CC w/ Federal 45ACP HST+p or Standard 230g?

[XDAlaskan]

I currently CC with the +p but wonder if the standard pressure load would be better. According to Federal, their standard load is not FBI Protocol tested and does not expand or penetrate as well as the +p. They gave me their testing data and while it is close (I lost it and can not remember excatly what it was), the standard load still does not penetrate or expand as well. But for muzzle control on follow-up shots to keep all things on center mass, the standard load in my mind would be better, I have not shot the standard load. The local shop guys told me, with the critical first shot on center mass, the extra penetration and expansion may hit that vital bleed out senario better than the standard load, and that is what counts. The 45ACP does not have that much recoil to worry about staying on center mass with follow up shots like a .357 mag. I said I do not carry a .357 mag and he gave me the quirky look, so I left and have not been back to that shop, I know trade with another shop. At $26 for a box of 50, not sure I want to invest in the standard load and just keep the +p but, if it ever hits the fan again with my family and I must, now that I CC, I want the greatest advantage I can get and the extra coin may be well worth it. If it matters, I do not make much money and have to save for weeks to a months to buy ammo, even the cheap $10 Blazzer and go get trigger time. I can not go buy a bunch and test. I would like to join IDPA to learn but can not afford it.

Thanks!

[Frostyeyes]

Well I keep both on hand along with Ranger T's and some Double Tap and Cor Bon DPX. I keep theh standard and +P and from what I've seen in the very limited testing I did the HST's are good either way +P or not the both did extremely good expansion thru wet pack and water and if thats any indication of what they do to BG's well I feel very comfortable with them. There was a test here by one of the members on different 9MM loads and the federal HST's were in there its interesting reading do a searc of 9X19 ammo and its at the top of the list. Hope this helps some.

[Frostyeyes]

try this its his sight--Frag.110mb.com

[XDAlaskan]

their in house testing for the P45HST2 standard load HST 230g; 11" minimum penetratioin with .700 minimum expansion, it has never been tested FBI Protocal only the HST+p has been FBI tested, well this is all they gave me. I am not sure why they load both then only have one tested if both are law enforcement loads but I will think about switching and will try a box out someday soon. They also said they do not publish a lot of data on this subject?

Thanks for the help!

[5spdfrk]

I just picked up a box of the +p and can't wait to test them out!

[XDAlaskan]

Originally Posted by XD Springer

ONE shot of 230 gr. 45 cal. is one hell of a lot of stopping power.

I think a lot of people in here shoot paper targets and don't really appreciate the stopping power of a 45 ACP and a modern load of 230 gr. JHP. It's deadly stuff.

This is the reason I picked the 45 over everything else, it makes a big hole. When I was looking to pick up a CC/HD pistol, my first choice was SA 1911 but a friend let me handle his XD .40 gave me his insight, it pointed better in my hands, then when I found out SA had the XD in 45ACP it was easy for me to decide and now I am hooked but 45ACP only.

Originally Posted by XD Springer

Any "advantage" you're going to gain, one ammo over another, can be matched by shot placement. Shot placement is everything.

After hunting for 30 years, I understand a .308 in the heart and lungs will drop a ton and a half moose better than a .375 that is close but a miss in the vitals. You hear it all the time, that moose soaked up 4 hits from my (insert magnum caliber) and kept on walking. I shoot my .308 quite well but my .340 is a hellbender at recoil that I do not shoot very well, so the .308 is my perferred rifle. I also know you must have a good bullet to drive deep, expand while not coming apart to hit that vital area. If I could shoot my 340 as well as my .308, the 340 would be my choice with heavier bullet, bigger hole, etc.

My point was, everything being equal to include shot placement, if the +p expands more the standard load 230g HST, the +p will have more of a chance to slice open an artery for bleeding. But, I am not a fan of the extra recoil that does not allow me to keep or get back on center mass for follow up shots as quickly as the standard load. I know, practice practice practice and I am as much as my coinage allows. I am asking for another opinion as I know body knows it all and this place has more of them than a single shop in Anchortown.

Would the standard load be better with less muzzle flip to keep on center mass follow up shots to drop the bad guy or the better expanding and deeper penetrating +p, the CC shop says the +p. When it hits the fan, follow up shots are follow up shots and .38Sp or .44mag will be hard to keep on mass in a gun fight, go with expansion and penetration.

Thanks!