1911 Carry loads: HST, Gold Dot, Fedral Hi Shok...does it matter?

C

Cossack

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I normally carry 230gr Federal classic "Hi Shok jhps in my Colt. Those and 230gr Golden Sabres are all that I have tried. Both function without problems and shoot to a similar POI. I was going to pick up some more boxes of the Federals, but I came across the Federal HSTs for about the same price and Gold Dots for a few dollars less - all 230gr. So I made the mistake of thinking, and started wo wonder if I should...

1. Stick with the classics - I know they work in my gun and shoot right, and I like them. If I bought a different design, it would end up costing more because I shoot a bunch to check them out for feed issues and POI. The Federals already check out.

2. Get the Gold Dots or HSTs - they're more modern designs and priced right.

3. Quit worrying about it :rolleyes:. It's a .45 and all three are good loads.
 
3. Quit worrying about it . It's a .45 and all three are good loads
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I started in 1970's and Super Vel ammo I long ago gave up on the almost weekly newest and greatest HP. To many gel test and on and on.
What the real chance your going to need that HP. Take you pick .I think reliable feeding , accuracy , and penetration. a lot more important that my brand expands more than yours :rolleyes:
 
That's a really handy chart! I'll use that as a reference. However they used a shorter barrel than I own.

However, I'll bookmark that page. Thanks.
 
All listed are excellent rounds. You need to consider the following 3 factors in choosing defensive ammo.

First: Reliability. The gun MUST work when you need it to.

Second: Accuracy. You need the ability to place rounds on target in the vitals, This is paramount along with ability to penetrate there.

Third: Bullet performance. It is a handgun bullet, it must penetrate first to cause bleeding to induce Hypovolemic shock. Any expansion is a plus.

Do not expect instant one shot stop. It can happen but it is mostly psychogenic shock. ( Oh my God! I've been shot!) type reaction.
 
HST is the best of all. Hydrashock is outdated technology. HST is the most current and best performer in all calibers, weight and pressure. My second choice is always Gold Dot.
 
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with a 1911.....more lives have been ended with plain old ball...than all the high tech/tactical rounds combined!!!

JMB knew what he was doing!!
 
When I first started carrying the Valor I did a lot of research on the different rounds. HSTs came at the top of nearly every test I saw. That's what I carry now.
 
I would go with the HST's or Gold Dots. The only complaint I've heard of the Hi Shok is that it sometimes clogs up on heavy clothing. The first two loads are made to open pretty much no matter what. Why not maximize every advantage you can get?
 
Go with feeds 100% first, worry about the rest after.

Me, I like to run standard pressure 230 grain HST in all my .45s, from Glocks to 1911's.
 
In a 5" gun, I'd use whatever 230gr load will feed reliably.
I've gone through three iterations of Hydra-shok, followed by Winchester SXT, and today I think I'm using the bonded PDX1.
And definitely no +P stuff.
I'm very much in the camp of penetration above all, and if you get some expansion, all the better.
 
I don't use store bought, even for carry ammo.

I use 3 different loadings, depending where I'm going, and what kind of possible threat there may be.

For anti personel I use 185gr. Sierra HP loaded over Ramshot Silhouette.

For mixed personel/animals I alternate in the mag, 185gr. Sierra, 200gr. Hornady LSWC C/T.

When just in the woods (we have black bear, coyotes, elk) I mix the mag with 200gr. Hornady LSWC C/T, and Berry's 185gr. Plated FP.
 
Also in the camp that agrees option 3 is the best solution. Always felt I was chasing my tale with keeping up with the latest and greatest.
 
Heck I carried USA 230 JHP. The stuff expands fine in water jugs and is usually available. HST 230 is excellent ammo as well.
 
Analogy:
45 HST, Gold Dot = good steak
45 Hi-Shok = regular ground beef
45 FMJ = hot dog made from trimmings

If picking what might be my last meal, I choose steak. ;)
 
Three.

The chances of tagging someone with either of the rounds well and coming up short are pretty slim You get a crappy hit with anything, nothing is going to help you, and a good hit with any of the above isn't going to a fraction of a bit different.
 
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