Why did Federal introduce the 150gr HST JHP "Micro"
when they have the 124 and the 147 standard HST both of which work fine in short barrel handguns ?????

Explain what I don't understand here...
(as I see no advantage to a heavier slower round).

Thanks....

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Hipcocked45

Price . . . The bullet looks exactly the same, the speed is only 100 fps slower that 147 gr, the cost is double ($1.24 vs $0.65 per round) That is about all I can see as different????

Muzzle energy is probably slightly higher as evidenced by the gel penetration test (16" vs 14.7") and greater expansion (.68" vs .61") but not worth the price difference.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

One word -- marketing.

Is it truly a better round? As far as can be proven -- eh, maybe. As far as advertising -- you betcha!

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Pisgah

When a company employs an engineering and design department, they have to do something. Time will tell if they gauged the market demand correctly.

From past experience with Federal ammo, I'd bet it shoots well, consistently, if nothing else.

Granted what you said.......Trying to determine why it would be a better round than the 124gr or the 147 gr ?????? or is it just a marketing ploy.

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Hipcocked45

The few Youtube test videos I've seen show 150gr gel block performance typical for the 124 & 147gr. Reviewers note a reduced recoil pulse.
Hard to measure the monetary value of reduced recoil to the individual micro pistol shooter, all else being equal.

Maybe they will eventually be ordered by the LEO community in 50 round boxes, and priced on par with the others.

WHY is a question best addressed with the manufacturer, everyone else is just guessing. But Pisgah's answer is probably the most accurate.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

Probably very true...I do admit to not having in depth knowledge of firearms ammo....I give credence to others who have far better knowledge and base my choices on what is considered to be "good ammo"...Federal, Speer, Hornady, Sig elite etc.etc.etc. and what my EDC's shoot without failure. (Shields 9 and 45).

Have always used Federal hst's 124, or Speer gold dots, or Sig Elite and never had any problems.

Even if the manufacturer would answer such a question, what would you expect them to say ????......

Point being (as an example)...if the Federal 124 HST has the
highest rating and works well in the Shields, what advantage is there to a new cartridge even if it's marketed as MICRO...

If there is an advantage, I just would like to know the why's and wherefore's of that advantage....If no advantage, same thing apply's.....

Just looking to understand the differences....Knowledge is power.

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Hipcocked45

Im thinking reduced recoil in smaller guns, typically heavier bullet at same power factor results in less recoil. Can also load subsonic,,, less noise and again generating a bit less recoil. Also going heavy for caliber gains back some of the penetration.
The ammo is also listed at 100 fps slower than the 147's...Plus it looks like the 147's are for service size 9mms .
So while 3 grs wouldnt sound like much, I imagine its a completely different bullet design. Probably a bit softer to expand at lower velocity.
I dont see the other HST's wearing a "micro" stamp.
Basically these 150 are federals answer to Speer short barrel loads. Reduced recoil ammo for small guns. Which is what everyone is buying it seems like.

Thanks.......

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Hipcocked45

Speer never made a 135 grain bullet until they made the 'Short barrel' ammo. I suppose you COULD say that they are designed to expand at a lower velocity, and a 135 was the best compromise between mass and velocity that they could get.

But all that aside.........Marketing.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"