ShootingTheBull410 is back with another episode in the 9mm Ammo Quest. This time, it’s the most-demanded, most-requested video of the series — a test of the Federal Premium HST in the 147-grain +P version. Finding 147-grain ammo that performs well from a 3″ barrel has been a real challenge, and several of the heavy bullets tested have been disappointing. HSTs, on the other hand, have been anything but disappointing, so — the question here is, will the heavier weight, combined with the added velocity of the “+P”, make for an ideal combination? And are the results worth the extra wear-and-tear on the gun from the “+P” pressure? Spoiler alert . . .
They performed excellently. The velocity increase was minimal over the standard-pressure 147gr HSTs, and the expansion and penetration were comparable to what we’ve seen from other versions of the HST launched from this same 3″ barrel. While the results weren’t significantly different from other versions tested, the 147+P may represent the best particular combination of penetration and expansion we’ve seen yet from all of the HSTs. Whether this load ends up being the ultimate winner of the 9mm Ammo Quest or not, it is still a winner of a load.