The 147-grain HST runs at 1,000 fps and generates 326 ft-lbs of energy, a power factor of 147. It is subsonic at the muzzle, so it will not produce a supersonic crack through a suppressor. From a 25-yard zero it sits 1.8 inches low at 50 yards and 12.7 inches low at 100, still moving at 953 fps at 50. In a 1.9-pound compact pistol the estimated recoil energy is 5.2 ft-lbs.

Against the 124-grain HST it is 150 fps slower and 38 ft-lbs down at the muzzle, but the heavier bullet produces about 11 percent more recoil energy in the same pistol, not less. Speer Gold Dot 147 lands close, 15 fps slower with about 3 percent less recoil. Hornady Critical Duty +P 124 FlexLock is the fastest load here at 1,175 fps and 380 ft-lbs, with about 7 percent less recoil than this HST. The 147s drop about half an inch more at 50 yards than the 124s and about 2.7 inches more at 100.

Buy this if you shoot suppressed or want a subsonic carry load. Magtech 147 FMJ Flat Subsonic is the practice match, 10 fps slower and within 2 percent in recoil energy. If you picked 147 grains expecting softer recoil than a 124, the numbers do not support it; the HST 124-grain has about 11 percent less recoil energy and 38 ft-lbs more at the muzzle, and is the better pick for an unsuppressed compact. If your pistol is rated for +P and you want the most energy, Critical Duty +P 124 FlexLock gives 380 ft-lbs. Check the pistol's rating before running +P.