Let's Settle This! Which Is THE BEST?...HST vs GOLD DOT 124 Grain 9MM Ballistic Gel AMMO Test!

Published on December 15, 2024
Duration: 11:54

This comprehensive ballistic gel test, conducted by an experienced firearms instructor, directly compares Federal Premium HST and Speer Gold Dot 124-grain 9mm ammunition. The analysis reveals that HST outperformed Gold Dot in velocity, expansion, and penetration through a heavy clothing barrier, making it the preferred choice for self-defense.

Quick Summary

Federal Premium HST 124-grain 9mm is the superior performer in a ballistic gel test compared to Speer Gold Dot 124-grain 9mm. The HST achieved higher average velocity (1128 fps vs. 1087 fps), significantly greater expansion (0.585-0.596" vs. 0.411-0.507"), and deeper penetration (17.5" vs. 16.75"). Both rounds retained their full 124.0-grain weight.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Test Setup
  2. 00:21Ballistic Gel & Barrier Setup
  3. 00:42Ammunition & Pistol Introduction
  4. 01:54Ammo Comparison & Expectations
  5. 02:22Federal HST Velocity Test
  6. 03:54Speer Gold Dot Velocity Test
  7. 05:09Ballistic Gel Shooting & Impact
  8. 06:01Gel Track Analysis & Penetration
  9. 07:19Close-up Gel Details & Expansion
  10. 08:06Recovered Projectiles Weight Check
  11. 09:14Recovered Projectiles Expansion Measurement
  12. 09:36HST vs. Gold Dot Summary
  13. 10:23Conclusion & Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

Which 9mm ammunition performed better in the ballistic gel test: Federal HST or Speer Gold Dot?

In this ballistic gel test, Federal Premium HST 124-grain 9mm outperformed Speer Gold Dot 124-grain 9mm. The HST demonstrated higher average velocity (1128 fps vs. 1087 fps), greater expansion (0.585-0.596" vs. 0.411-0.507"), and deeper penetration (17.5" vs. 16.75").

What were the key differences in bullet expansion between HST and Gold Dot 9mm ammunition?

The Federal HST 124-grain 9mm exhibited more impressive and symmetrical expansion, measuring between 0.585" and 0.596", and even fused cloth to its core. Speer Gold Dot 124-grain 9mm expanded to a range of 0.411" to 0.507", showing noticeably less expansion.

How did the velocity of Federal HST and Speer Gold Dot 124-grain 9mm compare from a 3.1-inch barrel?

From a 3.1-inch barrel, the Federal HST 124-grain 9mm averaged 1128 fps, while the Speer Gold Dot 124-grain 9mm averaged 1087 fps. The HST also showed better velocity consistency with a lower extreme spread and standard deviation.

What was the penetration depth of Federal HST and Speer Gold Dot 124-grain 9mm through ballistic gel and a clothing barrier?

The Federal HST 124-grain 9mm achieved a penetration depth of 17.5 inches in the ballistic gel after passing through a heavy clothing barrier. The Speer Gold Dot 124-grain 9mm penetrated 16.75 inches under the same test conditions.

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