Federal HST .45 ACP 230gr JHP Ammo Ballistics
Nickel-Plated Brass Case • JHP • MPN: P45HST2
Federal HST .45 ACP 230gr JHP Ammo Ballistics
Nickel-Plated Brass Case • JHP • MPN: P45HST2
Trajectory @ 25yd Zero
| Range | Velocity | Energy | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 890 fps | 404 ft-lb | — |
| 5 yds | 886 fps | 401 ft-lb | -0.2" |
| 10 yds | 882 fps | 398 ft-lb | +0.0" |
| 15 yds | 879 fps | 394 ft-lb | +0.1" |
| 20 yds | 875 fps | 391 ft-lb | +0.1" |
| 25 yds ⊕ | 872 fps | 388 ft-lb | +0.0" |
| 30 yds | 868 fps | 385 ft-lb | -0.2" |
| 35 yds | 865 fps | 382 ft-lb | -0.6" |
| 40 yds | 862 fps | 379 ft-lb | -1.1" |
| 45 yds | 858 fps | 376 ft-lb | -1.7" |
| 50 yds | 855 fps | 373 ft-lb | -2.4" |
| 55 yds | 852 fps | 371 ft-lb | -3.2" |
| 60 yds | 848 fps | 368 ft-lb | -4.1" |
| 65 yds | 845 fps | 365 ft-lb | -5.2" |
| 70 yds | 842 fps | 362 ft-lb | -6.4" |
| 75 yds | 839 fps | 360 ft-lb | -7.7" |
| 80 yds | 836 fps | 357 ft-lb | -9.1" |
| 85 yds | 833 fps | 354 ft-lb | -10.7" |
| 90 yds | 830 fps | 352 ft-lb | -12.4" |
| 95 yds | 827 fps | 349 ft-lb | -14.2" |
| 100 yds | 824 fps | 346 ft-lb | -16.1" |
Product Overview
Federal loads this HST at 230 grains and 890 fps, generating 404 ft-lbs of muzzle energy at standard .45 ACP pressure. The 230gr weight is the most common and most tested in .45 ACP, and the HST bullet is Federal's purpose-built defensive design. Nickel-plated brass cases resist tarnishing during extended magazine storage and feed reliably across different pistol types.
The HST bullet expands into a wide, uniform mushroom with petals that stay attached to the core rather than fragmenting. This matters in real defensive scenarios where the bullet may pass through clothing, drywall, or auto glass before reaching tissue. Barrier performance is where the HST separates itself from simpler hollow point designs. Because this is a standard-pressure load, it runs in every .45 ACP pistol on the market, including older 1911s and compact models that may not be rated for +P ammunition.
This load fits best as a primary carry or home defense round in any .45 ACP pistol. Shooters who rotate between a full-size 1911 and a compact polymer .45 can use the same ammunition in both without worrying about pressure limits. The manageable recoil of a standard-pressure 230gr load also allows faster follow-up shots compared to lighter, higher-velocity .45 ACP options that run at +P pressures.
- HST bullet expands reliably through heavy clothing, drywall, and auto glass where many hollow point designs clog and fail to open
- Standard pressure works in every .45 ACP pistol, including older 1911s and compact models without +P ratings
- The 230gr bullet weight has more FBI-protocol gel testing data and documented real-world performance than any other .45 ACP weight
- Nickel-plated brass resists corrosion from skin oils and humidity, feeding smoothly even after months of magazine storage
- At 890 fps, it is slower than lighter .45 ACP loads like the Speer Gold Dot 185gr at 1050 fps, which can limit expanded diameter
- Generates 404 ft-lbs of energy, well below +P options in the same caliber that exceed 500 ft-lbs
- The heavy 230gr projectile produces more recoil momentum than 185gr or 200gr alternatives, slowing follow-up shots in compact frames
All Federal HST .45 ACP 230gr JHP Ammo Prices
| DEALER | QTY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky Gunner | 1000 | $615.00 | $27.56 | $642.56 | $0.64 |
| Lucky Gunner | 50 | $31.00 | $18.43 | $49.43 | $0.99 |
| SG Ammo | 50 | $39.95 | $12.00 | $51.95 | $1.04 |
| Black Basin Outdoors | 200 | $337.93 | $0.00 | $337.93 | $1.69 |
| Black Basin Outdoors | 20 | $37.83 | $10.99 | $48.82 | $2.44 |
Firearms Chambered in .45 ACP
Looking for a firearm that shoots this ammo? Browse our selection of .45 ACP firearms.
Browse .45 ACP Handguns →