Federal Premium just launched a new Hydra-Shok Deep load specifically for 380 Auto. The new ammo becomes the company’s first expanding .380 to consistently pass beyond the FBI protocol penetration test of 12 inches.
Federal Hydra-Shok Deep 380
The Hydra-Shok Deep load penetrated both bare gel and heavy clothing tests. As micro-carry pistols continue to gain popularity, Hydra-Shok Deep comes right on time.
“FBI protocol for handgun ammunition testing includes a series of rigorous scenarios. Bullets are shot through materials such as 10-percent ordinance gelatin, laminated automotive safety glass, plywood, wallboard and heavy clothing specified by the FBI,” said Federal Handgun Ammunition Product Manager Chris Laack. “While our larger caliber ammunition is designed to meet and exceed these requirements, the smaller 380 Auto is designed to offer the best possible blend of performance in a compact handgun platform.”
Testing showed typical results of 13 to 13 1/2 inches of penetration through bare gel, according to Federal. The bullet penetrated 13 1/4 to 14 inches through heavy clothing. Test gun barrel lengths ranged from 2 3/4 to 3 1/2 inches, according to Federal.
The bullet and load exhibit fine tuning to ensure consistent performance across all handgun performance, according to Federal. The company maintains a goal fo 13 to 14 inches of penetration across platforms.
“It’s a completely new bullet design. We didn’t just take a 45 ACP, 40 S&W or 9mm Hydra-Shok Deep bullet and make it smaller,” said Laack. “During development, engineers looked at several design elements such as bullet weight, jacket, skiving, profile, and hollow point design elements to determine what modifications were necessary for the 380 Auto.
Hydra-Shok Deep 380 runs 1,000 fps at the muzzle. It delivers full expansion throughout penetration tests, shot from a variety of compact handguns. For more information, visit federalpremium.com.
Hydra-Shok Deep 380 Features
- First expanding 380 Auto to consistently penetrate beyond FBI-recommended 12-inch minimum in bare gel and through heavy clothing
- Improved penetration through common barriers
- Iconic center post design improved for better, more consistent expansion through standard barriers
- Consistent, specially formulated propellant
- Extremely reliable Federal primer with sealant
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