What are hydro-shock bullets?

Question

also whats the difference between hydro and other 9mm bullets. Also what does grain mean on bullets? I know this are newbie question but I am know to guns. Thanks for you help

Answer 1

Hydra Shok™ is a trade mark of Federal Ammunition.  What are they?  They are jacketed hollow-point bullets with a 'post' in the center.  How do they differ from other 9mm bullets?  It is fair to only compare Hydra Shok™ bullets to other hollow-point bullets.  

The purpose of a hollow-point is to 'open-up' as fluid and soft tissue fills the cavity thus allowing the bullet itself to mushroom (kind of like turning inside-out) and opening up a wider wound-channel.  Early hollow-point handgun ammunition was iffy at best.  If a bullet was not traveling fast enough it simply would not mushroom.  If the hollow cavity filled up with clothing fiber first it would not open up and therefore act as a solid bullet.  The inventor of Hydra Shok™ worked on this problem until he determined that a post in the middle of the hollow-point would insure that the bullet would mushroom.  The idea is that as the post strikes fluid and soft tissue these are hurled violently against the interior of the bullet thus guaranteeing successful expansion of the bullet. Experiments conducted using Hydra Shok™ bullets where the 'post' is removed fail to expand as well as those with the post in place.  

"Grain" is simple the measurement used to determine the weight of a bullet.  "Bullet" is only the nose-part of the cartridge that is fired when a gun is discharged.  It does not define the weight of the entire cartridge.  Sometimes "grains" (used plurally) is  the amount of powder in weight when one reloads.  This is not the normal usage of the word 'grain' when speaking of bullets. "Grain" is proper to the bullet's weight itself; example:  9mm ammunition is commercially available in 115, 124, 127, 147 grain bullets.  For a 9mm the lighter hollow-point bullets work best for defensive purposes.  

I hope that helped.

H

Answer 2

All the other answers contain good info. To which I wish to add that the center-post design doesn't make a lot of difference for preventing occasional cave-in. The military was onto this and asked for manufacturers to develop bullets free from hollowpoint cave-in on a 1/4" plywood board and then with the remaining velocity proceed to expand well on water. Astoundingly, the boys came up with a few bullets which would do exactly that! The Hornady XTP is the best known example. But for home defense, this wall-penetrating ability is the last thing we want. Police and military shooting through cover, however, need it and it's buddies. And big game hunters. And for defense out in the open, with safe backstops. Conversely, many Frangible bullets exist to protect the Pizzaria next door, but their use in semi-autos is controversial, the way they smack on that loading ramp! Their use is better in a revolver, which withstands locked-bedstand dust and remains a reliable grab 'n shoot weapon. The Universal Clays powder has minimal muzzle flash for the reloading 3AM shooter. The lighter Sierra JHP's are a good compromise between low wall penetration and good assailant penetration, considering that some frangible bullets have failed to penetrate jackets. Regards, Larry.

Answer 3

The bullet weight part of the question has been answered well enough that I won't bother adding to it.

There have been an item or two left out of the Hydro-Shok answer though.

First of all, yes, the Hydro-Shok is a type of jacketed hollow-point bullet.  It has a standard gilding metal jacket and a dead soft core with a huge cavity.  In this cavity is added a post made of a harder lead alloy.

The purpose of the post is to redirect body fluids to increase expansion and make expansion more reliable at lower velocities.  In general, Hydro-Shok bullets will expand at any velocity much over 800 fps, and perhaps even less.  Ordinary hollow-points generally require 1,000 feet per second of velocity to reliably expand.

I have no experience with 9 mmP Hydro-Shoks, but I've used them in .357 Magnum and .45 ACP with total satisfaction.

Doc

Answer 4

The "grains" of a bullet mean how much it weighs. Some things are measured in pounds, or ounces or kilos. Bullets are measured in grains.

Hydroshock hollow points have a hollowtip with a small post in the center of the hollowpoint. The tip is supposed to help keep the bullet mushrooming outwards to make the bullet bigger when it impacts tissue. Rather than the bullet folding inward and not getting bigger. Does it work. I have seen pictures of Hydroshocks that have been recovered after being fired. Some mushroomed outwards and some caved in. I guess it's a personal preference of what type of hollowpint you want to carry in your pistol.

Other hollowpoints, whether 9mm or not, are just bullets with an open tip. Some are deeper than others. Some of the bullets have small cuts in the jacket to help the bullet expand outwards. Bullet designers are always looking to try and make a better bullet. That means one with good, but not excessive penetration. One that will expand to a bigger diameter yet not expand so much that it comes apart. Hope that helps.

Answer 5

Hydro -Shock, name used by Fedral ammuntinon Company, top of the line bullet retention. The only ammo worth carrying in little calibers if you ask me. Like the 147 grain Hydro-shock in 9mm. As far as grains, that is weight of the bullet. There is 7,000 grains to a pound. The heavier the bullet the more grains it will weigh. As smaller calibers weigh less and have less kientic energy as a result so to get the same effect you need more gun powder witch is were the "Magnums"and "Specials" come on scene. This takes a caliber and super charges it in the cartridge world. Also if you shoot a lot like I do, you well fall in love with one ammution and use only that type of ammution. I keep Hydra-shocks in my .357 Magnum and won't carry any other type of ammo for defense. Personally Federal is the best poor Man's ammo a person can buy if you sk me, I reload and have checked there ammo myself and find it amazing how consisent there ammo is. Have fun shooting

Answer 6

Hydra-Shoks are a brand of hollow point bullets produced by Federal Ammunition Company. Most notable difference from standard jacketed hollow points (JHP) is a little post left in the middle of the hollow point. Think it is result of how they form the hollow point but it is said to aid expansion of bullet. Grains is simply the weight of bullet (think the conversion is 7,000 grains = 1 pound). Standard weight for .45 ACP ball ammunition (full metal jacket - FMJ) is 230 grains. Standard for 9mm seems to be around 115 grains. Generally the heavier bullet is slower than a lighter bullet. Big argument over which is better - big heavy slow bullet for penetration or lighter bullet at higher velocity for expansion. I generally go in favor of heavy bullet with good hollow point. Typically use 230 grain Remington Golden Sabers in .45 ACP and 124 grain Golden Sabers in 9mm. Most JHPs by big name ammo makers work pretty well if you hit the right spot. For practice, ball or FMJ is generally cheaper.

http://www.federalpremium.com/products/h...

http://www.remington.com/products/ammuni...

http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/BrowsePr...

Answer 7

Hydra shocks are a hoolowpoint design from Federal. Thats pretty much it. Its a hollowpoint with a post in the center. There are many different hollowpoints and ball ammo for your 9mm and other calibers as well. The main thing is federal makes em. Remington makes golden sabers, winchester makes silvertips, its just a name and a design. The hydrashocks are supposed to have ver good weight retention after penetration aas well.

Sorry missed the grain part of your question. the other posters are right. lol