Federal HST, first released in 2002, is basically an updated version of Federal's immensely popular Hydra-Shok ammo. Their HST line consists of non-bonded hollow point ammo that is engineered to offer maximum expansion (and, interestingly, the HST in HST ammo stands for “Hydra-Shok Technology”).

The only difference between the two is the packaging and a larger selection of loads on the law enforcement side. Otherwise they're the same bullets, same powders, same nickeled cases. Personal Defense HST is available in 9mm (124-grain), . 40 S&W (180) and .

Federal Cartridge Corporation Federal Premium Ammunition

Self-defense ammo is usually made with a hollow point and is designed to stop an attacker in their tracks by expanding upon impact, which shocks the body and creates a larger wound. These bullets are also less likely to shoot through walls or your target, making them safer for home or personal defense.

Hunting Shack Munitions was founded in 1968 by Bill and Catherine Campbell. More commonly known today as HSM Ammunition, its 40,000-square-foot plant is located in Stevensville, Montana.

HST ammo is premium self-defense ammo from Federal. It is engineered to provide consistent expansion when passing through fabric barriers into soft targets. When you buy a product like HST, you're getting a defensive round that has been thoroughly tested in many scenarios with a variety of popular handguns.

Hydra shock technology. Federal had a bullet design that had a wide open hole point with a pin in the middle. The thinking was that it would change the hydrostatic action of tissue being compressed and Chanel it in a way that controlled the expansion of the hole point without having pieces break off and lose mass.

HST ammo is a non-bonded hollow-point that is designed to offer maximum expansion. Released in 2002, HST ammunition is a revamped version of Federal's famous Hydra-Shok cartridge, more on that below.

Anoka, Minnesota That's when our founding president, Charles L. Horn, started a culture of innovation that has guided everything we've done for nearly a century, turning a company that began humbly in Anoka, Minnesota, into one of the world's largest producers of sporting ammunition.

RWS brand. For more than 100 years, RWS has manufactured all of its rifle ammunition exclusively at its headquarters in Fürth-Stadlen, Germany.

Hollow point bullets are a more expensive round and best used for self defense situations, and loaded in your Every Day Carry (EDC) defense weapon. They are also best as your home defense weapon. Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rounds are best used for range shooting since they are much less expensive.

A practice or ball round is typically completely enclosed, with no holes or grooves on the bullet. These rounds are less expensive than defensive rounds because they are mass-produced in larger quantities and are cheaper to manufacture. So if you're headed to the range to practice, ball ammunition is the way to go.

Match. HSM's vaunted Match ammunition has been known for leaving the big-name competitors anywhere close. The best components, time-honored crafting, make the difference.

The moderate recoil and excellent accuracy of this ammunition will satisfy all shooters regardless of application. This ammunition is new production, non-corrosive, in boxer primed, reloadable brass cases.

In essence, Federal 9mm HST has a superb and consistent expansion and penetration power of over 15 inches.

Federal HST VS Hydra-Shok: Hydra-Shok (Left) has a post in the center, while HST (Right) is a standard JHP design. Both cartridges perform the self-defense bullet mission with enviable dexterity.