top and bottom ones are readily avail to civilians, the middle box is usually reserved for law enforcement. It can be found online. Here are some pictures of rounds I shot, these are in 9 mm, but the same ammo. On the right is HST (middle box), center is hydro-shok (bottom box) on the right is JHP (top box). The top box stuff is older ammo design but still effective. HST is the newest design. It is some really good ammo. I carry HST, but have plenty of hydro-shok around for backup. Any name brand ammo from the top manufactures will work well in the .40 s&w. I know for a fact that LEO here in my home town use .40 s&w HST in their duty weapon

 

top and bottom ones are readily avail to civilians, the middle box is usually reserved for law enforcement. It can be found online. Here are some pictures of rounds I shot, these are in 9 mm, but the same ammo. On the right is HST (middle box), center is hydro-shok (bottom box) on the right is JHP (top box). The top box stuff is older ammo design but still effective. HST is the newest design. It is some really good ammo. I carry HST, but have plenty of hydro-shok around for backup. Any name brand ammo from the top manufactures will work well in the .40 s&w. I know for a fact that LEO here in my home town use .40 s&w HST in their duty weapon

Actually the middle box is not, and never was, reserved for law enforcemeny only. The Federal Premium box displayed clearly states "Personal Defense" and not "Tactical".

Personal defense product code for the 9mm 124 gr version is P9HST1 while the tactical is P9HST2 is 147gt. Both say Personal Defense.

P9HST3 is the +p variant of the 124gr and P9HST4 is the +p variant of the 147gr. Both of these are packaged in cardboard boxes and labeled "Tactical".

Ironically I can get the "Tactical" rounds in bulk online from various places much easier than finding the standard pressure "Personal Defense" versions.

I've shot all 4 and actually prefer the standard pressure offerings better ... but man those rounds are difficult to find in stock anywhere.

 

As a followup to my post above ... the product numbers *may* have changed over the years with additional numbers following the very last digit. But if the packaging says "Personal Defense" is isn't Law Enforcement only. If it says "Tactical" is was LE only ... but not anymore. I hope that clears up the badic principle because I'm going from memory on the product numbers.

Hope this helps concerning HST ammo ... I personally think it's one of, if not the, best carry rounds available.