It's Finally Here! Federal HST .357 Magnum Ballistic Test
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ย. 2024
- Testing the Federal HST .357 Magnum. It's a 154 gr JHP rated at 1,340 FPS and I do a 10% Clear Ballistics test. Always appreciative of any channel help :) www.patreon.co...
Some people are upset that Federal has this rated at 1,340 FPS from a 4" barrel and I got only 1,255 FPS/538 ft lbs. Considering that Federal's Hydrashok 158 gr, Fusion 158 gr and American Eagle 158 gr are all rated at 1,240 FPS/539 ft lbs which is near identical to the power level of this HST, I am going to say I think Federal misprinted the ballistic information.
If the information they listed was correct of 154 gr @ 1,340 FPS that would be 614 ft lbs energy, which is unrealistic for nearly every SAAMI member company to accomplish. What I did get at 1,255 FPS/538 ft lbs is completely normal and full power. I think some people still do not like it that most 158 gr .357 Magnum ammo does about 1,240 FPS and they go on and on about how it was invented at 1,500 FPS, so companies are loading it weaker than before. What they are forgetting is that this 1,500 FPS velocity was through an 8 3/8" barrel way back in the day. That same load through a 4" barrel is 1,240 FPS.
1500 fps would probably be a little hard to handle with a 4 inch barrel. If I had a way to test I have a 7.5 inch barrel. 357.
@curly__3 Yeah you get a pretty big muzzle flash out of a 4 inch. My friend has a chronograph, I want to see what I get out of my Rossi 92 20 inch barrel 🤔
Good morning Sam, good one. Thanks
I’ve chrono’d some old 357 ammo from the late 40s/early 50s and it wasn’t even close to 1500 fps from an 8” Dan Wesson. More like 1300. Even using old load data from that era with 2400 is closer to 1400. Every time I bring this up it’s like telling an AK guy about how one failed a reliability test - every excuse under the sun as to why it didn’t work
Full power for today's SAAMI spec 357 magnum but back in the 90's it was downloaded to about 80% of original 357 magnum due to its use in small frame revolvers from S&W. Buffalo Bore loads to original spec 357 magnum
Who needs a whole magazine when you have one in the cylinder of this. Federal HST is one of my favorite rounds and the type I carry. Great video man!
.357 Magnum! Still the GOAT!
Sam you truly are the best!!!! I've been waiting for this one since it was announced!!! Now we just need 50 round boxes lol
mag. maybe 25 round boxes ? Buying 2 20 to sum up 40 seems like a cheat.
@mikewallace8087 I meant like the 50 round "law enforcement" boxes they have for 9mm and 40, 25 would be an improvement though
Thank you for all the tests you do. 👍
Thanks for all the wheel gun videos. For us old timers. 😅
Yee haw! Definitely agree. Wheelies and Levers forever.
@@mkshffr4936 I got a Ruger SP100 4 inch stainless on layaway. Can't wait to take it to the range 😍
I love how you can throw various variables at most handgun rounds and those variables will make those rounds suddenly perform terribly, then you throw those same variables at the .357 magnum and it goes "Meh. I got this."
The two inch snub was consistent with the gel and mdf. Thanks Sam!
Very surprising the depths were the same or close. Nice work, thanks Sam.
Yea, really seems like this ammo was designed for the snubby barrel length.
Thanks, that was a test that I've been waiting for. Now, we just have to find it in the stores!
Basically have to order directly from Federal online. This will almost certainly not be produced in large enough volumes for the big box stores.
Very nice. Federal got it right. These will be excelkent in either barrel length. My 2.25" SP-101 would be great with this. It is 4 or 5 oz heavier than your 605, which will help with recoil. The 3" K6 i still want is about the same weight as the Ruger also. Should also be excellent for hiking/trail/animal defense in either barrel length. Love the consistency. Great test, and thank you, Federal!
Sweet! I love finding ammo I've been waiting for. No idea why it takes so long between development and reaching the store shelves these days...
Outstanding video and thank you for the information. I have been waiting to see this ammo released.
Thank you
That .357 mag HST is harder to find than chicken lips, congrats on scoring a box and thanks for sharing it with us in this video! Impressive results. If I ever come across any it'll go right in my HD gun.
Same.
Recoil is pretty much expected with a good 357 load lol at least I expect it
That ammo is going to fly off the shelves. I'll be on the lookout.
Stoked, those look like some sweet rounds. Thanks for the review.
Thanks brother.just bought a box to try and you saved me a bunch of work 💯👍
Without watching more than 10 seconds of this I already know it's going to look spectacular. Even .380 HST's do the job right. Edit- yup, exactly what you want for a self defense round. All the energy dumped just in time to maybe escape the rear of the target. Probably won't hear too many stories about getting hit with this from guys who've been hit with this.
I doubt they would have much to say.
Nice looking load. Thanks Sam!
Thanks for watching
Just today I got a product arrival notice from midwayusa that this ammo has arrived and is currently available on their website. I ordered mine from Federal themselves over a week ago, but midwayusa is much faster delivery.
I've only found it available at 4 or 5 places, but if you shop around you can find it substantially cheaper than Midway, who's substantially cheaper than Federal. Just over 32 bones. I'd be glad to mention the site, but I don't want to get you or this channel in any trouble.
Midway rocks for almost everything. Unfortunately, we peons in the PR of Kalifornia can no longer buy ammo online or mail order. So our choices have diminished and we have to pay more. All part of the long term social control plan and the ongoing erosion of our rights.
On a slightly brighter note, i daw the other day that several unexpected handguns have been added to the roster: a couple of P365's, 2 P320's, a couple of Hellcats, 3 different 9mm XD-M's, S&W Victory 22, and even one of the compact Turkish Hi Power clones. So maybe there is a little hope there. The asterisk on the website indicates they were added as a result of a court decision. I rather doubt that manufacturers are adding mag disconnects just for Kalifornia, so this is very interesting.
just picked up a few boxes. Can't wait to try them out.
penetration - expansion - accuracy - check check check = WOULD NOT WISH TO BE SHOT WITH THIS FOR ANY REASON. Thus would absolutely use for protection. js very informative video
Very powerful rounds ,they mushroomed nicely.
Great review. So consistent.
And as Usual we have a clear representation as to why the .357 mag is the undisputed #1 manstopper of all time!
GS. Good video. Really hard-hitting ammo. Thanks for sharing and take care.
Thank you. Take care.
Thanks for the short barrel!
Excellent test and ammo!
Thanks for another great video! Interesting as usual
Great channel. Great vids. I have to confess that I hate 357 out of my sp101 snubby. Out of my Henry….I love it. When I ccw a revolver, I go LCR 22wmr or 22lr. Love those LCRs. For my needs, the 6-shot 22wmr LCR is a real nice choice for me.
I seriously want a 357 Henry.
.357 Magnum is manageable through my 3" SP101 (at about 30 ounces), with an aftermarket Hogue grip... But you'll definitely know you've fired a Magnum, in comparison to a .38!
I also shoot 357 mag through my sp101 3" and I practice with both 125 gr as well as 158 gr. Buffalo Bore has a great 357 mag in 125 gr with low flash and recoil AND does a great job for stopping power. Their stats hold pretty true.
I have a SP101 3" and used to have the 2.25" and 4.25" versions. All with the factory rubber grips, which I prefer for CCW purposes compared to the larger grips available. I've shot lots of 357 mag ammo options out of the SP101s. The only one I like is the Winchester 110 grain SJHP in the Personal Protection line. Used to come in white boxes but now come in black boxes. It was the issue ammo for the Border Patrol for a few years around the early 1990s. From tests I've seen and anecdotes I've read it only penetrates about 7 to 9 inches but does a lot of damage due to rapid expansion. Substantial amount of blast and flash but recoil and muzzle flip are definitely manageable and to me are noticeably less than all other 357 I've tested, including Remington Golden Saber and Winchester PDX1 Defender, which aren't too bad either. I'm 43 years old, 5'10", and 150 lbs, and I guess I'm a bit recoil shy.
Thanks, Sam.
Another excellent video!!! -Gunny T sends
Thank you
As a fan of Federal HST ammo, I've been waiting for this video review!
Great performing round. Good expansions at both velocities and ideal penetration. Should hit 1300+ in a 6” barrel, which I prefer in a .357. Still no slouch in a short 2” to 3” defense piece.
P.S. DiscreetDefense just tested the new box .38 125+p Golden Saber from 1.9" LCR and performed great..you snub carriers might want to find some (assuming QC better than a few years back in c1984...check your primers and bullet crimping)
I ordered some a few days ago lol. New box style, along with the 9mm 124 gr.
@@GunSam Nice, I saw even the 185+P (none-bonded I think) Is back too, that's been gone a few years...though maybe it is the bonded at +P not sure
Thanks for the video. I saw these "once" in an Academy about 3 or 4 months ago and just like that, they were gone. Haven't seen them since and I go every week to snoop around. Weird.... I hope to see them again and if I do, I will buy this time! Goodness gracious...
Looks like a great round. Most loads for .357 magnum do well, so not too surprising.
Thanks Sam
Thanks
Great results! HST's seam. to always perform. I'm glad they made it heavier than 125.
Haven’t finished the video yet, but I am super hyped!
HST is great stuff. I noticed it, unlike a lot of .357 bullets, held together and didn't leave a trail of lead fragments behind it.
Sam another awesome comparison. I dont own a wheelgun but if i did Hornady would be my choice for sure. Great penetration and performance even out of a snubby
Looks like Federal has a potentially quite successful round on their hands. Hard hitting with good penetration.
nice video. i tend to run 125 gr jhp with Hornady critical defense. double tap . they print great with my mags
AND you don't get the big recoil like you do with the 158 gr.
The 3 firearms i own are all SMITH & WESSONS
SHIELD PLUS 9MM
SHIELD 2.0 45ACP
M&P 2.0 COMPACT 3.6"
ALL LOADED WITH FEDERAL HST'S.
158 gr HTPs are my go to for my 3" 357
I just picked up 2 boxes of these and am going to switch to these in my 2 3/4" smith 66 combat magnum instead of the buffalo bore barnes lead free 140gr magnums I've been carrying for 3 years.
That being said i did not like the seating depth or lousy crimp from factory on the hst so i set them deeper (to the top of the crimp goove) and put a buffalo bore style crimp on them and polished them up a bit and now i trust them to not jump crimp 🤙
Before you all tell me im going to blow my gun up, i pulled 3 bullets and federal is using 16.2gr of H110 in this load. Thats well below the thousands of 17gr of h110 i use for my 158gr xtps seated to the same OAL with no issues what so ever.
Cool, I know these have been rumored for a while. Those speeds are pretty good and about right for a 158gr, 1340 fps claimed seems a bit optimistic for a 154gr HST. Nice results, though.
This might be a good deer and hog revolver load as well as a nice defensive round.
More than likely. I'd say for the big hogs go for buffalo bore or underwoods 180 grain hardcast 357. Still alot of expansion but way more penetrating potential
Deadly...❤
Thanks. Great video
Thanks
This is very good and consistent performance and results. Both barrels performance is very similar. This is great stuff. HST didn't disappoint. The 2" may be a bit stout for some.
Nice shootin Tex
Not bad at all, but I think I'll stick with my 158gr Rem SJHP.
In the 40 yard test that thing got there quick, and sounded hard
Whew...... "man stopping"..... I'm thinking it would play heck with a bear!
Well worth the wait.
great video Sam
Velocity was poor but bullet is so good it still works, that is not even close to real 357 magnum.
watching this test just as my boxes arrive 👍
Nice work looking good
HST is going to HST
HST is my favorite, gotta find some in 357 mag.
yhank you again.
What we have to remember is once you’re past the skin,pectoral muscle,and sternum you’re into hollow organs-lungs and heart even though the heart is liquid filled. I’m only concerned about initial expansion whether the hollow point is clogged with clothes and non expansion.
MDF 4"=5.91 Cu In" Tissue Crush.2"=5.59 Cu In" Tissue Crush.(edit a little less forgot to cut off at 18" per fbi).very good for .357 into good .40 territory=Probably too much recoil for snubs or even 3" less than 30 ounces just due to bullet weight....but if in NW/Alaska in city 2 legged but maybe have to be worried about 4 legged on outskirts probably not a bad idea the heavier grain...need to see it vs the Winter Wolfman Target to make sure.... :)
@@bobjones-bt9bhthank you will do and finding all their other research
Magnum time! 😃
Good stuff.
327 Fed HST vs 357 Mag HST
No
@@DinoNucci You’ll see soon
@@327Federal wrong, you'll see.
I just picked up a box of these today and put them in my 686-6 2.5in I’m sure in a tight situation I won’t even notice recoil lol.
Have HST’s or Dots in my carry guns, have seen so many great tests on TH-cam.
Finally!
After going back and looking at this and other videos testing. 357 mag ammo?
I'm sorta wondering IF Federal was hoping to get almost the exact same results from a 2inch and 4 inch barreled revolver with this load?
Typically .357 magnum losing gobs of energy, accuracy, and terminal ballistics from a 2 inch barrel with an increase in penetration and less bullet expansion.
Because it's not getting the necessary velocity boost from such a short barrel.
Federal claims their velocity number is from a 4” barrel, too. I told my wife as the video started that I didn’t think the velocity would be over 1300…sure enough.
Have they downgraded SAAMI spec or something? How come boutique ammo makers like Buffalo Bore, Double Tap, and (usually) Underwood are the only ones who can push a 150-ish grain bullet that fast anymore?
I thought maybe it’s because all the ammo makers are trying to conform to that FBI gel test standard, but they do this with hunting ammo, too.
It's below rated, however it's pretty much spot on for magnum power at 1,255 FPS/538 ft lbs. Considering their Hydrashok .357 Mag is 158 gr rated at 1,240 FPS/539 ft lbs, I don't think what I got was bad at all, it's just that they need to fix the rating.
@@bobjones-bt9bhHostile gelatinous cubes don’t stand a chance!
@bobjones-bt9bh outright energy does not translate to a good performing bullet. Bullet profile and design is far more important than how "powerful" it is.
I would love to see a 16" to 20" length barrel gel test with this ammo.
That little 2 inch barrel out penetrated the 4 inch? Impressive on both counts! I'm thinking these might work great in a 2 & 1/4 inch Ruger SP101. 😉
Ya that's probably because the higher velocity due to increased barrel length caused the projectile to expand rapidly and with a greater overall expanded diameter.
Will we ever see a 4.25 Python go against the 686?🤔
i'm sure people have videos out there like that
I found this 357 154grn hst at academy yesterday it was 32.99 a box I bought 5 boxes... been waiting for the 357 mag hst for years my GP100 match champion now carries these in all six cylinders bye bye 38 hst wad cutters
Good price. I think I paid like $44 on Federal, however I was racing to be the 1st on TH-cam testing it lol
I saw lucky gunners post/video about how in their 38 sp/357 mag test with the 4 inch 686 also came up short in bullet speed vs other revolvers, particularly the gp100 4.2 inch barrel. Its in their video of ‘ revolver barrel length and velocity’. Do you think the 686 is the problem? I am thinking about getting one.
‘Revolver velocity vs barrel length’ is the name of the video. 5 min long. Its on youtube. And their post in their website.
You can't compare a GP100 to a 686. Ruger has slow barrels, rifling etc. You could take the same load in a 4.2" GP100 and 4.125" 686 and get let's say a 125 gr, and it might do 1,450 FPS in the S&W and 1,390 FPS in the GP100 just due to rifling differences. That being said, basically all 4" barrel rated ammo from Federal or others achieve the rated velocity in my 686, being that this one stands out as the one that didn't, is pretty obvious it's not the gun.
@@GunSamI get you. It does make sense that this is an outlier for you. As strange as it is, in their limited tests, the Ruger gp100 shot out faster bullets. I’m thinking about getting the 686 plus with 7 rounds in 4in 🙏🏼. God willing for a black friday deal this year 👌🏻. Thanks for this video. Very informative.
👍🙂
Pretty powerful stuff. I have a question about your 605. Did you pocket carry it before you got the LCR 327? If yes, was there ever an issue with the hammer hanging up in the pocket or on shirt etc. ? Thanks again for all your great videos.
I went from a S&W J-Frame .38 Special directly to the LCR. I have however, carried the 605 when I had the LCR out for repair one time, I had disassembled it and got hung-up on the reassembly so I just sent it to them to put together lol. I recall during that time, I was surprised that pocket carrying that revolver was doable. Taurus lists 24 OZ but it's actually 20 OZ and 24 OZ fully loaded. Just small enough and just light enough to work, as where even a 27 OZ +ammo Ruger SP101 was too heavy for a pocket, but the 605 was fine. I have drawn from pockets in practice and I have never had an issue with a hammer spur snagging anything. I am sure it could happen, however if you just pull it out of a pocket with a slight backward pull, it clears pockets fine. I have no idea how that would do with a shirt though.
Thanks. Looking at taurus 327. That was the reason for the Q. Nice to hear input from someone who carried similar gun. Wonder if hammer could be bobbed?@@GunSam
👍😊 it’s 357 magnum.
I have a question about your dangerous game test. Have you considered cutting the blocks diagonally so that you can see if there is any deflection? I understand that would make it slightly less consistent for the deaf traveled before impacting the MDF, but it could give some decent information on whether or not the board is going to go straight through a target
IDK...Vista bullet engineers are the best...but...why not 135 like Critical Duty or 145 gr like old Winchester Silvertips FBI load? 154? for 2legged defense why so heavy wanted? but hey if gets 15" Pen and huge expansion maybe they know more than I....Gun Sam you will need to hopefully save one for the Winter Wolfman Target Caliber Debate
I don't know why these companies can't be more realistic with their velocity. It really makes them look bad when the numbers are cooked
Most of the times Federal is spot on, and throughout the years they have been way closer to rated than anyone else. This is one of the few times I have seen Federal be this much off their rating. Being a first run of ammunition, maybe it is just slower than it should have been.
Nice video again. What holster do you use for the SW 686?
Desantis thumbreak. That's basically all it's called, for the 686 but I think it's the same one for all 4" 6 shot L-frame size revolvers, even the GP100 I think is the same holster.
Where did I see spitzer point .357 Mag ammo? 🤔
Would you prefer this HST over buffalo bore 125gr? For self defense? In one video you got 794 FPE and in another 712 FPE with 125gr buffalo bore. But I know power isnt the only thing. I’m looking for my home defense 357 ammo. Thanks. I have the 686 plus 4inch.
These won’t collect dust once they hit the shelves.
Yeah, I checked daily on Federals website, after being up like 3 days I bought a box, a day later they were out of stock. Only place I ever saw them was Federal's website. Took about 10 days from order date that my ammo arrived.
Bump
I really do like the performance. I would like to get that with less recoil.
They felt very stoutish, not as brutal as some. How you might imagine a full house 158 gr to be, if 4 grains weight was removed lol. I'm being serious. It's like instead of recoil 10/10 it's 9/10, just that slightly more comfortable feeling.
@@GunSam Only 97% of the recoil! LOL.
In addition to the 100gr Lehigh XD, I have the 120gr Lehigh XD. There are some interesting differences in these 0.357" projectiles. Anyway, I hope to be looking at a low recoiling load from these. The 20% mass difference should prove interesting to deal with. Although I can't load them the same as a 148gr WC which seems like the style of projectile to compare them with. Also the crimp groove for the 100gr XD is further down the shank than the 120gr XD's crimp groove. So the lighter bullet would actually result in a longer COL!
Do you happen to know why Federal discontinued the "backwards wadcutter" 130gr 38+p hst micro? They seemed like the perfect load for 2" revolvers like my k6s.
I do not know why. Most of the time a product is discontinued, it's due to lack of sales - as even if something is good, if no one is buying it than they aren't going to make it. My speculation is that the main reason why it wasn't selling is because it was difficult to load, especially from a speed loader. Couple that with the fact that everyone who tested them saw more velocity in a 2" barrel than a 4" barrel, proving how weak they are...and the fact they never penetrated adequately, I could see why no one would want them. They expanded well, but no one wants .75" expansion if it only penetrates like 8" in gel. I am going from memory on the numbers, but i'll link one of my tests. th-cam.com/video/kl3vYCIaADM/w-d-xo.html
Not bad , but in my opinion id rather have the remington 125 grain SJHP
Why a 154 HP?
People aren't bears or elk.
A 125 grain HST would've been damn near perfect.
And by the way.....
Hey Federal!!
When ya gonna roll out a .44 Special or .45 Colt +P HST.
Inquiring minds wanna know!
And hopefully if ya do?
It won't cost $50 and change for 20 rounds.
I have no idea. I personally would have went with 125 gr like the .357 Sig. At most 130 gr as you see that weight a lot and would be about as good.
Thanks that's zippy alright
No 3 inch??? 3 inch is supposed (according to St. Hickok of 45) to be 'The Sweet Spot" of Concealability and Velocity in 357 and 38 Spl...
I'm really in need of some Purchaser validation here for my 3 inch GP 100!!!
Not a Problem !
+/- 3 inch .357 is a Good Thing ! My 2.75 Speed Six approves ! You did well .
That said , full power .357 from a 3 inch is kind of anti climatic . You expect good performance , and with vaguely suitable ammo , it usually will .
2 inch performance is more variable , and controlled testing will be more informative .
With the tested HST , the consistency of penetration 2 in vs 4 in is very impressive , while the .030 difference in expansion both are very good .
Doesn't take rocket science to guess 70 FPS more than the 2"/70 FPS less than the 4" is where that would more than likely land. Maybe 1,180 FPS/476 FPE, and obviously the same performance as the 2" and 4".
When are we going to see a HST in .44 Mag ???
Not surprising.