Glock Talk banner

Federal HST 38 Special Gel Test

8K views 23 replies 15 participants last post by  ithaca_deerslayer 
#1 ·
#4 ·
Looks like it performs well but I don't get the point of the recessed bullet. My concern is this shape could slow down reloading. I suppose the idea is that it will help prevent bullet jump that could lock up the gun? But this isn't a 357 Magnum. I've never heard of issues with that with Gold Dots.
 
#5 · (Edited)
I imagine the bullet is seated deeply because of the type of powder ? Notice it was faster out of the 642 vs the 4 inch barreled K frame ..

I must say it is a performer...
More like a strong stanard pressure than a +P ...
Seems velocity is right on track as my 148 gr +P LWC my buddy loaded me a few years back...

This is one load I considering.. For my 11.5 oz Charter Arms 38spl
 
#11 ·
I imagine the bullet is seated deeply because of the type of powder ? Notice it was faster out of the 642 vs the 4 inch barreled K frame ..

I must say it is a performer...
More like a strong stanard pressure than a +P ...
Seems velocity is right on track as my 148 gr +P LWC my bubby loaded me a few years back...

This is one load I considering.. For my 11.5 oz Charter Arms 38spl
It's currently loaded in my S&W 342 ti that weights about the same - LOL!
 
#6 ·
Looks like it performs well but I don't get the point of the recessed bullet. My concern is this shape could slow down reloading. I suppose the idea is that it will help prevent bullet jump that could lock up the gun? But this isn't a 357 Magnum. I've never heard of issues with that with Gold Dots.
I am not even close to an expert, but I thought I read someplace it was to eliminate the air space in the case and that helps with powder burn.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TeaDub
#9 ·
Very cool. Thanks for posting the video. I hadn't seen it. I'm still a fan of snubs.

I'll probably stick with my GD 135s for now. It performs quite well out of my J-frames. Chrono testing showed higher than advertised velocities in both and was very good with ES. According to folks that follow real world shootings, including the forum's own Mas, the Gold Dot SB has a solid track record.

Still, this looks like it has potential.
 
#15 · (Edited)
Looks like it performs well but I don't get the point of the recessed bullet. My concern is this shape could slow down reloading. I suppose the idea is that it will help prevent bullet jump that could lock up the gun? But this isn't a 357 Magnum. I've never heard of issues with that with Gold Dots.
This new Federal round for the .38 is basically a jacketed version of the old cast lead "manstopper" bullet. There were a couple designs of the "manstopper" bullet but most guys just loaded a hollow base wadcutter backwards. The very large hp cavity helps to ensure reliable expansion at low velocities.

If you are worried about reload speed then have a smith chamfer the cylinder and smooth everything out. This jacketed version will likely load nicer than the old HBWC or manstopper bullets did. Looks like federal did put on a nice roll crimp and rounded the bullet to help for smooth loading.

It looks to me from the chrono results Federal is using a small amount of fast powder. I say this because the longer barreled wheel gun actually chronoed slower than the j frame. When using small amounts of powder it helps not to have a large open space below the bullet for the powder to shake around. So I don't doubt Federals claim about shot to shot consistency.

Hopefully Federal comes out with more HST revolver loads. At least a .44mag, .44special and .357mag yet.
 
#20 ·
IME, yes they do. I've chronod the 135gr Gold dot a few times and experienced big velocity spreads and low velocities from a number of different guns.
The new fed load is weak sauce for being advertised +p, but it looks like it'd be attractive for someone seeking std pressure- like recoil.
I'd like to try it from my Taurus 'no View' over the chrono.
 
#17 ·
It never hurts to keep shot to shot variances to a minimum, especially when you are already on the ragged edge of the velocity for reliable expansion. When 20 or 25 fps can mean the difference between a couple folded pedals and full expansion well yes it can be important.

The 135gr GD .38 load is a good one but it still has plenty of failures to expand in revolvers like the Jframe. When it does expand penetration is on the low end. If everyone just says "X" is good enough a round for self defense and poo poos on something new we would still be stuck with ball ammo.
 
#18 ·
Can't imagine that would work well with soeedloaders. Especially on the jframe guns that have minimal frame clearance of the cylinder.

My wadcutters that I hand load don't work well with speed loaders. When I want to practice with those I load up LSWC instead.
 
#19 · (Edited)
I have using strip speed loaders for the past few years ....works great with WC's

I have been carrying Underwood 125gr XTP 38spl +P or Remington 125gr SJHP 38 spl +P in my Taurus 605 or Charter 38spl the Charter weighs 11 oz which makes it a lively performer with +P
This Federal 130 gr HST load was noted that it had less noticeable recoil ... even though being listed as +P ... For light weight 11 to 16oz this load may be the ticket
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top