Federal - Jacketed Hollow Point - 230 Grain 45 ACP +P Ammo - 1000 Rounds

It’s never really fair to declare a “best” cartridge for self-defense. Too many variables are at play to make such a determination. But we will tell you this: Federal Premium’s law enforcement ammo, which they market to the general public as “Personal Defense HST,” is without question one of the finest selections you could make for any everyday carry gun.

This is 45 ACP +P ammunition. It’s loaded to a higher pressure than standard, so it is strictly intended for firearms that are rated for overpressure ammo. Its high muzzle velocity (950 fps out of a 5” barrel, as opposed to around 835 fps which is normal for 230 grains) will produce more recoil and accelerate wear and tear on a firearm’s moving parts. But that faster bullet will also strike its target harder: about 440 ft lbs at 25 yards.

The HST projectile is a highly durable jacketed hollow point. It will lose zero percent of its weight if it passes through heavy clothing, two sheets of steel, drywall or plywood. It will accordingly penetrate to an effective depth whilst simultaneously expanding to inflict greater damage. If the threat is shielded by heavy clothing and standing 10’ away, you can reasonably expect 13” of penetration and expansion to a diameter of 0.89”.

This ammo’s cases are nickel plated: added assurance that they won’t tarnish in storage, and decreased likelihood of a feeding or extraction issue at the worst possible moment.