get creative...how Hornady should improve XTP handgun ammo to compete in SD market

[kmrcstintn]

Okay...I'll start...

I used to load my CCW and HD revolvers with Hornady .38 spl (non +p) 125 grain XTP due to its moderate recoil and I wanted a non +p that was heavier than 110 grain; after doing research (seems it doesn't expand from a snubby gun) and testing several 'tried and true' loads, I stopped buying it; so...

1) design a bullet (.357" 125 grain) to expand reliably in a lower velocity range

2) incorporate a .38 spl (non +p) loading in their TAP-FPD lineup with nickel oxide coated brass and flash suppressant

the .38 snubby revolver is still a prolific CCW platform; I like Hornady products; I often find Hornady products to be more accurate that other SD loads on the market; I want my cake and eat it too...

anyone else have any ideas?

 

[Vern Humphrey]

An old fashioned wadcutter can make a potent load from a snubbie. The theory is that expansion is an iffy thing from such a short barrel, but a wide, flat nose will cut a full-size channel.

 

[MCgunner]

I've always found Hornady ammo neutered in power, probably paranoid of tort lawyers, I'm not so paranoid. So, I buy XTP bullets and load 'em hot to REAL +P levels. I shoot hornady XTP 115s in my 9mm to about 1265 fps out of a 3" barrel. I'm convinced they'll do the job. Main thing is, they're friggin' accurate and shoot right to POA in the gun, main reason I use the bullets. Funny, but I can load winchester 115 JHP bullets over the same load to the same velocity about and they hit 8" high! I'll never figure out how different bullets of the same weight can it to different POI, but this little 9, it is particularly so. I think it might have something to do with the dynamics of the breech as it unlocks/when it unlocks, but don't know. At that power level, I probably need a little stronger recoil spring, but it doesn't show any swelling at the case head or anything and I've never had a problem shooting the load, very accurate and reliable. And, that Winchester bullet, even loaded for minimum power factor in IDPA from another gun, shoots 8" high in the Kel Tec. Weird.

 

[briansp82593]

i feel that yeah they are a little under powered but otherwise work ok

 

[RyanM]

The main problem with XTPs is they have spotty expansion through clothing. Fix that, and they'd be fine.

 

[P. Plainsman]

I've always found Hornady ammo neutered in power, probably paranoid of tort lawyers, I'm not so paranoid. So, I buy XTP bullets and load 'em hot to REAL +P levels.

Yeah, I am a big fan of the Hornady XTP bullet for accuracy in a variety of calibers. But Hornady's TAP 124 grain round has been clocked at 1080 fps or so in standard-length 9mm pistols. Bleah. I agree, MCgunner, that's a "neutered" power level. And the XTP is a hollowpoint that needs good velocity to work!

My solution is simple: I don't buy Hornady 9mm. I buy my XTP-tipped 9mm defense ammo from Black Hills, who approaches the task in a much more intelligent fashion. The Black Hills 124 gr JHP+P is hot. It should be good for at least 1200 fps in standard pistols. People have clocked Speer's Gold Dot 124 gr +P factory round (the NYPD's load) at 1180 fps, and the Black Hills +P round definitely feels hotter than it.

The Black Hills XTP ammo is also very accurate in my CZ pistols; probably the most accurate ammo I've tried.

 

[skeeter1]

I buy XTP bullets and load 'em hot to REAL +P levels.

That's what I do as well. I haven't tried them out on a two-legged meat creature yet, but I'm sure they'll work just fine.

 

[strat81]

I'll be the dissenting wuss and say that I'm happy with my factory Hornady TAP FPD 124gr. For handloads, I load a 124gr XTP over 4.1gr of Titegroup. It's the most accurate thing I've found so far out of my G26.

Hornady is also a little odd in that they do not sell "plinking" ammo. No Blazer, American Eagle, Lawman, UMC, White Box, etc. from them.

 

[usp9]

Hornady TAP FPD is my CCW ammo of choice also, mainly due to accuracy attained, consistency and low flash. I think it is great ammo, though expensive.

 

[ARTiger]

Any opnions on the Sierra bullet CorBon uses in their 115 grain +p? They claim 1350 fps and 466 ft/lbs ME on that load, but I'm wary because I don't know much about how this bullet performs. It's sort of different in that it has a sharp taper into a truncated cone point. Appears to be their "Sportsmaster" bullet.

 

[Jim March]

The XTP needs speed to work. It's best role is as a deep-punch hunting round. It *sometimes* has a place in personal defense but the 38spl (and even 38+P) is NOT it.

What we need for 38spl standard-pressure snubby use is a dead soft plain lead hollow-base 148gr wadcutter turned backwards and run at somewhere between 750fps and 800fps. It probably won't punch must past 8 or 9 inches but by God it'll expand .

 

[bigmike45]

I agree with Mr. March. I have been handloading the 215gr XTP for my 7.5" Redhawk 41 mag for many years and it has never failed to expand in the animal I shot it into, and the ranges have been as far out as 100 yards. It is a very good round when pushed a little bit. I agree that the 38special +P is not that round.

bigmike

 

[pinotguy]

"get creative...how Hornady should improve XTP handgun ammo to compete in SD market"

If they started making them like the Barnes XPB they'd be on to something.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Give the round some power Like shooting a cap gun and no expansion from HP. Factory loading sucks
Corbon works