Hydra-Shok

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.45 ACP Hydra-Shok, .45 ACP Hydra-Shok (reduced recoil), 9mm Hydra-Shok Threefederalhydrashoks.JPG
.45 ACP Hydra-Shok, .45 ACP Hydra-Shok (reduced recoil), 9mm Hydra-Shok
.22 LR HP, 9mm Hydra-Shok, 9mm FMJ Federal Hydra-Shok 9mm - Top View.jpg
.22 LR HP, 9mm Hydra-Shok, 9mm FMJ

Hydra-Shok is a type of hollow-point projectile made by Federal Premium Ammunition. It was originally patented by ammunition designer Tom Burczynski. Hydra-Shok was released in 1988 after the FBI requested a bullet with better terminal ballistics than traditional cup and core projectiles. [1]

Contents

Design

The Hydra-Shok bullet features a hollow-point construction which contains a distinctive central post in the base of the hollow. This design makes such bullets easily identifiable in autopsy examinations of gunshot victims. [2]

The manufacturer stated that the scored jacket and center post design provide a "programmed" expansion. There has been much debate regarding the bullet's unreliable expansion when fired through clothing or media other than ballistic gelatin. The bullet typically displays very rapid expansion, resulting in a larger but more shallow wound channel than would be typical from most other bullet configurations in the same caliber and of similar weight. [3]

Calibers

The Hydra-Shok is available in various calibers; 9x19mm Parabellum, 10mm Auto, .32 ACP, .380 ACP, .38 S&W Special, .327 Federal Magnum, .357 S&W Magnum, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .45 GAP, and .44 Remington Magnum. It can also be found in 12 gauge shotgun slugs. [4]

See also

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References

  1. Carter, Aaron (23 December 2013). "Mastery of Metals: Federal HST and Guard Dog Loads". American Rifleman . Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  2. Sperry, K.; Sweeney, E. S. (January 1988). "Terminal ballistic characteristics of Hydra-Shok ammunition: a description of three cases". Journal of Forensic Sciences. 33 (1): 42–48. ISSN   0022-1198. PMID   3351469.
  3. Archived 2016-05-12 at the Wayback Machine [ full citation needed ]
  4. "Federal Premium Ammunition". Archived from the original on 2011-10-06. Retrieved 3 February 2014.