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

001 HP15CC W Cover 01
001 HP15CC W Cover 01

Review: Hi-Point HP-15 Carbine

In 2025, Hi-Point Firearms surprised the firearm community with the news that it would offer a complete line of HP-15 carbines and pistols. Since then, the company has expanded their offerings.

New for 2026: Springfield Armory Saint Victor .300 BLK 9.5” Pistol

Springfield Armory’s Saint Victor family now has a pistol in .300 BLK.

Preview: Lee Precision 7 mm Backcountry Reloading Dies

Lee Precision is now backing Federal’s 7 mm Backcountry cartridge with an all-inclusive kit, along with load data to reload once-fired Federal Premium cases.

Rimfire Resurgence Trend?

With suppressor sales booming, are shooters rediscovering their love of rimfire firearms?

New for 2026: Mossberg 990 Magpul and 990 SPX Aftershock

Mossberg steps up its 990 game with a new Magpul shotgun and SPX firearm.

New for 2026: Gemtech Nebula 5.7 Direct-Thread Suppressor

Gemtech’s Nebula is a 5.7x28 mm-specific sound suppressor.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.