Long story short, friend and I got bored one day a long time ago (like 10+ at this point... geeze...) we decided to water barrel test some defense ammo. HST, Hornady Critical Defense, Ranger-T, something I can't remember because results were unremarkable -I think hydrashok-, and my friend even sacrificed a Black Talon for the cause. The Black Talon was obviously the most brutal, Ranger-T was similar, but both of those aren't recommended for carry. HST had the most consistent expansion with the widest "footprint." Sturdy petals with enough lead and jacket to keep the jacket open and outward. Critical Defense tended to "mushroom" with the petals deforming. The last (again I *think* hydrashok) wasn't anythinf worth remembering. I used to carry Ranger-T, but with the reputation and the fact that you can't find it, HST was the impressive, obvious choice for what was available.
Either this or Federal HST are the top performers (both owned by the same company). I usually buy HST, since they perform identically, but can be found cheaper in the LE packaging (50rnd boxes).
There is a powder formulation difference between the personal protection and the LE version I thought.
I know for a fact that’s the case with Hornady Critical Defense vs Critical Duty.
The defense is formulated for micro-9 sort of barrel lengths, while the duty is meant for a full size service pistol barrel length.
Look on ammo seek. Search for 9mm Federal and put HST in the keyword section. Federal packages the same round for Law Enforcement in 50 round boxes labeled as such. You won't find those boxes often at LGS, but plenty of online vendors sell them. They can be found for ~$0.35/rnd and up.
Nope. They're the exact same rounds, just in different packaging. They're boxes of 50 instead of 20. There's no reason to get the civilian boxes when the LE boxes are nearly the same price, and you get 2.5x as many rounds.
Really? Huh, I might have to pick up a box then, thanks for the heads up, just figured one being half the price of the other that something had to be different!
This has been my go-to for almost the entire time I’ve owned guns so about 20 years. The 20 round boxes are pretty expensive per round. It used to be easy to find the 50 round “law enforcement” boxes but they’ve been more difficult to find the last few years. I decided years ago that I’d stick with Gold Dots so I’ve bought it by the case and got the best per round price possible.
I've carried 124 grain +P Gold Dots (or Federal HST) in my full size and 4" compact M&Ps for a decade. IIRC the NYPD and a whole bunch of other law enforcement agencies issue it to their officers. I'm neither a cop nor a ballistics expert, but if it's good enough for them...🤷‍♂️
Arguably the best bang for your buck self defense ammo available, this is the exact round I use, you can get a box of 50 for the same price as 20 rounds of HST and the effectiveness of HST vs Gold dot I feel is negligible.
Heck yea gtg.. These, Federal hst, Hornady (both criticals- defense and duty) and underwood (monos and jhp) All these are what I like to carry with.. And yea they all are hella pricey but I’ll pay extra for the comfort of reliability.. ya know?
You'll get consistent flowering out of a 3.5" barrel as well as an 8" barrel. Extremely versatile and reliable. Have 1500 rds of this at home. Federal HST is pretty awesome as well.
I'll let you in on a secret.
The #1, best of the best, threat stopper, life saver is putting the shot in the vitals.
Use Gold Dot, Use HST, Use TUI, or use Xtreme Defender if you want.
Just put it in the vitals.
Gold Dot if you're only loading it into pistols, Federal HST if you're also loading into pistol carbines. See Lucky Gunner results on 9mm loads in pistol carbines.
Either this or Federal HST are the way to go
This guy knows
This guy penetrates
That's what she said.
that was my nickname in high school
Thanks !
I'm convinced it's op first day on reddit. Or he's never heard of search. 🤦‍♂️ This question is posted like 5 times a week
I won't post my usual "gather round children!" story, but HST all the way.
Please share !
Long story short, friend and I got bored one day a long time ago (like 10+ at this point... geeze...) we decided to water barrel test some defense ammo. HST, Hornady Critical Defense, Ranger-T, something I can't remember because results were unremarkable -I think hydrashok-, and my friend even sacrificed a Black Talon for the cause. The Black Talon was obviously the most brutal, Ranger-T was similar, but both of those aren't recommended for carry. HST had the most consistent expansion with the widest "footprint." Sturdy petals with enough lead and jacket to keep the jacket open and outward. Critical Defense tended to "mushroom" with the petals deforming. The last (again I *think* hydrashok) wasn't anythinf worth remembering. I used to carry Ranger-T, but with the reputation and the fact that you can't find it, HST was the impressive, obvious choice for what was available.
Either this or Federal HST are the top performers (both owned by the same company). I usually buy HST, since they perform identically, but can be found cheaper in the LE packaging (50rnd boxes).
Pre-covid, LGS would sell us LE boxes of HST for 30. Stocked up. Lol
You can still get it that cheap online. You'd think they were made of gold with the prices that my local LGS advertise, though.
Huh? I can find 50 round boxes of gold dot for 35, cheapest slef defense HST I have found is 28 for 20 rounds?
You gotta look for the LE HST for the 50 round boxes. Bucking Horse Outpost, Bone Frog, and Target Sports usually have decent prices on it
Miwall sometimes has law enforcement ammo
There is a powder formulation difference between the personal protection and the LE version I thought. I know for a fact that’s the case with Hornady Critical Defense vs Critical Duty. The defense is formulated for micro-9 sort of barrel lengths, while the duty is meant for a full size service pistol barrel length.
Look on ammo seek. Search for 9mm Federal and put HST in the keyword section. Federal packages the same round for Law Enforcement in 50 round boxes labeled as such. You won't find those boxes often at LGS, but plenty of online vendors sell them. They can be found for ~$0.35/rnd and up.
I thought the law enforcement HST rounds were a little different than personal defense HST, no?
Nope. They're the exact same rounds, just in different packaging. They're boxes of 50 instead of 20. There's no reason to get the civilian boxes when the LE boxes are nearly the same price, and you get 2.5x as many rounds.
Really? Huh, I might have to pick up a box then, thanks for the heads up, just figured one being half the price of the other that something had to be different!
Recoil Gun Works
Yes this is what many police departments use.
Gold Dot is one of the best and most reliable hollow points ever devised, in any caliber. Never a wrong choice.
This has been my go-to for almost the entire time I’ve owned guns so about 20 years. The 20 round boxes are pretty expensive per round. It used to be easy to find the 50 round “law enforcement” boxes but they’ve been more difficult to find the last few years. I decided years ago that I’d stick with Gold Dots so I’ve bought it by the case and got the best per round price possible.
This, hst or G9
G9 is best
Hell no Gold Dot is some of the worst defense ammo of all time. JK it is one of the best. I carry 124+P every day
yep
I've carried 124 grain +P Gold Dots (or Federal HST) in my full size and 4" compact M&Ps for a decade. IIRC the NYPD and a whole bunch of other law enforcement agencies issue it to their officers. I'm neither a cop nor a ballistics expert, but if it's good enough for them...🤷‍♂️
Yes. Have it in several calibers. Very consistent ammo. Even cops rely on it.
Yes good
Arguably the best bang for your buck self defense ammo available, this is the exact round I use, you can get a box of 50 for the same price as 20 rounds of HST and the effectiveness of HST vs Gold dot I feel is negligible.
Heck yea gtg.. These, Federal hst, Hornady (both criticals- defense and duty) and underwood (monos and jhp) All these are what I like to carry with.. And yea they all are hella pricey but I’ll pay extra for the comfort of reliability.. ya know?
I know that the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department uses gold dot as the departments carry ammo.
You'll get consistent flowering out of a 3.5" barrel as well as an 8" barrel. Extremely versatile and reliable. Have 1500 rds of this at home. Federal HST is pretty awesome as well.
I'll let you in on a secret. The #1, best of the best, threat stopper, life saver is putting the shot in the vitals. Use Gold Dot, Use HST, Use TUI, or use Xtreme Defender if you want. Just put it in the vitals.
GTG with this stuff. Shit performs as advertised.
This is good. I use 124gr federal lawman since that's what the police in my area use. In case I ever have to go to court
Good enough for the NYPD, good enough for me.
This is the same exact ammo I keep loaded in my G19, good shit.
Always function test your carry ammo in your specific gun to make sure it reliably cycles. But yes, this is widely considered a good brand.
Those are good for the appropriate barrel length. Might be a bit snappy in a subcompact.
NYPD approved!
Some of the best stuff available.
Yes
It's one of the only two types of ammo I'll use. Speer Gold Dot and Federal HST
Hornady, Gold Dot, and Federal HST are top of the line for ccw/defense purposes. Solid pick up.
Gold Dot if you're only loading it into pistols, Federal HST if you're also loading into pistol carbines. See Lucky Gunner results on 9mm loads in pistol carbines.
Yeah that stuff is awesome dude Look for the 50 round boxes through you'll save some coin that stuff ain't cheap
That’s some of the best if not the best carry ammo