For those seeking a self-defense round in 9mm, Federal's Personal Defense 124gr HST JHP is worth considering. This ammunition is part of Federal's line of products aimed at the personal protection market. The HST bullet is designed to expand consistently, even after passing through barriers like heavy clothing. With a muzzle velocity of 1150 fps, these rounds offer significant energy transfer. While primarily intended for self-defense use, some shooters also use this ammunition for practice to familiarize themselves with their carry loads. It's important to note that this is premium ammunition and is typically more expensive than standard target rounds.
Product Highlights:
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Federal |
| Model | Premium Personal Defense |
| Caliber | 9mm Luger |
| Bullet Weight | 124 grains |
| Bullet Type | HST Jacketed Hollow Point |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1150 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 364 |
| Ballistic Coefficient | 0.150 |
| Case Material | Nickel-Plated Brass |
| Rounds per Box | 20 |
| Usage | Self-Defense |
Key Features:
The Federal Premium Personal Defense HST 9mm Luger 124 Grain JHP offers impressive performance characteristics that make it an excellent choice for self-defense and hunting applications. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
| Bullet Type | HST Jacketed Hollow Point Specially designed hollow point expands reliably through various barriers |
| Bullet Weight | 124 grains Optimal weight for 9mm Luger, balancing velocity and energy |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1150 fps High velocity for improved terminal performance |
| Expansion | Reliable expansion Expands consistently through various barriers |
| Weight Retention | Nearly 100% Bullet jacket and core hold together for optimal penetration |
Applications & Use Cases:
- Personal Defense: Designed for optimal performance in self-defense situations, providing consistent expansion and penetration
- Law Enforcement: Chosen by law enforcement agencies worldwide as a duty load due to its superior performance
- Home Defense: Ideal for home protection, offering reliable performance and reduced risk of over-penetration
- Concealed Carry: Suitable for concealed carry firearms, providing reliable function and terminal performance
- Training: Can be used for training to familiarize with the recoil and performance of duty/self-defense ammunition
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- ✔ Reliable Expansion: Specially designed hollow point expands consistently through various barriers.
- ✔ Optimal Penetration: Expanded diameter and weight retention produce desired penetration for self-defense without over-penetrating.
- ✔ Law Enforcement Grade: Used by law enforcement officers worldwide, demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability.
- ✔ High Performance: 124 grain bullet travels at 1150 fps, offering a good balance of speed and weight.
- ✔ Nickel-Plated Case: Enhances reliability and smooth feeding in semi-automatic handguns.
Cons
- ✘ Cost: Premium self-defense ammunition typically comes at a higher price point than standard range ammo.
- ✘ Limited Training Use: Due to cost and specialized design, not ideal for high-volume practice shooting.
- ✘ Overpenetration Risk: While designed to minimize this, there's still a potential risk in certain situations.
- ✘ Availability: As a popular self-defense round, it may sometimes be in short supply.
About Federal:
Federal Premium Ammunition, a division of Vista Outdoor, has been a leader in the ammunition industry since 1922. Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal has built a reputation for innovation, quality, and performance over its century-long history. The company manufactures a wide range of ammunition for various applications, including law enforcement, personal defense, hunting, and target shooting. Federal's commitment to research and development has resulted in numerous patented technologies, such as their HST (Hydra-Shok Two) hollow point design, which offers superior expansion and penetration in self-defense situations. Federal manufactures its products in cutting-edge facilities located in the United States, ensuring rigorous quality control and consistent performance throughout their product line. The brand is known for its collaborations with law enforcement agencies and military units, which has led to the development of some of the most trusted defensive ammunition on the market. Federal's dedication to conservation and responsible hunting practices has also made them a favorite among sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts.
