I purchased some of the Federal HST 130gr Bullets off GB. Even though there have been some good reports of this bullet, I was skeptical because it reminds me of when we used to invert the HBWC. The old Lead HBWC was not real accurate and they tumble sometimes at 15 yards. Not having any data, I loaded up a batch with 5.0gr of Universal. This is one of my pet loads with a 130gr HyTek Coated Lead Bullet. Out of a 6" Barrel, if I remember correctly I was getting around 1000-1100fps. I tried 10 rounds first out of an 8 3/8" M686 with a red dot tube just to see how accurate these babies were. Surprisingly at 15 yards off a rest I was able to keep them in one ragged hole! At 25 yards, about 1.5-2" group. Didn't load up that many, so didn't go past 25 yards because I wanted to try in my 3" M65 and 2" M60. I figure I'm getting around 850fps out of the 2" which according to the Luckygunner test is about where the factory load would be. This is a pure guess on velocity and since my chronograph got stolen recently all I can do is guess based on past loading. Bottom line is I was really impressed with the accuracy of the bullet especially out of a long tube with a rest. Offhand with the 2" and 3", I would say they shot as accurate as any defense load out there in my guns and are more accurate than I am. At 7 years I was easily to keep everything in the head area on a B27 Target shooting DA and as fast as I was comfortable getting back on target. The results of the luckygunner test were impressive. Might go back and review wheat I'm carrying in my SD guns.
Federal HST Handload Range Report
- Thread starter Eddietruett
- Start date
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Self-defense shootings generally occur at distances of contact to 3 yards, 7 yards being the traditional limit for self-defense. Such bullets are not really intended for 25 yard distances, but it is comforting to know that they are accurate out to such distances and most of my handgun practice is at 25 yards.
Good info sir, Thanks! I think there was another thread on these but no one had actually loaded and fired any of them. My first order for these failed bc I didn't realize I had to wait a couple days then go back and finalize the order. I'm glad your Universal load works well because I use both it and Power Pistol. I had planned to use 158-g data for them given the long bearing surface. How was the recoil in your M60 with that load? Hodgdon lists 4.3 to 4.8-g Universal with a 140-g Hornady XTP in their data - so I prolly would have started a little lighter than 5.0-g. Either way, good info and I think I finally have 200 of them headed my way.
OP
I went with 5.0gr because I had already worked it up from 4.0gr with the 130gr and 158gr coated lead. The 5.0gr works great with both bullet weights and since my press was already set up, that's where I went. I know it's not a bullet designed for 25 yards, but I wanted to check accuracy and see if it would key hole like one inverted HBWC. One interesting note. I loaded these flush but did load 10 crimped in cannalure. Groups were much larger. Can't explain why but they were. Recoil with mod 60 was very manageable. I normally carry Remington Golden Saber +P and I'd say about the same. Maybe a tad less but not as much blast or seemed less to me. Overall I was impressed
STORMINORMAN
Member
Thanks for the clarification! After receiving and inspecting mine I think your experience with crimping on the canelure makes sense: I'm going to pass on that option. 5.0 gr Universal still does seem a little high (at least to me) in a 38 Special case when Hodgdons lists a MAX of 4.0 for a heavier 148 gr LHBWC @ 989 fps in 357 mag! Be interesting to see what that 5.0 gr actually chrono's at?
I still think a mild to medium 357 mag load is of interest, but since Federal doesn't load this bullet for 357 mag I have to wonder why? Perhaps some testing into media will provide an answer?
Thanks, again!
I still think a mild to medium 357 mag load is of interest, but since Federal doesn't load this bullet for 357 mag I have to wonder why? Perhaps some testing into media will provide an answer?
Thanks, again!
OP
I just looked to make sure. Speer List the 135gr Gold Dot HP +P Load with 5.0gr Universal with 785fps and 5.2gr Universal as Max with 825fps. These are supposed to be velocity with 2" Model 15. Now that I look back, this is the Data I used when working up the Loads I use with the 130gr Coated Lead Bullet. According to Speer I'm still .02gr under max with a 5gr light bullet. My loads show absolutely no sign of pressure problems and shoot very accurately
SquarePizza
Member
I just got around to loading up my HST's and I will post up my results too.
I'm glad to hear that accuracy was decent to good with these, I was very worried about that. But after tonight's initial loading, I think I will be happy when I test them out tomorrow.
I'm glad to hear that accuracy was decent to good with these, I was very worried about that. But after tonight's initial loading, I think I will be happy when I test them out tomorrow.
STORMINORMAN
Member
Just loaded up a dozen and a half with 4.0 gr UNIQUE @ 1.230". My initial concern was how much room was left but these are actually shorter than 148 gr LHBWC's.
Slowly seating these bullets will prevent a dimple/crease in the case, however a run through the LEE Factory Crimp Die straightened these out.
We'll see how these fire through a 2 1/2" Model 19 and I'll report back.
Slowly seating these bullets will prevent a dimple/crease in the case, however a run through the LEE Factory Crimp Die straightened these out.
We'll see how these fire through a 2 1/2" Model 19 and I'll report back.
STORMINORMAN
Member
All 12 fired through the Model 19 were fine and shot to the point of aim without any sight adjustment needed. Fired another 6 in a 4" Model 66-1 with the same result, very mild recoil, will probably try some WIN231 next, and both a 4.5 gr UNIQUE & UNIVERSAL loads as well...? Considering a Model 442 (no lock) just for this bullet: put the Baby Chiefs away for safekeeping.
On a side note, SPEER's load data for 125 gr 38 Specials lists both UNIQUE & UNIVERSAL with Start/Max loads with only a 0.10 gr varience. In checking other bullet weights and calibers they are typically close, often enough, even identical (GD 230 gr 45 ACP)?
CHEERS!
On a side note, SPEER's load data for 125 gr 38 Specials lists both UNIQUE & UNIVERSAL with Start/Max loads with only a 0.10 gr varience. In checking other bullet weights and calibers they are typically close, often enough, even identical (GD 230 gr 45 ACP)?
CHEERS!
bearmn56
Member
The HSTs that I acquired thru GB have been excellent. I have been loading the 147 9mm and the 40 165s (in the 40 S&W). Can achieve factory ballistics and practical accuracy is excellent out to 15 yards or so. My 147 9mm load, in my 3914 Ladysmith, gets 1000 fps out of it's 3.5" barrel with Blue Dot. The 165 40s get 1100 fps from the 3.5" barrel in my 4040PD with Longshot. I can handload these loads for about 25c. Nice cheap practice vs factory ammo. I lacquer seal both bullet and primer in my carry loads. Bill Montana Territory
I hadn't realized they were available in other calibers. Good to know.
STORMINORMAN
Member
Yep!
Yes, I loaded them with about an 1/8th" showing above the rim of the case. Had some nickel 38 Special +P cases to reload as well, no problem identifying them, although they do look a lot like previously fired cases nose down in a plastic ammo box.
Looking forward to another range trip to further test as described in my earlier post.
Cheers!
Yes, I loaded them with about an 1/8th" showing above the rim of the case. Had some nickel 38 Special +P cases to reload as well, no problem identifying them, although they do look a lot like previously fired cases nose down in a plastic ammo box.
Looking forward to another range trip to further test as described in my earlier post.
Cheers!
Dieseltech56
Member
They're were 5 lots of 200 back up today. I got 2 someone else got the other 3.
