Federal HST (Hydra-Shok Tactical) bullets have earned a stellar reputation among law enforcement and civilian shooters alike for their reliable performance and consistent expansion. Their popularity extends to reloaders who appreciate the opportunity to customize their ammunition for specific needs and budgets. This guide delves into the specifics of reloading Federal HST bullets, covering everything from safety precautions to achieving optimal accuracy.
Understanding Federal HST Bullets
Before diving into the reloading process, let's understand what makes Federal HST bullets unique. These jacketed hollow point (JHP) bullets are designed for reliable expansion and penetration in a variety of target materials. Key features include:
- Controlled Expansion: The bullet's design ensures consistent expansion, even at lower velocities, maximizing stopping power while minimizing over-penetration.
- High Penetration: Despite expanding reliably, HST bullets retain enough weight to penetrate deeply, ensuring effective results even through barriers.
- Wide Caliber Range: HST bullets are available in a wide range of calibers, catering to various handguns and rifles.
Note: Always check the Federal ammunition website or your reloading manual for specific bullet dimensions and recommended powder charges for your chosen caliber.
Reloading Federal HST Bullets: A Step-by-Step Guide
Reloading ammunition requires precision and careful attention to detail. Safety should always be your top priority. Improper reloading practices can lead to dangerous malfunctions or even catastrophic equipment failure.
Here's a breakdown of the reloading process, focusing on essential steps:
1. Gathering Your Supplies
You'll need the following equipment and materials:
- Reloading Press: A single-stage or progressive press, depending on your volume of reloading.
- Dies: Appropriate dies (sizing, expanding, seating) for your chosen caliber. Ensure they are compatible with the specific bullet you're using.
- Powder Measure: A precise powder measure to dispense consistent powder charges.
- Scale: An electronic scale to accurately weigh each powder charge. Never rely solely on a powder measure; always double-check weights!
- Case Prep Tools: Tools for trimming, deburring, and cleaning brass cases.
- Bullet Seating Die: A die designed for seating your Federal HST bullets accurately.
- Primer Seating Tool: A tool for safely seating primers in the cases.
- Case Lube: Case lube to reduce friction during sizing.
- Federal HST Bullets: Your chosen caliber and weight.
- Gunpowder: Appropriate type and quantity of gunpowder for your chosen caliber and bullet weight. Always consult your reloading manual.
- Primers: Primers compatible with your firearm.
- Brass Cases: Clean, prepared brass cases of the correct caliber.
2. Preparing the Brass Cases
Before reloading, prepare your brass cases:
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the cases to remove any debris or residue.
- Sizing: Size the cases to ensure they fit your chamber correctly.
- Deburring: Remove any burrs or imperfections from the case mouths and primer pockets.
- Trimming: Trim cases to the correct length using a case trimmer if needed.
3. Measuring and Dispensing Powder
- Consult Your Manual: This is crucial. Your reloading manual will specify the correct powder charge for your chosen bullet, case, and primer combination. Never deviate from the recommended charge without thorough research and understanding.
- Weigh Each Charge: After dispensing, weigh each powder charge on your electronic scale to ensure accuracy. A deviation of even a small amount can significantly impact performance and safety.
- Double Check: Always double-check the weight of each charge. This is a critical safety step.
4. Seating Primers
Carefully seat the primers using your primer seating tool. Avoid damaging the primers.
5. Seating Bullets
Use the bullet seating die to seat the Federal HST bullets to the proper depth. Consult your reloading manual for the correct bullet seating depth.
6. Final Inspection
Carefully inspect each round before loading it into your firearm. Look for any defects, inconsistencies, or out-of-spec ammunition.
Case Study: Reloading 9mm Federal HST 124gr
Let's look at a specific example. Reloading 9mm 124 grain Federal HST bullets requires the following steps (though you MUST consult your reloading manual for precise data):
- Prepare 9mm brass cases as described above.
- Choose a suitable powder (e.g., Hodgdon Universal Clays).
- Consult your reloading manual for the recommended powder charge (e.g., 4.0 grains, but this is just an example; find the CORRECT data).
- Carefully weigh each charge.
- Seat primers correctly.
- Seat 124 grain Federal HST bullets to the correct depth (as per your reloading manual).
- Thoroughly inspect each round.
Disclaimer: This is a simplified example. The precise powder charge and other details will vary depending on your chosen equipment and reloading manual.
Safety Precautions: A Must-Read
- Read Your Reloading Manual: Follow instructions exactly.
- Proper Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation while reloading to prevent exposure to powder fumes.
- Eye and Hearing Protection: Always wear appropriate safety glasses and hearing protection.
- Static Electricity: Take precautions to minimize static electricity, which can cause accidental primer ignition.
- Cleanliness: Keep your reloading area clean and organized.
- Never Mix Powders: Do not mix different types of gunpowder.
- Store Ammunition Properly: Store reloaded ammunition in a cool, dry place, away from children and pets.
Conclusion: Responsible Reloading with Federal HST Bullets
Reloading Federal HST bullets can provide a cost-effective way to produce high-quality ammunition tailored to your specific needs. However, it's crucial to approach reloading with the utmost respect for safety and precision. By carefully following the instructions in your reloading manual and adhering to safe practices, you can confidently reload this popular bullet type, resulting in reliable and effective ammunition. Remember to always prioritize safety and accuracy. Consult your reloading manual frequently, and never hesitate to seek advice from experienced reloaders.