.38 special 158 grain jhp/xtp

[TheProf]

Can anyone tell me the special purpose of this ammo...

1. For j-frames? or larger frame?

2. For self-defense? or hunting four-legged creatures?

The ammo in question is .38 special 158 grain jhp/XTP (Hornandy)

Thanks.

 

[rcmodel]

It is sold for use in any .38 Special revolver.

A 158 grain bullet has been the standard for the .38 Special since it was invented in the late 1800's.

Fixed sight guns are factory sighted with 158 grain bullets at about that velocity and some folks prefer that bullet weight so they can hit what they are shooting at.

Some folks feel a heavy bullet is best for SD because it will give deep penetration, even through heavy winter clothes, even if it doesn't expand much, or at all.

It can be used for SD, hunting small game & varmints, target shooting, or plinking.

rc

 

[Bill_G]

Xtp bullets were designed for hunting: good penetration poor expansion. Hornady makes very good ammo.....but.... i would not use any of their 38 for self defense.

stick with the Rem 158 +p LHP (FBI) round. or the speer gold dots in 135 gr JHP.

 

[Oro]

Xtp bullets were designed for hunting: good penetration poor expansion.

It is my distinct recollection that Hornady developed the XTP as a competitor to the gold dot as self-defense ammunition in handguns, not specifically for hunting with handguns or rifle cartridges.

The one objective test I can recall in ballistic gelatin found the XTP to be one of the most consistently expanding bullets tested, and at all velocities tested. Unfortunately, I can not find the link to this ad hoc test to support my memory. On the other hand, a 10 minute google search found nothing to contradict either of these recollections. I also recall one test - perhaps the same one - that observed the XTP to be among the best in retention of weight despite the expansion - the process of bonding the jacket to the lead core being quite a bit more sophisticated than in the "old days."

I love Speer, but I also deeply respect the Hornady XTP in reloads I make as well as commercial Hornady ammunition I have purchased. I would not hesitate to use the XTP for almost any purpose. If I can locate the studies I have read and am recalling, I will come back and post links.

 

[Bill_G]

i'm basing my opinion on what Jim March has found. not that he

is god....but he knows a lot more than i do. maybe he will

chime in soon.

 

[kmrcstintn]

Hornady XTP's have been around at least 10 years...probably longer; their latest self defense targeted design is the Critical Defense polymer-tipped hollowpoint which theoretically works by expanding as the polymer tip is squashed into the hollow cavity below it and isn't suppossed to suffer from failure to expand due to a clogged hollow cavity that can plague traditional designs:

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=hornady+cr...ab=0&u=http://www.hornady.com/story.php?s=786

not saying its any better or worse than other premium offerings;

CorBon's Pow'rball is a similar load:

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=corbon+pow...w.dakotaammo.net/products/glaser/powrball.htm

if this is too much info...Hornady XTP bullets and ammunition loaded with XTP bullets are quite accurate and work great where deeper penetration is desired

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Hornady makes very good ammo.....but.... i would not use any of their 38 for self defense.

I would agree with you on Hornady XTP ammo but not for Hornady's new Critical Defense ammo. I guess they heard the complaints and came up with something I think is much better then the XTP bullet for SD.

 

[rcmodel]

Well, the XTP was developed to meet the 1988 FBI penetration requirements through glass & heavy clothing. Now everyone is whining because they won't blow open on tissue paper.

Can't have it both ways!

rc

 

[MikeS.]

I really like the XTP for .38 & .357 and .44 mag loads.