10 Years Of Federal’s HST

by
posted on January 2, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Federal Premium Ammunition HST Hydra-Shok Technology box ammo carton

Federal Ammunition’s Personal Defense HST Ammunition completed its 10th year on the commercial self-defense market. Personal Defense HST is designed for consumers and law-enforcement officers who demand consistent expansion, optimum penetration and superior terminal performance in their self-defense rounds.

The Personal Defense HST story really began in 2000, when the company launched an ambitious project to create a load that improved on the performance of its famed Hydra-Shok line. After two years of development, and rigorous testing, it became available to law enforcement. It gained an enviable reputation in that market.

Then in 2013 it became available commercially, but not for a huge number of chamberings. That’s no longer the case. “In 2013, we released three loads to the commercial market,” Federal Ammunition’s Senior Director of Product Development Jesse Whiteside said. “Today, our HST lineup has increased to 11 loads. We now offer it in four different 9 mm loads as well as .45 ACP +P, .357 SIG, 10 mm Auto, .38 Spl. +P, and several more, all of which are in high demand.”

Federal Premium HST has been proven in FBI test protocols and features a hollow point designed to not plug up while passing through a variety of barriers. Its jacket and core also hold together while penetrating tough materials.

The expanded diameter and near 100-percent weight retention produce the desired performance for personal defense situations without over-penetrating. Plus, the bullet’s nose profile, nickel-plated case and Federal's unique primer provide the ultimate in function and reliability in semi-automatic handguns.

“HST is for anyone who will trust nothing but the best to protect their lives and those of loved ones,” Whiteside said. “We are proud of the last 10 years of this product line’s performance in law-enforcement and commercial applications. Sales of this product have exceeded expectations, and we anticipate more great things from HST in the next 10 years and beyond.”

Latest

muzzle blast
muzzle blast

Here for the Boom: How I Learned to Love the Big-Bores

A fear of recoil can turn into a longing for more kick. The author is proof of that.

Steiner Optics Debuts Overwatch Program to Support First Responders

With its new Overwatch Program, Steiner Optics now offers special pricing on select products for qualified military members, law-enforcement officers, first responders, corrections personnel and court officials.

Review: Taurus RPC

Taurus’s RPC brings a large-format pistol to the company’s lineup of revolvers and affordable semi-automatic pistols.

Old Meets New: The Springfield Armory Kuna Tri-Lug and .40 S&W Models

The iconic tri-lug muzzle of the H&K MP5 is now available on the Springfield Armory Kuna, allowing it to more closely match the original HS Produkt design while also allowing for easy mounting of suppressors.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 7, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: High Desert Cartridge Company Ammunition

Ammunition brands like High Desert Cartridge may not be as well-known as larger makers, but they can still offer excellent bang for your buck.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.