Federal has recently released an improved version of their hydra shock bullet. They call it Hydra Shock DEEP, and claim it penetrates 50% deeper than it predecessor and did better in the FBI protocol test.

Anyone here tried any and have results you can share with us?

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It looks like the used some of the design of the Speer Gold Dot with the large hollow point opening. I thought that Hydra-Shocks did fine in the penetration tests mostly falling between 12" and 18" which is the norm. More penetration doesn't seem necessary. I don't doubt that they are good and effective bullets, but it sounds a bit like an advertising ploy.

If they actually do penetrate deeper, perhaps they would be good in a locale where the weather is cold and people bundle up layers of clothes to keep warm.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Had not heard of it till now. Here is a video of only one shot through bare gel for both 3" and 4" barrels. HST-like petal spread with approx. 18" penetration. Of course it's only one shot, and no denim, so not particularly thorough.

If it penetrates deeper, then it has to expand less (all other things being equal, of course).

Not necessarily. It looks like Federal is using a combination of a harder lead spike to enhance penetration, and softer lead core for expansion. Considering that, it's logical that it would do better in the FBI barrier test. The question for each individual is, do they consider such penetration as being too much?

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Stay protected my friends.

H-Shock has been around for years and has had a lot of testing.
There have been a lot of good results and also a lot of not so good with this style bullet.

Due to the percentage of failures and how the bullet looked, I went with
other style bullets.
If you test a load enough, you will finally come up with a failure but how many,
is the main question.

Some hate this load so much they call it the "H-Suck" but there are a lot of shooters
that stand behind this loading and carry it in their weapons.

Some say the Gold Dot is a great loading, however there is one weapon of mine
that will never see it again, after testing it in water jugs.

Hope you find the answer.

I am with RWSMITH, don't know if it is needed in the marketplace, seems like an advertising ploy. No issues with the original.

Yep......Federal with their gosh awful small primer 45acp brass
Federal with their goofy round count boxes of .22 ammo
Federal with their 20 rd. boxes of shotgun shells

.........What will they try to fool us with next?

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Never really bought into the gel test. So many factors that are not included. My body giggles a little but, is also made of bone and liquid. Even putting fabric in front of the gel is not a great test in my opinion. Bottom line in my book, I don't want to be shot with any bullet, good or bad.

Location location location 1st and foremost. Don't think many here are going to be shooting into cars. Find a bullet that works in your firearm and then practice.

Gel tests are good for comparing rounds, or if you want to see if a particular round does well when following the FBI protocol.

However, I still prefer the results of actual shootings and give them more weight than gel tests. For that reason, I don't see any reason to choose anything other than HST or Gold Dot in 9mm given their solid track record.

FWIW, I use 147gr HST in my Beretta 92FS HD gun.

Gel tests are excellent for bullet comparisons and to check for uniformity of performance, so they are good for something. Actual shootings vary so much that no two are identical, again, this is where gel testing is good. I would not, however, buy ammo based solely on gel testing. I prefer to be a step or two behind the bleeding edge and use what has earned itself a good reputation not only in gel tests, but in real world performance. The Hydra-Shok DEEP might end up being the best thing since sliced bread, but until it has a real world track record, I'll stick with Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, and Winchester Ranger T.

A .38 Special semi wadcutter is all I need for deep; and it will do it at standard velocities.

The old HS load had a TON of real street shootings under its belt and was well respected by people who's lives depended on it.

As for the new design I have to wonder why Federal feels the need for two 45 HP designs? Marketing? Trying to hold onto users that are thinking about jumping ship to another brand?

Speer used to market the "Flying Ash Tray" on their 45acp ammo. Used it for many years Very impressive performance. Then poof it was no longer being made. Haven't seen any of the 38 special golden sabre in awhile. Bought 4 boxes for my model 36 Speer Gold Dot. Winchester may or may not still be making the 200 grain silvertip in 44 special as I haven't seen any on local dealers shelves. I use the old style hydra shocks in my P239 in 40 S&W. Haven't seen them for sale in awhile.Guess living in a small town kinda limits your choice of brands. Frank

I think you are making my point. Gel tests are good to see how a bullet performs in gel, nothing more. There are so many factors that the same ammo will not necessarily do the same things when shot in different situations.

The body is full of well.......garbage unless you eat better than I do. It has air pockets, at least 2. It has bone with marrow in the middle. It has blood and meat and well you get my point. What if that body is behind a window or door. Maybe in some shrubberies. Maybe someone is attacking me with a bucket of herring. Do you know what that bullet is going to do then????

If I have to defend myself against a rioting group of gel blocks then I will know what ammo to use otherwise I am going to get a quality round and make sure I know where to put the ammo when it leaves my gun.

A gun editor who's shot a lot of animals says water tests come closest to duplicating what a bullet does in tissue.

A former Federal PR man told me that their 158 grain Hydra-Shok was a good choice for those who hunt deer with a .357. HS Deep might be even better in that role, or against a bear or cougar. Or, a large dog.

Cynics may think that the PR guy would naturally recommend HS, but the firm does make other .357 ammo. And I found him to be an honest man, not just trying to peddle Federal products.

Good video. But why do so many of these YouTube gun gurus have beards? At least, this one doesn't sound like a hick...

And I think he has a point about the bullet spike being of harder lead.

I think I'll try them when I can find them in a box of 50 for about $25. The regular HSTs will do me for now.