A Super Carry Showdown: Federal HST Defends Its Crown

Three Rounds, One Champion

In the world of concealed carry, choosing the right ammunition is like picking the perfect pizza topping—everyone’s got an opinion, but only one can reign supreme. For the past year, the Avidity Arms PD10 chambered in 30 Super Carry has been the trusty sidekick of our intrepid reviewer, loaded with Federal HST 100-grain ammo. But curiosity, that pesky instigator, prompted a head-to-head test against Federal Punch 103-grain and Speer Gold Dot 115-grain to see if the HST’s throne is secure. With a VelociRadar chrono, a steady rest, and a homemade ballistic contraption, this showdown is equal parts science and backyard fun. Let’s dive into the results with a professional eye and a playful grin.

First up, velocity testing put the contenders through their paces using the Caldwell VelociRadar. The Federal HST 100-grain, light and sprightly, zipped along as the fastest of the trio, no surprise given its featherweight status. The Federal Punch 103-grain, just a tad heavier, took a more leisurely stroll, while the Speer Gold Dot 115-grain, despite its heft, matched the Punch’s velocity—suggesting a hotter load that’s got some pep in its step. It’s like watching three runners in a race: HST sprints ahead, Punch jogs steadily, and Gold Dot keeps pace with a surprising burst of energy. For raw speed, HST takes the gold medal, but all three prove they’ve got the gusto for the 30 Super Carry platform.

Accuracy testing at 25 yards brought out the PD10’s Gideon Judge green dot and a Multi Cal Steady Rest for a blend of precision and practicality. The Federal HST, the reviewer’s year-long companion, delivered tight groups that would make any range day feel like a victory lap. The Federal Punch held its own, though its groups opened up just a smidge, like a slightly overzealous hug. Surprisingly, the Speer Gold Dot matched the HST’s accuracy, proving it’s not just a heavy hitter but a sharpshooter too. It’s as if the HST and Gold Dot were trading high-fives at the target, while the Punch nodded approvingly from the sidelines. So far, HST’s reign looks unshaken, but the competition is fierce.

For the ballistic test, enter the Redneck Ballistic Apparatus—a sawhorse-mounted marvel of milk jugs and ingenuity, with a dirt-filled jug as the final boss. The Federal HST and Punch both plowed through two jugs, landing in the third, requiring a soggy retrieval mission. The Speer Gold Dot, however, went for glory, blasting through all three jugs but stopping short of piercing the dirt jug, like a boxer who lands a solid punch but doesn’t quite knock out the opponent. Weight retention was stellar across the board: HST held 98 grains, Punch dropped to about 98, and Gold Dot clung to 114. Expansion was where HST bloomed like a firework, doubling to over 0.6 inches, while Punch and Gold Dot hit around 0.55 inches—still respectable, but not quite HST’s dazzling display.

In the end, the Federal HST 100-grain retains its crown as the king of the Avidity Arms PD10’s 30 Super Carry rotation. Its blazing velocity, pinpoint accuracy, and jaw-dropping expansion make it the reviewer’s top pick, with the Speer Gold Dot 115-grain as a worthy runner-up for its balanced performance. The Federal Punch 103-grain, while no slouch, takes bronze but proves it’s still a contender in a defensive pinch. The 30 Super Carry, with its 0.312-inch projectile (sneakily a 32-caliber in disguise), shines in the PD10, a platform the reviewer adores despite its slim grip. So, load up that HST, keep the milk jugs on standby, and carry on with confidence—your everyday carry just got a scientific stamp of approval with a side of redneck charm.

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