Gel test Results
We tested this Federal Ammunition 380 Auto (ACP) ammo by firing five rounds with a Ruger LCPII with a 2.75-inch barrel into calibrated Clear Ballistics gelatin. Of those five rounds, we discovered the ammo penetrated an average of 12.26-inches into the gelatin. Our test rounds ended the test with an average expanded diameter of 0.588-inches, retaining 100% of the projectile's original weight.
On this page, you'll see video of our tests including photographs that detail the ammunition before/after firing it through a four-layer barrier into gelatin. Also, you'll see how this Federal Ammunition 380 Auto (ACP) ammunition stacks up compared to other self-defense rounds in 380 Auto (ACP).
To read more about our testing procedures and processes, please head here.
Unfired versus Fired Round Comparison
20 Rounds – 380 Auto Federal Personal Defense 99 Grain HST JHP Ammo Gel Test Results
| Median | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet Depth (in.) | 11 | 11.2 | 11.6 | 12.3 | 15.2 |
| Expanded Diameter (in.) | 0.55 | 0.58 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.61 |
| Bullet Weight after shot (gr.) | 99.1 | 99.2 | 99.2 | 99.4 | 99.5 |
| Bullet Velocity (fps) | 939 | 942 | 957 | 960 | 981 |
Additional Resources
The Reviews
Why Shooters and Hunters love or hate 20 Rounds – 380 Auto Federal Personal Defense 99 Grain HST JHP Ammo
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The only .380 ammo that functions as desired/required. HST is used for all my pistol self defense needs.
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I use this in my (somewhat ammo finicky) Seecamp for EDC. I have never had a miss-fire, FTF, stovepipe, etc. after 200+ rounds fired so far. It does not tumble or keyhole, unlike other JHP ammo used in my Seecamp .380.
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This round has hitting power, penetration and expansion. I like it a lot!!!!!!!
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With a little over 300 rounds of this through my LCP II I've yet to have a misfire, FTF, or any other issue. Every round has fired as expected. Recoil is a little snappy but that's to be expected in a gun like this. I would and do trust my life to this ammo.
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Works perfectly in my P380 and my wife's M&P Shield EZ. HST rounds are what I use in all my carry/home defense pistols!
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Feeds flawlessly through my LC380. My first choice in carry ammo. HST is my first choice in 9 mm and .40 S&W, as well.
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These .380 HST rounds have been flawless through both my Kahr P380 and my Scott McDougall Colt Pony Pocketlite. Very manageable recoil. The ballistic gel tests speak for themselves.
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I switched from Hornady critical defense to the federal hst. These seem to be a great self defense round for the .380.
