HST Shootout! 124gr vs 147gr 9mm Federal HST Ballistic Gel Test From a Taurus GX4! Which is BEST?

Published on October 22, 2021
Duration: 11:15

This guide details a ballistic gel test comparing Federal HST 124gr and 147gr 9mm Luger ammunition fired from a Taurus GX4 micro-compact pistol. The expert-level analysis, conducted by Tools&Targets Host, focuses on terminal ballistics, including velocity, penetration, and projectile expansion, providing practical insights into defensive ammunition performance from short-barreled handguns.

Quick Summary

Expert ballistic gel testing of Federal HST 124gr and 147gr 9mm Luger from a Taurus GX4 micro-compact pistol revealed comparable terminal performance. Both weights achieved 14.5 inches of penetration and excellent expansion, demonstrating that either is a highly effective defensive ammunition choice for short-barreled handguns.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Test Setup
  2. 01:13Chronograph Testing
  3. 02:54Ballistic Gel Performance
  4. 06:09Data Analysis: Penetration and Wound Channels
  5. 07:33Projectile Expansion Comparison
  6. 08:53Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How does 124gr Federal HST 9mm perform from a short barrel?

From a Taurus GX4 with a 3-inch barrel, the 124gr Federal HST 9mm averaged 1015 fps, achieved 14.5 inches of penetration in ballistic gel, and demonstrated excellent 'flower' expansion, making it a highly effective defensive round.

What is the penetration depth of 147gr Federal HST 9mm from a micro-compact pistol?

The 147gr Federal HST 9mm, fired from a Taurus GX4 with a 3-inch barrel, achieved a penetration depth of 14.5 inches in ballistic gel, consistent with the 124gr variant, and showed significant expansion.

Is there a significant difference between 124gr and 147gr Federal HST 9mm from short barrels?

Based on ballistic gel testing from a 3-inch barrel, both 124gr and 147gr Federal HST 9mm rounds offer comparable terminal ballistics, achieving identical penetration and excellent expansion, suggesting minimal performance advantage for either weight in this context.

Which Federal HST 9mm weight is best for micro-compact pistols?

For micro-compact pistols like the Taurus GX4, both 124gr and 147gr Federal HST 9mm rounds are excellent choices. Testing showed they deliver nearly identical penetration and expansion, indicating top-tier defensive performance regardless of weight.

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