Hydra-Shok
Type of hollow-point projectile
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hydra-Shok is a type of hollow-point projectile made by Federal Premium Ammunition. It was originally patented by ammunition designer Tom Burczynski. Hydra-Shok was released in 1988 after the FBI requested a bullet with better terminal ballistics than traditional cup and core projectiles.[1]
Design
The Hydra-Shok bullet features a hollow-point construction which contains a distinctive central post in the base of the hollow. This design makes such bullets easily identifiable in autopsy examinations of gunshot victims.[2]
The manufacturer stated that the scored jacket and center post design provide a "programmed" expansion. There has been much debate regarding the bullet's unreliable expansion when fired through clothing or media other than ballistic gelatin. The bullet typically displays very rapid expansion, resulting in a larger but more shallow wound channel than would be typical from most other bullet configurations in the same caliber and of similar weight.[3][better source needed]
Calibers
The Hydra-Shok is available in various calibers; 9x19mm Parabellum, 10mm Auto, .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, .32 ACP, .380 ACP, .38 S&W Special, .327 Federal Magnum, .357 S&W Magnum, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .45 GAP, and .44 Remington Magnum. It can also be found in 12 gauge shotgun slugs.[4]
