Plain Jane!...Federal Hi-Shok .45 ACP Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on March 8, 2026
Duration: 13:27

This comprehensive ballistic gel test evaluates Federal's 230 Grain Hi-Shok JHP .45 ACP ammunition. The test, conducted by an experienced instructor, utilized a Glock 30 and a Rock Island 1911, measuring velocities, penetration, and projectile performance through a heavy clothing barrier. The results indicated a failure to expand for both firearms, with significant differences in penetration depth and projectile behavior.

Quick Summary

The Federal 230 Grain Hi-Shok JHP .45 ACP ammunition failed to expand in a ballistic gel test when fired through a heavy clothing barrier from both a Glock 30 and a Rock Island 1911. The recovered projectile showed no expansion, retaining its original weight and diameter, indicating a performance failure for a self-defense hollow point round.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Gel Setup
  2. 00:47Ammunition Details: Federal Hi-Shok .45 ACP
  3. 01:40Firearm Selection: Glock 30 vs. 1911
  4. 02:25Glock 30 Velocity Testing
  5. 04:011911 Velocity Testing
  6. 05:15Ballistic Gel Test: Glock 30 Impact
  7. 05:54Ballistic Gel Test: 1911 Impact
  8. 06:41Gel Analysis and Projectile Behavior
  9. 09:54Recovered Projectile and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Federal Hi-Shok .45 ACP ammunition expand in the ballistic gel test?

No, the Federal 230 Grain Hi-Shok JHP .45 ACP ammunition failed to expand when fired through a heavy clothing barrier into ballistic gel from both a Glock 30 and a Rock Island 1911. The recovered projectile showed no signs of expansion.

What were the muzzle velocities for the Federal Hi-Shok .45 ACP test?

From a Glock 30 (3.8-inch barrel), the average muzzle velocity was 832 fps. From a Rock Island 1911 (5-inch barrel), the average muzzle velocity was 876 fps. These were measured using a MagnetoSpeed V3 chronograph.

What was the penetration depth of the Federal Hi-Shok .45 ACP in the gel test?

The round fired from the Glock 30 penetrated over 32 inches in the ballistic gel. The round fired from the 1911 penetrated 21.75 inches before being recovered.

What was the condition of the recovered Federal Hi-Shok .45 ACP bullet?

The recovered bullet from the 1911 test was heavily clogged with clothing material and showed no expansion. It retained its original weight of 230.2 grains and measured 0.450 inches in diameter and 0.661 inches in length.

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