Federal HST 125gr .357 Sig Ballistic Gel Test & Review

Published on January 9, 2025
Duration: 6:33

This video details a ballistic gel test of Federal HST 125gr .357 Sig ammunition fired from a Glock 31 with a 4.5-inch barrel. The test measured velocity, penetration depth, retained weight, and expanded diameter through ballistic gelatin, a bear block, and four layers of denim. Results indicate consistent performance and significant expansion.

Quick Summary

Federal HST 125gr .357 Sig ammunition fired from a Glock 31 (4.5-inch barrel) achieved approximately 1336 ft/s velocity. In ballistic gelatin, it penetrated about 13 inches, retained over 122 grains of weight, and expanded to around 0.672 inches. Performance was slightly reduced with denim barriers.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Setup
  2. 00:16Gel Calibration
  3. 00:26Manufacturer Specs
  4. 00:36Test Plan: Bear Block & Denim
  5. 01:02Chronograph Results
  6. 01:29Bear Block & Denim Shot
  7. 01:45Visual Inspection of Gel
  8. 02:22Denim Shot Analysis
  9. 03:08Penetration Depth Measurements
  10. 03:23Bullet Debris Observation
  11. 03:41Further Debris Analysis
  12. 04:07Retained Weight & Expansion Measurement Prep
  13. 04:17Retained Weight Results
  14. 05:00Expanded Diameter Results
  15. 05:16Expansion Comparison (Gel vs. Denim)
  16. 05:41Product Links & Channel Info
  17. 05:57Future .357 Sig Content
  18. 06:25Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the key performance metrics for Federal HST 125gr .357 Sig ammunition in the ballistic gel test?

The Federal HST 125gr .357 Sig ammunition achieved approximately 1336 ft/s velocity, penetrated about 13 inches in ballistic gelatin, retained over 122 grains of weight, and expanded to around 0.672 inches in diameter.

How did the addition of four layers of denim affect the performance of the Federal HST 125gr .357 Sig ammunition?

The denim slightly reduced the expanded diameter to approximately 0.606 inches, but penetration depth remained consistent at just over 13 inches, indicating robust performance even with clothing barriers.

What firearm and barrel length were used for the Federal HST .357 Sig ballistic test?

The test utilized a Glock 31 pistol equipped with a 4.5-inch barrel, providing a standard platform for evaluating the ammunition's performance characteristics.

What tools are recommended for conducting ballistic gel tests like the one shown?

For accurate ballistic testing, a calibrated 10% ballistic gelatin block and a reliable chronograph, such as the Caldwell chronograph 2.0, are essential for measuring velocity and other performance metrics.

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