9x18mm gel test: Hornady 95 gr XTP

[chopinbloc]

Video link for phones




Hornady 95 gr XTP fired from Bulgarian Arsenal Makarov into calibrated 10% gelatin with and without denim.

BB: 590.8 fps, 3.0"

Bare gel results:

Impact velocity: 1,027 fps
Penetration: 6.9"
Retained weight: 93.2 gr
Max expansion: 0.657"
Min expansion: 0.494"

4 layers of denim results:

Impact velocity: 1,077 fps
Penetration: 12.9"
Retained weight: 95.3 gr
Max expansion: 0.534"
Min expansion: 0.400"


Unfortunately, the card in one of my cameras became corrupted, causing me to lose the HD side view footage and the photos that I took before weighing and measuring the projectiles. Thankfully, I hadn't already melted the blocks when I discovered the problem so I retook the photos without the bullets present in the block. Sorry for that.

The final portion was supposed to be much closer so you could more clearly view feeding and ejection. Next time I'll position the camera much closer and set the frame rate to 120 frames per second instead of 240 for better resolution. Hey, I'm still learning.

 

[kokapelli]

The Hornady 380 XTP from a P238 tested significantly better!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O15fRBdo-38

 

[Wishoot]

Only 6.9" in bare gel. Not good.

 

[chopinbloc]

No, it's not. And you'll notice that the denim shot only partially expanded.

 

[strambo]

Well...so long as you only get in a shootout with your Mak at a White Snake concert (lots of denim-clad fans), it will be OK!

 

[Gary A]

That test would seem to indicate that in performance the 9x18 is closer to the 9x17 than the 9x19 and might be best served with its original Fmj loading.

Of course, deep down we already knew that.

 

[chopinbloc]

I think you're right. I really wanted this to be a good performer but I think I knew it wouldn't be. I'm sure it would be possible to design a projectile that would feed in most pistols and expand modestly while penetrating adequately but I doubt any company is willing to invest the R&D in such a niche area.

 

[MedWheeler]

I was hoping to place my recently-acquired Bulgarian into my carry rotation, too.

Well, probably still will.. tested it a few days ago, but with Blazer ball ammo (only stuff I could get my hands on.) Ran very well, and I was pleased with its "pointability" and ease on hitting where I was trying.

Thanks for passing this on.

 

[Robbins290]

Glad i swtiched all my 9x18's to 380. More common ammo, thus cheaper to shoot.

 

[Deaf Smith]

If I was gonna pack my EG Makarov 9x18, I'd use service ball ammo.

The very round, almost blunt, fmj at 1000 or so fps is not all that bad.

Deaf

 

[Pilot]

I'd like to see a test of the 95 grain +p Hornady Critical Defense with the polymer insert in the hollow point. It may get better penetration. That is what I am carrying in my P-83.

 

[North Bender]

chopinbloc you recorded the highest velocities I've ever seen for Hornady XTP. Hornady advertises that the round travels 1,000 fps but it's known that they use a test barrel that is longer than a Makarov PM. I have never heard of the XTP exceeding 1,000 fos. Here are some posted velocities:

- 20 rounds: 908 - 956 fps (my chronograph)

- 1 round: 952 fps (brassfetcher, 7.3-inches penetration in ballistic gel)
- 1 round: 927 fps (brassfetcher, 7.7-inches penetration in ballistic gel)

(brassfetcher reported that with one drop of Loctite Superglue dried in the JHP cavity (to retard expansion, increase penetration) the round impacted at 925 ft/sec, penetrated to 8.3" (corrected). Average diameter was 0.534".)

- 1 round: 859 fps (Goldenloki - I've lost the penetration data)

- 921 fps (reported by forum member M2 Carbine)

- 979 fps (Stephen Camp, Highpowersand handguns.com)

There are a lot of comments on Hornady XTP being loaded to a low velocity. I've often wondered what would happen to the penetration if you loaded the bullet hotter. Will it expand more and then penetrate less? Brassfetcher's data may indicate that's the case.

 

[chopinbloc]

Interesting. I suppose my chronograph could be out of calibration. Maybe they have changed their load.

 

[Walt Sherrill]

I find it puzzling that the round's penetration in bare gel is less than in 4-layers of denim AND gel... How does that happen?

 

[chopinbloc]

Denim clogs the cavity of the hollow point, causing it to expand less and more slowly.

 

[North Bender]

As evidenced by the increased penetration when brassfetcher clogged the HP with locktite.

 

[chopinbloc]

Yeah, I meant to say that's a pretty neat trick. It was just a couple drops, right?

 

[Walt Sherrill]

Denim clogs the cavity of the hollow point, causing it to expand less and more slowly.

I understand and have seen differences before, but not such GREAT differences.

The same basic round in .380 (XTP) doesn't show as profound a difference -- link below.

http://mousegunaddict.blogspot.com/2013/07/hornady-custom-380-auto-90-grain-xtp.html

 

[chopinbloc]

You're right. The difference is usually pretty small. I think the driving factor here is that the denim shot almost didn't expand at all. Did you watch my other 9x18mm video? The difference there was even greater, IIRC.

 

[BSA1]

Barnaul Silver Bear JHP seems to perform very well in the gel and demin tests on YouTube. The nicest thing is it is low enough priced for regular practice. However I also prefer FMJ in the .380 & 9x18.

 

[chopinbloc]

I'll keep an eye out for it.

 

[snorko]

I would like to see this compared with Hornady's Makarov Critical Defense FTX load.

 

[chopinbloc]

I'll look for that one too.