I have been using Hornady Critical Defense for a number of years for self-defense ammunition, as it is readily in stock at a store not too far away from me. Granted, I know it isn't the most potent stuff out there (it was designed primarily for subcompact carry guns), but I have figured it was good enough. However, I am getting to the point where I am planning on getting more carry ammunition (I have fired off some of the older stuff and put some fresh stuff into the magazines I rotate). I have decided to try other things, and I have found that I can get Federal HST 9mm 124 gr. ammunition online much more cheaply than the Hornady, Speer, Federal Hydra Shok, and Winchester self-defense ammunition in a store (carriers like UPS have a tendency to show up when I am not home, and I have long bought from a place that is typically not too much more expensive than online for non-defense ammunition; I have considered the small price increase I pay as a "convenience tax". Furthermore, it isn't like I am buying self-defense ammunition batches as large as standard ammunition). However, the savings for the HST online are substantial (under $20 for a box of 50 before shipping); I will run to a UPS or FedEx facility in person if I have to for such savings.
From what I have gathered, Federal HST is widely used by police forces; it has a proven track record, and it meets FBI standards. The reviews are generally positive, and the performance seems sufficient. I am toying with the idea of getting an entire case of this ammunition with a portion of my tax return in the not-too-distant future (I will test some of it in my guns to make sure it functions reliably, and I should be able to get by slowly rotating the rest over a protracted period before having to buy more). I am planning on running the 124 grain ammunition in my Glock 17 and Glock 19. I will have to research how this performs in subcompact guns like my Smith and Wesson M&P Shield (I have noticed that there is a 150 gr. Federal "Micro" HST load, so perhaps the 124 gr. load isn't optimal for a subcompact gun).
Do any of you have experience with this ammunition? Does it live up to its hype, or is there something better I can get for a similar price?
Federal HST 9mm 124 gr.
1"I have been saying for some time now that America only has one party - the property party. It's the party of big corporations, the party of money. It has two right-wings; one is Democrat and the other is Republican."
-Gore Vidal
-Gore Vidal