Federal's HST proved accurate and consistent from a variety of .45 ACP pistols.

Federal’s HST proved accurate and consistent from a variety of .45 ACP pistols.

For those who like .45ACP, the 230-grain bullet weight variety is the classic. Earlier this year, we took a look at another 230-grain self-defense load from Sig Sauer. This time, we’re testing Federal Premium’s offering in the heavyweight class.

The Federal .45 ACP HST is a 230-grain load topped with a bullet designed to expand at the moderate velocities of the full-weight .45 ACP. Most 230-grain loads are rated below 900 feet per second, and this one is no exception, with a claimed velocity of 890 feet per second.

The HST line is the next generation of the Hydra-Shok basic design, but HST does not stand for Hydra-Shok Two. The word is that HST doesn’t stand for anything, it’s just a cool marketing name. The projectiles are jacketed, and each caliber and weight combination is specifically designed to achieve the desired expansion and penetration results.

Accuracy was great with five-shot groups measuring just over two inches.

Accuracy was great with five-shot groups measuring just over two inches.

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