Hydra-Shok Deep 135gr 9mm
  3. 01:38Ballistic Gelatin Setup: Knox Gelatin
  4. 02:24Clothing Barrier Test Setup (T-shirt & Denim)
  5. 03:17Velocity Readings (Knox Gelatin)
  6. 03:40Ballistic Results (Knox Gelatin)
  7. 04:01Comparison: Clear Ballistics Gelatin
  8. 05:00Gelatin Calibration and Temperature Control
  9. 06:04Re-testing with Clear Ballistics Gel
  10. 06:54Measurement and Examination of Recovered Bullets (Knox)
  11. 08:55Velocity Readings (Clear Ballistics Gel)
  12. 09:04Ballistic Results (Clear Ballistics Gel - T-shirt)
  13. 09:12Ballistic Results (Clear Ballistics Gel - Denim)
  14. 09:52Comparison of Wound Channels (Clear vs. Knox)
  15. 10:53Bullet Examination (Clear Ballistics Gel)
  16. 11:11Weight and Diameter Measurements (Clear Ballistics Gel)
  17. 11:45Bullet Examination (Knox Gelatin)
  18. 12:21Weight and Diameter Measurements (Knox Gelatin)
  19. 13:54Final Comparison of Recovered Bullets
  20. 14:16Outro and Links

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key performance characteristics of Federal Hydra-Shok Deep 135gr 9mm ammunition?

The Federal Hydra-Shok Deep 135gr 9mm ammunition was tested for velocity, expansion, penetration, and retained weight. Velocities from a compact pistol were around 900-1000 fps. In ballistic gel, it showed significant expansion and penetration, with retained weights consistently high, indicating robust construction.

How does Federal Hydra-Shok Deep 135gr 9mm perform through different barriers?

When fired through a single layer of t-shirt and four layers of denim into ballistic gel, the Federal Hydra-Shok Deep 135gr 9mm demonstrated good expansion and penetration. The denim barrier did not significantly hinder its ability to expand, though one round showed partial expansion.

What is the difference in performance between Federal Hydra-Shok Deep in Knox gelatin versus Clear Ballistics gelatin?

In this test, the Federal Hydra-Shok Deep 135gr 9mm showed deeper penetration in Clear Ballistics gelatin compared to 10% Knox gelatin. This is atypical, as Clear Ballistics usually results in less penetration. Expansion was generally good in both mediums.

What was the retained weight of Federal Hydra-Shok Deep 135gr 9mm bullets after ballistic gel testing?

The retained weights for the Federal Hydra-Shok Deep 135gr 9mm bullets were consistently high, ranging from 135.7 grains to 138 grains. This indicates minimal fragmentation and excellent structural integrity of the bullet after impact.

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