Since the new .38 Special HST apparently isn't being pushed as a LE load (even though 5-shot snubs are still quite popular among some users for off-duty & secondary weapons), it seems the company hasn't focused on the same LE testing protocols for the new personal defense .38 Special HST +P.
The Federal Premium HST line is known for its ability to perform well in ballistic gelatin, meeting the famous "FBI Protocol" standards for penetration and expansion. However, the company did not test its Micro HST bullet with the protocol. Johnson did say that Federal Premium tested the round through heavy clothing and ballistic gelatin, and the company recorded "consistent penetration and expansion" in those tests.
https://www.shootingillustrated.com...eral-premium-hst-micro-38-special-plusp-ammo/
Interesting idea to help stabilize burn rates/velocity by deep seating of the bullet. Might make it like loading wadcutters when using speedloaders/strips, though. Won't know unless I could run some cylinder loads through a couple of my J's sometime.
The 125-135gr bullet weight does seem to be the sweet spot when it comes to the most effective "performing" low-velocity bullet weights in diminutive snubs, using the more modern JHP designs, and the 130gr seems to be gaining some attention.
As much as I've found the older "modern design" 125gr HPJ/BJHP (Golden Sabre) +P to be a fine shooting load in my assorted S&W J's (and some limited gel testing done several years ago), I've also found the Speer 135gr GDHP +P and the Win 130gr RA38B (PDX1) +P loads to do quite well, accuracy-wise. The limited testing I've seen, and have learned of being done (locally), in hosted gel events seems to show both the GDHP & the RA38B to do surprisingly well in the 4LD/HC testing out of actual snubs.
I'd like to run a box or two of the HST Micro load through a couple of my snubs before adding it to the mix of +P carry loads I use, but the cost is a bit much for it to be used for much training/quals (unless my former agency decides to order some to stock in the range inventory
).
Nice to see the venerable .38 Special continuing to benefit from some attention when it comes to defensive carry ammunition for the hugely popular snub barreled models.