Federal HST is an iteration of Federal Hydra-Shok ammo. That is what the HST stands for: Hydra-Shok Technology.
Yet the first “generation” (for lack of a better word) of Federal Hydra-Shok has a center post in the middle of the bullet’s hollow. HST does not.
What is the reason for the change in design, and is it beneficial?
As determined by Federal’s testing, the change is warranted and there is no loss in performance.
But, to illustrate this, we need to take a closer look at both of these. Here’s what to know.
Federal Hydra-Shok and the Center Post
The theory behind the inclusion of a center post in the nose of hollow point ammo is simple: it redirects fluid forces outward against the inner walls of the hollow.
Since water is effectively incompressible, this increases pressure within the hollow of the bullet’s nose, which thereby increases the explosiveness of expansion and dumps energy more effectively.
The logic is relatively sound – so then, why would Federal HST not incorporate this practical feature?
Federal HST and a No-Post Design
As you might have noticed, Federal HST lacks the center post of its predecessor.
One of the concerns here is that the lack of a center post would not produce enough force to deliver consistent expansion.
Another is that, without the center post, the nose of the bullet might clog up with material before reaching its intended target (such as if there were interposing barriers of fabric).
However, these concerns are moot, as Federal’s testing has confirmed otherwise.
For one, Federal HST ammo is as consistent if not more so than Hydra-Shok, and still delivers rapid, predictable, devastating expansion.
Though it lacks the center post, expansion is helped along by a deeply skived jacket that produces a wide wound channel, effectively transfers energy, and produces explosive cavitation.
On top of that, Federal has performed extensive testing to vet HST against plugging, the other phenomenon described above.
In testing, Federal HST has demonstrated a consistent ability to disrupt (expand) as intended, even when encountering barriers of fabric between itself and the intended target.
So, in a nutshell, the development refinement of Hydra-Shok Technology or HST has been altogether to Federal’s benefit as well as to yours.
Now you know that while a center post can be a beneficial feature of hollow point ammo, it is not absolutely necessary.
Where to Get Federal HST Online
The defensive ammo you use with your carry handgun is a matter of serious importance and you should take considerable time (including at the range) to determine what is most reliable and consistent.
If that’s Federal HST, that’s what you should carry. Make no exceptions with a matter that could be life or death.
In the event you’re here looking for a place where you can get Federal HST online, try Bucking Horse Outpost first. They carry not only HST, but other lines of Federal ammo, and plenty of other defensive options.
Visit their website via the previous link and bookmark their pages on deals or police trade-in specials.
