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

Published on March 8, 2026
Duration: 13:27

This review details a ballistic gel test of Federal 230-grain Hi-Shok .45 ACP ammunition fired through heavy clothing barriers. The test, conducted by an experienced firearms instructor, utilized both a Glock 30 (3.8-inch barrel) and a Rock Island 1911 (5-inch barrel) to assess projectile performance. The results indicated a significant failure of the ammunition to expand as intended, with both projectiles clogging and tumbling, leading to deep penetration without terminal effectiveness.

Quick Summary

The Federal 230-grain Hi-Shok .45 ACP ammunition failed to expand in ballistic gel tests when fired through a heavy clothing barrier. Projectiles clogged with fabric and tumbled, penetrating over 32 inches from a Glock 30 and 21.75 inches from a 1911 without any signs of expansion.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Testing Conditions
  2. 00:47Ammunition Details & Concerns
  3. 01:40Claimed Velocity & Firearm Selection
  4. 02:25Velocity Testing: Glock 30
  5. 04:01Velocity Testing: 1911
  6. 05:15Ballistic Gel Test: Glock 30
  7. 05:54Ballistic Gel Test: Rock Island 1911
  8. 06:41Gel Analysis & Projectile Behavior
  9. 09:54Recovered Projectile Measurements & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Federal 230-grain Hi-Shok .45 ACP expand in the ballistic gel test?

No, the Federal 230-grain Hi-Shok .45 ACP ammunition failed to expand in ballistic gel tests, even when fired through a heavy clothing barrier. Both projectiles clogged with fabric and tumbled, indicating a critical failure for self-defense ammunition.

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

The Federal 230-grain Hi-Shok .45 ACP averaged 832 FPS from a 3.8-inch Glock 30 barrel and 876 FPS from a 5-inch Rock Island 1911 barrel. These velocities were slightly below and above the claimed 850 FPS, respectively.

How deep did the Federal Hi-Shok .45 ACP penetrate in ballistic gel?

The Federal 230-grain Hi-Shok .45 ACP round fired from a Glock 30 penetrated over 32 inches in ballistic gel without expansion. The round fired from a Rock Island 1911 was recovered at 21.75 inches, also without expansion.

What was the recovered weight and diameter of the Federal Hi-Shok .45 ACP bullet?

The recovered Federal 230-grain Hi-Shok .45 ACP bullet weighed 230.2 grains, matching its original weight, and measured 0.450 inches in diameter. This indicated no expansion and significant clogging with fabric.

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