PDA

View Full Version : Range Report: Federal 9mm Luger (+P) 124 grain HST



Molon
11 July 2015, 10:52
Federal 9mm Luger (+P) 124 grain HST


https://app.box.com/shared/static/q1q8cn0u7qz50eylqklifa3n6ncim5wq.jpg




Federal’s Premium Law Enforcement Ammunition line-up currently includes four different 9mm Luger loads that utilize 0.355” versions of their hollow-point HST bullet. As the title states, the plus-P, 124 grain load (P9HST3) will be the focus of this article.

All versions of the 9mm Luger HST ammunition are loaded in nickel-plated, brass cases. The case-head for the P9HST3 is stamped “F C 9MM + P”. This version is loaded to a cartridge nominal OAL of 1.100”. The primers are sealed, but are not crimped in place. The case mouths are also sealed. The round is charged with a “flake” powder.




https://app.box.com/shared/static/amrr1o9z7xdv5g1yrywffao2euqyijhb.jpg




https://app.box.com/shared/static/chf6lcfm6vs8i5r70wvw1a1bhyhfzaw2.jpg




(The individual squares in the red grid below measure one-tenth of an inch.)

https://app.box.com/shared/static/bg0v79dj10j34mguqvu002puxtbczx3i.jpg





The 124 grain HST projectile has a nominal length of 0.595”. The bullet has a deep cannelure and six skives in the copper jakcet. The skives on the 9mm HST projectiles are the longest of any of the 9mm Luger law enforcement loads that I’ve evaluated to date.




https://app.box.com/shared/static/wyad8u97i6fwnnwjzm271x1xvs5o78m5.jpg




The 9mm HST projectiles have a very unique construction, in that the lead-core directly beneath the skives has a crown-shaped cut-out.




https://app.box.com/shared/static/9f8pvsgvteecntxgejebxmlp7j82fsbm.jpg




Federal’s literature claims that the 9mm Luger (+P) 124 grain HST load has a muzzle velocity of 1200 FPS. When chronographed from my Gen 2 Glock 19 (with the factory original barrel) over an Oehler 35P chronograph, the P9HST3 load had a muzzle velocity of 1215 FPS with a standard deviation of 11 FPS!

Dr. GK Roberts has stated that the 9mm (+P) 124 grain HST rounds “are among the finest 9 mm duty loads currently available.” Terminal ballistic testing in 10% ordnance gelatin conducted by the good doctor produced the following results . . .





https://app.box.com/shared/static/5pofcrpgu3k76xak1cv4c0665zvq1ttl.jpg





https://app.box.com/shared/static/nua525aaht9uqsz5twzlnajxhhklfpm0.jpg




I evaluated the accuracy of the P9HST3 load from a distance of 25 yards using two different platforms; my Gen 2 Glock 19 and a Colt 6450 with a free-floated Noveske barrel.




https://app.box.com/shared/static/z7wz2ac74viy8nw72pvr.jpg




When using hand-loads topped with the Hornady 125 grain HAP bullet, my Noveske barreled Colt 6450 has turned in 10-shot groups at 25 yards that have extreme spreads of less than a half-inch.




https://app.box.com/shared/static/5pbvqtyu8n7ru3qcakufw6lrzyxzak8n.jpg




A 10-shot group of the P9HST3 ammunition fired from the Noveske barreled 6450 at 25 yards had an extreme spread of 0.98”.




https://app.box.com/shared/static/19mo34oyew2n1665nhtvcyksg2nt6el6.jpg



Firing from the bench at a distance of 25 yards, my Gen 2 Glock 19 (with the factory original barrel) produced a 10-shot group with an extreme spread of 2.29”.




https://app.box.com/shared/static/g4nraqonf66fut8303bvnit682r8oxiv.jpg




…..

bfoosh006
18 August 2015, 21:24
Molon, did you happen to chrono the HST from your rifle ?

Just curious as to its velocity, being a +P and all.

Molon
19 August 2015, 12:22
Molon, did you happen to chrono the HST from your rifle ?

Just curious as to its velocity, being a +P and all.


I didn't, but the table below will give you a rough idea of the relationship of the velocity of 9mm loads from a 5" handgun barrel compared to a 16" Colt 6450 barrel . . .



https://app.box.com/shared/static/tprk4uo4o8.jpg



....

bfoosh006
19 August 2015, 13:20
Thank You !