I'm looking at using the Federal HST as a carry load in my Nighthawk Talon and have the opportunity to pick up 400 rounds for $170 delivered which seems like a good deal. It is the +P 230gr loading, and I'm wondering how you all would compare this to the standard 230gr load. I have a few questions I'd like your input on.

1) If I use a heavier recoil spring, will there be any additional wear over 400 rounds of +P? I'd have to think that 400 rounds wouldn't be a big deal and I'd never notice, but that pistol did set me back a big chunk of change.

2) What is the difference in terms of controllability between the two? Are follow-up shots noticeably more difficult? I'm not recoil shy, but don't want to loose the ability to do a quick double tap accurately at 7-10 yards.

3) Any reason not to pick this up? At that price, it seems like a good deal. If I didn't carry the HST +p, I'd probably have to shell out $300 for 500 rounds of Speer 230gr Gold Dots.

Thanks.

I just picked up 150 rounds of the non P for good price I plan to run it threw my glk30 and my 220 and 4516 and see how it does. I have heard great things about it

Last weekend, I clocked standard 230 HST out of my Sig 220 Carry (3.9" barrel), and average was 880 FPS. For a short barrel and standard load, I was impressed. Temp was upper 80s.

I fell in love with his Chrono, and just got my own Chrony F1 Alpha Master, so this forum will be seeing some more actual velocities.

A friend of mine was shooting the 230+p HST in his Ed Brown. He had several popped primers.

After talking to Ed Brown and Federal the conclusion was that the pistol was to lightly sprung. The gun was brand new, with the origional spring. I'm a little leary of the +p stuff after that. I don't want to have to have a 25# springs in my 220's just to shoot one type of ammo.

quote:

Originally posted by JeepDriver:
A friend of mine was shooting the 230+p HST in his Ed Brown. He had several popped primers.

After talking to Ed Brown and Federal the conclusion was that the pistol was to lightly sprung. The gun was brand new, with the origional spring. I'm a little leary of the +p stuff after that. I don't want to have to have a 25# springs in my 220's just to shoot one type of ammo.

So +P primers are designed differently than non +P?

I have fired both the standard pressure and +p HST out of a SW1911. There is a noticeable difference in recoil. Follow up shots with practice were just as easy, but if you are used to standard pressure loads you will notice an initial difference. Keep in mind that I did not change out my spring for a heavier one. Hope this helps.

I would refer you to my thread from a while back over at Defensive carry forum.

All these were shot through my Springfield TRP and there was a little bit of difference in recoil, as mentioned above, but not much.
Here's the thread

-Tim S.

Recoil is perceived diff. by every shooter. I like 230gr std. vel. & find +p just slows my follow up shots down w/ not really an appreciable increase in performance, JMO.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: fredj338,

That is a good price by the way. I just bought the 230gr HST (non +P) for $25/50 a few weeks ago. I think it ended up being right at $140 delivered for 250 rds.

I prefer the std 230gr myself but for that deal I would get the +P. Like you said, 400 rds won't make that much of a difference in wear on your gun.

I bought some HST +p a week ago and I dont like them. I'm not sensetive to recoil but this load slowed me down on folow up shots big time . st.pressure loads work great for defense and I won't be shooting any more + p ammo from my Baer or Wilson again, It's a waste.

The only way to know is to try, i think it depends upon the shooter and the weapon. When I carry my Glock 21 I use +P and notice no difference between it and standard. In my 30 there is a difference depending on the ammo. (Corbon seems make the weapon jump a little more than federal) Not really "harder" or "worse" recoil to control it just seems to make smaller weapon want to jump out of my hand more.I have never had problems dropping steel targets set for .40 with regualar 230 HST out of my Glock 30 or 220 Carry.... now if I could only find some place local that sold the stuff.