Featured Federal Premium Launches New Hydra-Shok Deep For Self-Defense Industry News January 8, 2018 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Find out more about how we test products. Written by Jacki Billings Federal Premium Ammunition prepares a new self-defense Hyrda-Shok load set to step out at SHOT Show later this month. Hydra-Shok Deep builds on Federal’s original Hydra-Shok platform. The 9mm Luger bullet consists of a core design producing up to 50 percent deeper penetration than the original Hydra-Shok round, according to the ammo maker. Federal says the handgun ammo provides 15-inches of penetration in bare ballistics gelatin. The round’s center post has also been tweaked to deliver better performance through intermediate barriers. “Hydra-Shok Deep reliably stops threats by controlling bullet expansion to cause significant tissue damage and penetrating deep enough to reach vital organs,” said Larry Head, director and chief engineer of handgun ammunition. Hydra-Shok Deep depends on Federal’s primer and propellants to induce optimal performance between the round and pistol. Additionally, propellants offer flash suppressants ultimately reducing muzzle flash and minimizing momentary blindness when shooting in low-light environments. Created in 1989 to service the growing needs of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the original Hydra-Shok bullet’s notched jacket, non lead core, and center-post-hollow-point build delivered better penetration in addition to consistent expansion, according to Federal Premium. Hydra-Shok Deep looks to continue its predecessors mission of improving consistency and depth. “Hydra-Shok Deep offers consumers a round that results in consistent, reliable performance through typical defensive barriers and penetrates to the depth deemed optimum by the leading law-enforcement agency in the United States,” Head commented. Federal Premium says the new Hydra-Shok Deep will enter the ammo maker’s product line in a 135-grain 9mm Luger option with more loads on the horizon; though the company isn’t ponying up any additional details. The Hydra-Shok Deep will make its official debut on the bustling floors of SHOT Show in late January. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
