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

US Palm STORM CAT4 01
US Palm STORM CAT4 01

Storm on the Horizon: US Palm's Storm Cat4 Rifles & Pistols

Known primarily for its line of AK-platform accessories, this year, US Palm branched out with a full line of AR-style rifles and pistols, all of which have a unique feature set.

Review: Axil XCor Pro Hearing Protection

These do-it-all earbuds from Axil actually do it all.

Federal's New 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak: The Peak Alloy Case Goes Mainstream

Federal introduced its high-pressure Peak Alloy case design with the 7 mm Backcountry in 2025. Now, the company is incorporating it into high-pressure 6.5 Creedmoor loads with the +Peak design.

I Carry: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0FC in a JM Custom Kydex Holster

In our latest "I Carry" video, a Springfield Echelon 4.0FC is outfitted with Aimpoint's new COA enclosed-emitter red-dot optic, and to carry this optic-equipped handgun, we've selected a JM Custom Kydex holster.

The Armed Citizen® June 5, 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.

Multi-Caliber MK24 to Replace SCAR-H For SOCOM

U.S. Special Forces will soon be replacing their 7.62-NATO-chambered SCAR-Hs with a new, barrel-swapping MK24 Mid-Range Gas Gun-Assault (MRGGA) gun capable of running either 7.62 NATO or 6.5 Creedmoor.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.