Concealed Carry Performance: Short Barrel Federal 9mm 147gr HST gel test

Published on April 23, 2018
Duration: 7:25

This video details a comprehensive ballistic gel test of Federal 9mm 147gr HST ammunition, focusing on its performance from a short-barreled concealed carry pistol. Expert analysis covers penetration, expansion, and retained weight in both bare gel and through heavy clothing, comparing it to Speer Gold Dot. The instructor emphasizes the challenges of achieving optimal expansion with heavy bullets from short barrels and through barriers, providing valuable insights for defensive ammunition selection.

Quick Summary

Federal 9mm 147gr HST ammunition was tested in ballistic gel from a short-barreled pistol. In bare gel, it penetrated 18.1 and 15.6 inches, meeting FBI standards. Through heavy clothing, penetration was 14.8 inches, but expansion was minimal. The instructor noted that 147gr loads can struggle to expand from short barrels due to lower velocities.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Test Overview
  2. 00:41Bare Gel Shooting
  3. 01:10Bare Gel Results & Bullet Exam
  4. 02:19Bare Gel Performance Summary
  5. 02:47Heavy Clothing Gel Test
  6. 03:14Heavy Clothing Velocity & Penetration
  7. 04:35Heavy Clothing Bullet Examination
  8. 05:35Gold Dot Comparison & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Federal 9mm 147gr HST perform in bare ballistic gel?

In bare ballistic gel, the Federal 9mm 147gr HST achieved penetration depths of 18.1 and 15.6 inches, both falling within the FBI's recommended 12-18 inch range for duty ammunition. Recovered bullets showed some expansion, though not always fully splayed petals.

What were the results of the Federal 9mm 147gr HST test through heavy clothing?

When fired through heavy clothing, the Federal 9mm 147gr HST penetrated 14.8 inches, meeting the FBI standard. However, bullet expansion was minimal, with only two petals slightly opening, indicating less optimal terminal performance in this scenario.

Is Federal 9mm 147gr HST suitable for short-barreled concealed carry pistols?

The expert suggests that while the 147gr HST performs adequately, its heavy weight for 9mm can lead to reduced velocity from short barrels, potentially hindering expansion. It might be better suited for service pistols than micro-compacts for consistent expansion.

How does Federal 147gr HST compare to Speer 147gr Gold Dot from a short barrel?

In this test, the Speer Gold Dot showed deeper penetration through heavy clothing (19.8-22.3 inches) compared to the HST (14.8 inches). Both 147gr loads faced challenges with expansion from short barrels, with the instructor noting that 147gr is a heavy load for 9mm that requires sufficient velocity for optimal performance.

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