This is the first .38 Special HST loading that Federal has offerred, AFAIK. I have not seen it, but then again I have not been looking for it. At $31/20rnd box MSRP, I likely won't so long as ammo sellers keep selling Speer 135gr SB-GDHP for around $35/50rnd box (+/- $5/box). Plus the Speer load has a solid track record in actual shootings. Obviously, being new, the .38 HST has no track record.

The biggest downside I can see to the .38 HST is the deep bullet seating. It should work fine as an in-chamber load, but I wouldn't want to try doing speed reloads with it. Another reason I like the Speer SB-GDHP is the rounded nose makes it easier to reload.

However, given how well HST performs in other calibers, and has a proven track record in actual shootings in most of those other calibers, I would presume that the .38 Special HST would likely be at least an adequate performer.

But for now I'll stick with the Speer SB-GDHP.