9MM vs .40 S&W! Federal HST AMMO!

Published on September 23, 2022
Duration: 8:51

This guide details a ballistic gel test comparing 9mm and .40 S&W Federal HST ammunition, conducted by an experienced instructor. The test measures velocity, penetration, expansion, and weight retention using a chronograph and ballistic gel. Key takeaways highlight the superior energy and larger expanded diameter of the .40 S&W HST, while both calibers demonstrated excellent performance and weight retention.

Quick Summary

In a ballistic gel test comparing Federal HST ammunition, the .40 S&W (180gr) produced 391 ft-lb of energy and expanded to 0.743 inches, while the 9mm (124gr) yielded 349 ft-lb of energy and expanded to 0.647 inches. Both calibers achieved 100% weight retention and similar penetration depths around 14.7 inches.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 9mm vs .40 S&W Comparison
  2. 00:13Testing Setup: Ballistic Gel & Chronograph
  3. 00:26Ammunition: Federal HST 9mm vs .40 S&W
  4. 01:19Firearms Used: Glock 22 vs Polymer80
  5. 01:40Chronograph Test: 9mm Velocity Readings
  6. 02:089mm Average Velocity Results
  7. 02:16Chronograph Test: .40 S&W Velocity Readings
  8. 02:38.40 S&W Velocity & Energy Comparison
  9. 03:04Ballistic Gel Test: 9mm Impact
  10. 03:37Ballistic Gel Test: .40 S&W Impact
  11. 04:05Initial Gel Observations: Wound Action & Disruption
  12. 04:51Penetration Depth Measurements
  13. 05:30Projectile Recovery & Weight Retention
  14. 06:23Expanded Diameter Measurements
  15. 06:49Conclusion: Ballistic Performance Comparison
  16. 07:31Final Thoughts: HST Ammunition Performance
  17. 08:03Call to Action & Affiliate Links

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Federal HST 9mm and .40 S&W perform in ballistic gel tests?

Both Federal HST 9mm (124gr) and .40 S&W (180gr) demonstrated excellent terminal ballistics, achieving 100% weight retention and significant expansion. The .40 S&W showed higher energy (391 ft-lb vs 349 ft-lb) and a larger expanded diameter (0.743" vs 0.647").

What were the key ballistic differences between 9mm and .40 S&W Federal HST ammunition?

The .40 S&W Federal HST round delivered more energy (391 ft-lb) and expanded to a larger diameter (0.743 inches) compared to the 9mm HST (349 ft-lb energy, 0.647 inches expansion). However, the 9mm had a higher average velocity (1126 fps vs 989 fps).

What were the penetration depths of Federal HST 9mm and .40 S&W in ballistic gel?

Penetration depths were remarkably similar. The Federal HST 9mm penetrated 14.75 inches, while the Federal HST .40 S&W penetrated 14.625 inches, indicating effective performance for both calibers within expected parameters.

Which Federal HST ammunition caliber is ballistically superior for self-defense based on this test?

Based purely on the ballistic data from this test, the .40 S&W Federal HST is ballistically superior due to its higher energy output and larger expanded projectile diameter, though the 9mm also performed exceptionally well.

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