.45 ACP Federal 230-grain Hydra-Shok (3-inch barrel)

by
posted on February 28, 2012
230grainhydra.jpg

The .45 ACP Federal Hydra-Shok is one of the most trusted defensive-handgun loads ever brought to market. When pistols chambered in .45 ACP were popular in the holsters of law enforcement, many were loaded with Hydra-Shoks. The question is, does this load still work from a super-compact .45 ACP?

The answer is yes. Expansion, however, was reduced due to the lower velocity produced by the shorter barrel, with the bullet opening out to only 1.48 times its unfired diameter. That said, you can count on these bullets to provide decent expansion from short-barreled handguns, or even when fired at targets as far away as 100 yards from a 5-inch barrel.

Load Handgun MV (fps) PEN (inches) EXP (inches) RW (grains)
.45 ACP Federal 230-grain Hydra-Shok SIG Sauer 1911 Ultra (3.3-inch barrel) 807 16.5 0.67 129

Latest

NEBO Slyde King flashlight
NEBO Slyde King flashlight

First Look: NEBO Slyde King Lights

A versatile tactical flashlight now offered in Mossy Oak.

Reactionary Zones Part 2

What happens when the problem is too close to avoid?

First Look: Walther PDP Steel Match

The addition of a steel frame takes the already proven PDP platform to new levels of performance.

Beretta to Make 7.62 NATO and .50 BMG in Hungary

Hungary will work with Beretta to bolster its indigenous arms industry.

Personal Defense And The Law

Knowledge of self-defense involves more than knowing how to draw your firearm or marksmanship.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.