Federal Premium Personal Defense Ammunition 38 Special +P 129 Grain Hydra-Shok Jacketed Hollow Point 20RD

Federal Premium Personal Defense 38 Special +P 129 Grain Hydra-Shok JHP ammo is purpose-built for self-defense shooters who demand reliable, consistent performance when it matters most. The 38 Special +P cartridge pairs manageable recoil with enough velocity to drive the Hydra-Shok hollow point through barriers and intermediate materials while maintaining the controlled expansion that stops threats effectively. This 20-round box gives you the same ammunition trusted by law enforcement agencies across the country.

The Hydra-Shok jacketed hollow point is where Federal's engineering shines. On impact, the notched jacket ruptures along precisely engineered fault lines, causing the bullet to mushroom in a controlled manner. A hardened center post regulates that expansion, ensuring the projectile retains nearly all its weight as it passes through the target. That weight retention means consistent performance whether you're shooting through clothing, drywall, or glass—real-world barriers that matter in a defensive scenario.

The 129-grain bullet weight in a 38 Special +P delivers the penetration depth that satisfies FBI testing standards, so you're not choosing between stopping power and reliable expansion. You get both. If you carry a 38 Special revolver or semi-automatic for personal protection, or you're looking for reliable defensive ammunition for range practice and carry, Federal Premium Personal Defense ammunition is engineered to perform when speed and accuracy count.

Key Features

• Hydra-Shok jacketed hollow point design with controlled expansion
• Notched jacket ruptures along designated fault lines for predictable performance
• Hardened center post regulates expansion and promotes weight retention
• 38 Special +P velocity for enhanced penetration and energy transfer
• Meets FBI penetration testing standards
• Trusted by law enforcement agencies nationwide
• 20-round box for convenient carry and practice

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hydra-Shok different from other hollow point designs?

The Hydra-Shok uses a notched jacket and hardened center post to control expansion in a predictable way. The jacket ruptures along designated fault lines, and the center post stops over-expansion, allowing the bullet to retain nearly 100% of its weight as it penetrates the target. This design balances expansion with deep, consistent penetration.

Is 38 Special +P suitable for self-defense?

Federal Premium Personal Defense ammunition is specifically engineered for self-defense use. The +P load increases velocity compared to standard 38 Special, improving penetration and energy transfer while the Hydra-Shok design ensures controlled expansion. This load meets FBI penetration testing standards, making it a capable choice for defensive scenarios.

Does this ammunition work in all 38 Special revolvers?

38 Special +P ammunition is loaded to higher pressures than standard 38 Special. Always consult your firearm's manual to confirm it's rated for +P ammunition before use. Most modern 38 Special revolvers are +P rated, but older or lightweight models may not be.

How many rounds are in a box?

Each box contains 20 rounds of Federal Premium Personal Defense 38 Special +P with the 129-grain Hydra-Shok hollow point bullet.