Gel test Results
In hopes of giving ourselves and our customers a better idea how this 45 ACP (Auto) self-defense ammo would perform if called upon in a self-defense scenario, we tested dozens of the best selling hollow points on the market.
We fired five rounds of this Federal Ammunition 45 ACP (Auto) ammo through a cloth barrier into Clear Ballistics calibrated synthetic gelatin and recorded the results. For these tests, we used a Ruger SR45 with a 4.5-inch barrel. In the photos, graphics and video on this page, you can see specifically how the Federal Ammunition ammo performed and how it sticks up with the rest of the 45 ACP (Auto) ammo we have tested so far.
To read more about our testing procedures and discover what round makes the best self-defense ammo for you head to this page.
Unfired versus Fired Round Comparison
1000rds - 45 ACP Federal Premium Law Enforcement HST 230gr. JHP Ammo Gel Test Results
| Median | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet Depth (in.) | 13.4 | 13.5 | 13.7 | 16.9 | 17.3 |
| Expanded Diameter (in.) | 0.78 | 0.82 | 0.85 | 0.85 | 0.92 |
| Bullet Weight after shot (gr.) | 229 | 229.6 | 229.7 | 229.7 | 229.9 |
| Bullet Velocity (fps) | 837 | 841 | 864 | 866 | 871 |
Federal Ammunition 45 ACP (Auto) Ballistic Data
Federal Ammunition 45 ACP (Auto) Ammo Details
- Barrel Length inches
- 5
- Ballistics Coefficient (G1)
- 0.193
- Ballistics Coefficient (G7)
- 0.000
- Sectional Density
- 0.162
| Muzzle | 25 yds. | 50 yds. | 75 yds. | 100 yds. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Velocity fps | 890 | 872 | 856 | 840 | 824 |
| Energy ft lbs | 404 | 389 | 374 | 360 | 347 |
| Bullet drop inch | n/a | 0 | -2 | -6.9 | -15 |
Trajectory Line Graph Federal Ammunition 45 ACP (Auto)
Velocity / Energy Comparisons
The Reviews
Why Shooters and Hunters love or hate 1000rds - 45 ACP Federal Premium Law Enforcement HST 230gr. JHP Ammo
Leave a Review
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posted on by
This used to be my EDC ammo in my S&W Shield 45, and still would be if Federal hadn't come out with the Hydra-Shok Deep cartridges in this caliber. Still, this is what I bet my life on for a number of years in my EDC CCW and it has performed perfectly. I've never fired it in anger, but I've gone through cases of it at the range. Feeding and firing were as expected, round after round after round.
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posted on by
This by far the best defensive 45ACP ammo available. This ammo is devastating, I use it for EDC as well as hunting. Last year I shot a 262 lb bore hog at 25 yards with a Sig 5” barrel super match P-220 SAO the hog dropped like it was electrocuted. Shot placement was aimed behind the left shoulder but the hog turned towards me when I fired. The bullet went in destroying the left shoulder and came to rest on the right side just under the skin at the rear of the rib cage. You just can’t ask for better performance than that. I have found that the 230 grain non +p loads are better performers than the +p loads with less wear and tear on your weapon and less muzzle blast and recoil. I will also say this rings true for the 9mm ammo as well in personal defense arena. I personally carry the 124 grain non +p in my 320 and the non +p 147 grain in my 938.
