Gel test Results
We tested this Federal Ammunition 45 ACP (Auto) ammo by firing five rounds with a Ruger SR45 with a -inch barrel into calibrated Clear Ballistics gelatin. Of those five rounds, we discovered the ammo penetrated an average of 13.08-inches into the gelatin. Our test rounds ended the test with an average expanded diameter of 0.854-inches, retaining 99% of the projectile's original weight.
On this page, you'll see video of our tests including photographs that detail the ammunition before/after firing it through a four-layer barrier into gelatin. Also, you'll see how this Federal Ammunition 45 ACP (Auto) ammunition stacks up compared to other self-defense rounds in 45 ACP (Auto).
To read more about our testing procedures and processes, please head here.
Unfired versus Fired Round Comparison
50rds - 45 ACP Federal LE Tactical HST 230gr. +P HP Ammo Gel Test Results
| Median | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet Depth (in.) | 12 | 13 | 13.1 | 13.3 | 14 |
| Expanded Diameter (in.) | 0.83 | 0.85 | 0.85 | 0.87 | 0.87 |
| Bullet Weight after shot (gr.) | 226.3 | 228.5 | 228.5 | 228.7 | 229.1 |
| Bullet Velocity (fps) | 845 | 882 | 895 | 910 | 916 |
Federal Ammunition 45 ACP (Auto) Ballistic Data
Federal Ammunition 45 ACP (Auto) Ammo Details
- Barrel Length inches
- 5
- Ballistics Coefficient (G1)
- 0.196
- Ballistics Coefficient (G7)
- 0.000
- Sectional Density
- 0.162
| Muzzle | 25 yds. | 50 yds. | 75 yds. | 100 yds. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Velocity fps | 950 | 929 | 909 | 890 | 873 |
| Energy ft lbs | 461 | 440 | 422 | 405 | 389 |
| Bullet drop inch | n/a | 0 | -1.6 | -5.9 | -12.8 |
Trajectory Line Graph Federal Ammunition 45 ACP (Auto)
Velocity / Energy Comparisons
The Reviews
Why Shooters and Hunters love or hate 50rds - 45 ACP Federal LE Tactical HST 230gr. +P HP Ammo
Leave a Review
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posted on by
I use the Ruger SR45 and that is the gun that they test this ammo with, and I have shot more then 500 rounds of it through my Ed Brown Jeff Cooper Commemorative without one hiccup. Mushroom is identical, not just shooting it into gelatin, but digging it out of dirt banks and the mushrooms look just like the pictures in this section.
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posted on by
Functioned flawlessly in four different 1911's. Very accurate, and the recoil was not bad at all.
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posted on by
Great Rounds. These in my opinion are the best defense rounds on the market. As you say they are great rounds and will save your life!
I give 5 out of 5, they are the best Defensive rounds out there in my opinion.
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posted on by
In reference to the older comment about "the writer not thinking this was really a +P load because it only advertised at 950 feet per second".
Just as information to those who are not familiar with a +P designation, the +P rating is based on (CHAMBER PRESSURE ONLY), and to be +P it would 10% HIGHER PRESSURE than standard, which most times does indicate there will be some increase in Bullet speed (feet per second), but it will not be 10% more than standard FPS. So +P is all about chamber pressure, any increase in FPS is secondary to the increase in pressure.
BTW, I don't mean to bash the guy above, it's a common misconception, I prefer +P+'s in 9mm, standard .45acp's, and real 10mm, so +P loads do have a place, I just wanted to clear that point up.
As far as the HST's go, they are great! My .45acp round has been the 230 grain Hydra-shock for 20 ish years, it's a proven round, and groups tight in my pistol of choice.
Best regards,
Steve -
posted on by
Runs great in my Glock 30 and Glock 21. I carry for defensive load and based on what I have read it will do a fine job if I need to make the gun go bang
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posted on by
This ammo is awesome. Great penetration and expansion. This is hot ammo and it hits hard. I trust this ammo as my personal protection round. Ammo to go has the best prices hands down. Will definitely buy more.
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posted on by
These are among the best of the best
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posted on by
At this point, it's almost redundant but I will also say this has replaced T's as my go-to load in all calibers. I have never had anything but good results in almost all media, it's not really barrier-blind when fired against harder surfaces, but it's not designed to be. Awesome expansion!
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posted on by
I had a problem with feeding Hollow Points in my 1911, but took care of it with a throat and Ramp polishing, now those HPs run through it like race cars, and the expansion of the HST is fantastic. Muzzle velocity of 950 is a considerable bit more than 830 in a FMJ but can be tamed with an 18.5 LB. recoil Spring.
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posted on by
This is the king of all .45 acp defense loads at the moment. Unfortunately it doesn't feed well in my 1911 and I've heard others say the same thing. So I just use it in my glocks and my p220 feeds it fine as well. Excellent expansion even through really heavy clothing, accurate as well. I never thought the felt recoil was noticeably worse than lots of standard pressure rounds, others may feel something different. My #1 choice as long as it runs my gun.
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posted on by
Brock, not too sure what they are talking about. I've been carrying a Glock as a duty weapon for about 18 years now and shot Corbons, Winchester and Federal +p rounds without a problem.<br />
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Federal HST in +P is just fine in a Glock. Buffalo Bore is more of a boutique round than what I'd call a major manufacturer (like Winchester, Federal, Hornady, etc.). I think the most concern using Buffalo Bore in a Glock would be with the .40 and 10mm. I know Winchester +P+ is fine in a Glock in 9mm. -
posted on by
I really don't consider this being +P ammo with a muzzle velocity of 950fps. Saying that this is the best ammo for the .45 that is available. I use HSTs in my 9mm,357sig,40sw,& in 45acp. Have never had a problem with anything (FTF FTE ect) and expansion is AWESOME in any caliber. Must have round for any self defense situation.
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posted on by
This stuff is great. I attended a ballistics workshop but on by a local PD and the expansion is unbelievable. I currently carry this in my Glock both on and off duty. Ammo to go has the best price in the area. Thanks<br />
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This is some VERY HOT ammo, if you have a Commander size or smaller 1911 style pistol this ammunition will not feed (unless your weapon is tweaked, recoil spring). I have some solid 1911 Commanders that fed everything BUT these reliably, they will blow their primers in a 1911.<br />
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My XD-45 and S&W full size stainless steel 1911 love them, makes a BIG impression at the range. -
posted on by
I've been carrying a glock as a duty weapon for about 18 years now and shot Corbons, Winchester and Federal +p rounds without a problem. Several of the guys I work with carry glocks and are certified glock gunsmithsand several of them carry +p rounds. Below is what I load my weapons with:<br />
Glock 21 Federal 230 hst +p<br />
Glock 20 Double tap 180 gold dot (1300 fps+)<br />
Glock 22 Winchester ranger<br />
Glock 17 Winchester ranger +p+<br />
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If you have doubts, call glock. Hope this helps.<br />
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Carl -
posted on by
Two comments: 1) This ammo is about the best defense ammo on the planet. Great penetration and expands to AN INCH IN DIAMETER! It doesn't get any better than that!; 2) It doesn't get any better than Ammunition to Go, either. The BEST selection.
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This is more of a review and a question. I know and trust Federal ammo and my HK USP .45 likes it too. The expansion is great, but I haven't had an opportunity to fire this round at night. Does this load have flash suppresed powder like some of the other Federal products to protect your eyesight? Anybody know?
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posted on by
This stuff is great. I attended a ballistics workshop but on by a local PD and the expansion is unbelievable. I currently carry this in my Glock both on and off duty. Ammo to go has the best price in the area. Thanks
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posted on by
Two comments: 1) This ammo is about the best defense ammo on the planet. Great penetration and expands to AN INCH IN DIAMETER! It doesn't get any better than that! 2) It doesn't get any better than Ammo To Go, either. The BEST selection and great prices. (That sounds like a commercial, but it's my honest opinion). Thanks, Jason!
