Federal HST 45 Auto 230gr (P45HST2S)

Federal HST 45 Auto 230 Grain JHP (P45HST2S) ·

Federal hst 45 acp 230-grain (P45HST2S) is a standard-pressure 45 Auto personal defense load with the 230-grain HST jacketed hollow point, listed by Federal at 890 fps.

Specifications (from Federal): 45 Auto · 230 gr · HST JHP · 890 fps · 20 rounds · P45HST2S.

For the higher-pressure version see the 45 Auto +P (P45HST1S, 950 fps). Federal markets HST as a duty line; these are the manufacturer’s statements.

Federal product overview (manufacturer description)

Federal describes the Personal Defense HST line as ammunition engineered for consistent expansion, optimum penetration, and reliable terminal performance, and lists HST as a law-enforcement duty load. According to Federal:

• The specially designed hollow point is built to expand reliably through a variety of barriers and resists plugging as it passes through them.
• Expanded diameter and weight retention are designed to reach the penetration wanted for personal defense without overpenetrating; Federal states the jacket and core hold together for nearly 100 percent weight retention.
• Federal cites superior performance in the FBI test protocol that agencies use to assess and select duty ammunition.
• A specific bullet nose profile, a nickel-plated case, and a high-performance primer are specified for function and reliability.

These are Federal’s published statements, presented here for reference and attributed to the manufacturer. Independent ballistic-gel tests of HST loads are widely available for third-party results.

Specifications

Source: Federal Ammunition product page, 2026-09-23. Price and stock from our catalog.

Ballistics

Federal’s published data for P45HST2S (5-inch test barrel). Charts rendered from Federal’s figures; real-world results vary with barrel length and firearm.

Velocity (feet per second)

Energy (foot-pounds)

Average range (bullet path in inches, zeroed at 25 yд)

FAQ

1. Standard or +P? This is standard pressure (890 fps). The +P is P45HST1S at 950 fps.
2. Grain weight? 230 grain, the common 45 Auto defensive weight.