Chicken Dinner!...9MM Standard VS +P Federal Premium HST Self-Defense AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

Published on July 25, 2025
Duration: 14:55

This video provides a detailed ballistic gel test comparing Federal Premium HST 9mm 124-grain standard pressure and +P ammunition. The test includes velocity readings, penetration depth, and expansion measurements after passing through a heavy clothing barrier. The instructor, experienced in firearms testing, demonstrates the performance of both ammunition types, concluding that both perform exceptionally well for self-defense.

Quick Summary

Federal HST 9mm 124-grain ammunition, both standard pressure and +P, demonstrates excellent self-defense performance. In tests with a clothing barrier, standard pressure averaged 1129 FPS and penetrated 18.5 inches, while +P averaged 1166 FPS and penetrated 17.5 inches. Both expanded effectively, with standard pressure showing slightly larger final diameter.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Setup
  2. 00:39Ammunition Comparison: Federal HST 9mm Standard vs +P
  3. 01:20Featured Product: Titanner Titanium EDC Pen
  4. 03:33Advertised Velocities: Standard vs +P
  5. 04:09Velocity Test: Standard Pressure HST
  6. 05:41Velocity Test: Plus P HST
  7. 07:00Ballistic Gel Test: Standard Pressure HST
  8. 07:54Ballistic Gel Test: Plus P HST
  9. 08:24Gel Test Results: Chicken Dinner!
  10. 09:09HST Performance Analysis: Expansion & Disruption
  11. 09:40Penetration Depths: Standard vs +P
  12. 09:55Projectile Close-Up & Comparison
  13. 10:34Projectile Weight & Expansion Measurements
  14. 11:14Visual Comparison: Standard vs +P Expansion
  15. 13:19Choosing Between Standard Pressure and +P
  16. 14:12Viewer Engagement & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key performance differences between Federal HST 9mm 124-grain standard pressure and +P ammunition?

In ballistic gel tests with a clothing barrier, the +P version averaged 1166 FPS, while standard pressure averaged 1129 FPS. Penetration was 17.5 inches for +P and 18.5 inches for standard. Expansion was slightly larger for standard pressure (0.596-0.610 in) compared to +P (0.562-0.582 in).

How did the heavy clothing barrier affect the Federal HST 9mm ammunition performance?

The heavy clothing barrier, consisting of denim, fleece, and cotton, had a minimal negative impact on the Federal HST 9mm ammunition. Both standard pressure and +P variants performed exceptionally well, showing good expansion and penetration, indicating the barrier did not significantly hinder their effectiveness.

Which Federal HST 9mm 124-grain load is better for self-defense: standard pressure or +P?

Both loads performed exceptionally well. The instructor leans towards the +P for slightly higher velocity, but notes that the standard pressure achieved a marginally larger final expansion diameter. The choice may come down to personal preference, recoil sensitivity, and availability/price.

What were the average velocities for Federal HST 9mm 124-grain ammunition from a 3.1-inch barrel?

From a 3.1-inch Canik Mete barrel, the Federal HST 9mm 124-grain standard pressure averaged 1129 FPS, and the +P version averaged 1166 FPS, after passing through a heavy clothing barrier.

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