Let's Settle This! Which Is THE BEST?...HST vs GOLD DOT 124 Grain 9MM Ballistic Gel AMMO Test!

Published on December 15, 2024
Duration: 11:54

This guide details a ballistic gel test comparing Federal Premium HST and Speer Gold Dot 124 Grain 9mm ammunition. The test, conducted by an experienced instructor using a Canik Mete MC9 and Labradar chronograph, measures velocity, penetration, and expansion through a clothing barrier. The results provide insights into the real-world performance of these popular self-defense rounds.

Quick Summary

In a ballistic gel test comparing Federal Premium HST and Speer Gold Dot 9mm 124 Grain, the HST round achieved a higher average velocity (1128 fps vs. 1087 fps), greater expansion (0.585-0.596" vs. 0.411-0.507"), and deeper penetration (17.5" vs. 16.75"). Both retained their full 124.0-grain weight.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Test Setup
  2. 00:21Ballistic Gel & Barrier
  3. 00:42Ammunition & Pistol Intro
  4. 01:54Ammo Comparison & Expectations
  5. 02:22HST Velocity Test
  6. 03:54Gold Dot Velocity Test
  7. 05:09Ballistic Gel Shooting
  8. 06:01Gel Track Analysis
  9. 07:19Close-up Gel Details
  10. 08:06Recovered Projectiles Weight
  11. 09:14Recovered Projectiles Expansion
  12. 09:36HST vs. Gold Dot Summary
  13. 10:23Conclusion & Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Federal Premium HST 9mm 124 Grain perform in ballistic gel compared to Speer Gold Dot?

The Federal Premium HST 9mm 124 Grain averaged 1128 fps from a 3.1-inch barrel, achieved 17.5 inches of penetration, and expanded to 0.585-0.596 inches. The Speer Gold Dot averaged 1087 fps, penetrated 16.75 inches, and expanded to 0.411-0.507 inches.

What were the key differences in velocity between HST and Gold Dot 9mm 124 Grain ammunition?

In this test using a 3.1-inch barrel, the Federal Premium HST 9mm 124 Grain averaged 1128 fps, while the Speer Gold Dot 9mm 124 Grain averaged 1087 fps. The HST showed a tighter extreme spread and standard deviation, indicating better velocity consistency.

Which 9mm 124 Grain ammunition offered better expansion in the ballistic gel test?

The Federal Premium HST 9mm 124 Grain exhibited superior expansion, measuring between 0.585 and 0.596 inches in diameter. The Speer Gold Dot expanded to a range of 0.411 to 0.507 inches.

What was the penetration depth for HST and Gold Dot 9mm 124 Grain in ballistic gel?

The Federal Premium HST 9mm 124 Grain penetrated 17.5 inches into the ballistic gel, while the Speer Gold Dot 9mm 124 Grain penetrated 16.75 inches. Both projectiles retained their full 124.0-grain weight.

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