Federal Ammunition‘s Syntech Defense line in 9mm Luger (part no. S9SJT1) loads a 138-grain segmented jacketed hollow point engineered for dynamic terminal performance: on impact, the bullet separates into three segments while a deep-penetrating core continues on, delivering penetration in the 12- to 18-inch range through bare ballistics gel and heavy clothing, the FBI’s standard test protocol for a serious defensive round. Federal built the Syntech line around that segmenting design specifically to create multiple wound channels from a single shot. This handgun ammunition is purpose-built for personal defense rather than practice.

Key Specifications

• The caliber is 9mm Luger, the most common defensive chambering carried today.
• The bullet weighs 138 grains, a mid-weight defensive bullet loaded specifically for segmenting terminal performance.
• The bullet type is segmented jacketed hollow point, splitting into three segments on impact.
• Penetration through bare gel and heavy clothing runs 12 to 18 inches, the FBI-standard test range for defensive ammunition.
• The case material is brass, giving reliable extraction and standard reloading compatibility.
• Each box holds 20 rounds, a practical count for a dedicated carry or home-defense supply.
• Ten boxes ship per case for shooters who want to stock up on a defensive load in quantity.
• Cost runs about $1.02 per round, in line with other purpose-built segmenting defensive loads.
• Federal markets this specifically as Syntech Defense, its dedicated segmenting personal-defense line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "segmented" mean for this bullet? On impact, the hollow point splits into three separate segments while a solid, deep-penetrating core continues forward, creating multiple wound paths from one shot instead of a single expanding mushroom.

How deep does this load penetrate? Federal rates it at 12 to 18 inches of penetration through bare ballistics gel and heavy clothing, matching the FBI’s standard test protocol for defensive ammunition.

Is this a practice round or a carry round? It is a dedicated defensive load; shooters typically pair a box of this with a cheaper FMJ or Syntech Training round for range practice.

Buy Federal Syntech Defense 9mm 138gr

A defensive round earns its place in the magazine through terminal performance, and Syntech Defense’s segmenting design is built specifically for that job. Order from our Lubbock, Texas gun shop and it ships fast to your door.