.45ACP +P Battle! Federal HST vs Hornady XTP Ballistic Gel Test Using The Taurus 1911 Commander!

Published on December 3, 2021
Duration: 13:08

This video conducts a ballistic gel test comparing Federal HST 230-grain +P and Hornady XTP 230-grain +P ammunition in .45 ACP, fired from a Taurus 1911 Commander. The test measures velocity, penetration, and expansion, providing direct comparisons of performance characteristics relevant to self-defense applications.

Quick Summary

In a ballistic gel test comparing Federal HST and Hornady XTP .45 ACP +P, the HST achieved superior expansion (up to 0.85 inches) with 11.75 inches of penetration, while the XTP offered deeper penetration (approx. 14.5 inches) with less expansion (0.61-0.65 inches). Both rounds retained significant weight and created effective wound channels.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Setup
  2. 00:28Federal HST .45 ACP +P Ammunition
  3. 00:49Hornady XTP .45 ACP +P Ammunition
  4. 01:35Taurus 1911 Commander Test Platform
  5. 02:02Federal HST Velocity Testing
  6. 03:02Hornady XTP Velocity Testing
  7. 04:13Federal HST Ballistic Gel Test
  8. 04:56Hornady XTP Ballistic Gel Test
  9. 06:01Gel Test Results Analysis
  10. 07:14Penetration Measurements
  11. 07:50Expansion Measurements
  12. 09:18Projectile Examination
  13. 11:18Conclusion & Preference

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key performance differences between Federal HST and Hornady XTP .45 ACP +P ammunition in ballistic gel?

The Federal HST 230gr +P .45 ACP demonstrated superior expansion, measuring up to 0.85 inches, while the Hornady XTP 230gr +P .45 ACP achieved greater penetration, reaching approximately 14.5 inches in a 16-inch gel block.

What were the average velocities recorded for Federal HST and Hornady XTP .45 ACP +P from a Taurus 1911 Commander?

The Federal HST 230gr +P averaged 770 feet per second, while the Hornady XTP 230gr +P averaged 861 feet per second when fired from the 4.2-inch barrel of the Taurus 1911 Commander.

How did the expansion and penetration of Federal HST and Hornady XTP .45 ACP +P compare in the gel test?

The Federal HST expanded significantly more, reaching 11.75 inches of penetration. The Hornady XTP expanded less but penetrated further, reaching about 14.5 inches and even rebounding.

Which .45 ACP +P ammunition, Federal HST or Hornady XTP, is better for self-defense based on this test?

Both rounds performed well. The choice depends on preference: Federal HST for maximum expansion and wound channel, or Hornady XTP for deeper penetration. Either is considered effective for self-defense.

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