Powder for .32 mag, 100 gr, snub nose

[Ohen Cepel]

Hm. Hornady's web information is crappy. Shows the different product numbers for 158 gr .357 but says nothing about how they are different.

But one of them is called "FP", so we can assume that means "flat point", not intended for expansion.

The little slip of paper that came out of an XTP box lists:
#35710 38-125 HP/XTP 800-1600 fps
#35730 38-125 FP/XTP 1200-1700 fps

#35750 38-158 HP/XTP 700-1400 fps
#35780 38-158 FP/XTP 1175-1800+ fps

Hope I transcribed all that right. Looks like they call them a "flat nose" which makes less sense as that doesn't match the FP. However, they are XTP's with a HP in them and will expand at a higher fps. I see why they would make 2 given the range a 38 or 357 could be expected to perform over but they could make it a bit clearer.

 

[RealGun]

Hm. Hornady's web information is crappy. Shows the different product numbers for 158 gr .357 but says nothing about how they are different.

But one of them is called "FP", so we can assume that means "flat point", not intended for expansion.

They both are the petalled XTP, but the flat point may have the hollow filled with lead or polymer, both intended to expand. ICBW. The flat point may run smoother and perhaps safer in a tube fed carbine.

 

[Shivahasagun]

The little slip of paper that came out of an XTP box lists:
#35710 38-125 HP/XTP 800-1600 fps
#35730 38-125 FP/XTP 1200-1700 fps

#35750 38-158 HP/XTP 700-1400 fps
#35780 38-158 FP/XTP 1175-1800+ fps

Hope I transcribed all that right. Looks like they call them a "flat nose" which makes less sense as that doesn't match the FP. However, they are XTP's with a HP in them and will expand at a higher fps. I see why they would make 2 given the range a 38 or 357 could be expected to perform over but they could make it a bit clearer.

Thanks.

Here are tests from Luckygunner. They got zero expansion from .38 Special 125 gr and 158 gr factory XTP's even from a 4 inch barrel.

Hornady isn't the first or last company to be "optimistic" about the performance of their product.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/

 

[RealGun]

Thanks.

Here are tests from Luckygunner. They got zero expansion from .38 Special 125 gr and 158 gr factory XTP's even from a 4 inch barrel.

Hornady isn't the first or last company to be "optimistic" about the performance of their product.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/

I read 50% expansion from Hornady 158 XTP, 4" barrel, .357 Magnum. But that is commercial ammo at the usual performance velocity. They are not showing any study of the minimum velocity for expansion, all other variables equal, to support your premise. It is useful though to observe the performance, or lack of it, at 38 Special velocities. I see Hornady using lighter FTX bullets to enhance performance in less powerful loads and smaller guns.

 

[Shivahasagun]

I read 50% expansion from Hornady 158 XTP, 4" barrel, .357 Magnum. But that is commercial ammo at the usual performance velocity. They are not showing any study of the minimum velocity for expansion, all other variables equal, to support your premise. It is useful though to observe the performance, or lack of it, at 38 Special velocities. I see Hornady using lighter FTX bullets to enhance performance in less powerful loads and smaller guns.

I had the same lack of expansion from Georgia Arms 100 gr xtp chronographed from my LCR at avg 1045 fps. Too slow. Needs a longer barrel or .327 pressures / velocities.

I've seen several tests from others with the 85 gr xtp and it works fine at about 925 fps up IIRC. But doesn't penetrate a whole lot when it does expand. It's on par with a good .380 jhp.

I'd like a good, expanding 100 gr (or over 100 gr) .32 bullet that performs well without the hard-kicking, ear-busting .327 Fed mag pressures.

Otherwise, from a short barrel, it seems .32 Mag "only" offers .380 acp performance.

 

[Shivahasagun]

I see Hornady using lighter FTX bullets to enhance performance in less powerful loads and smaller guns.

Yes. And the 135 gr FTX bullet and Hornady Critical Duty .357 "medium" load w/flash retardant is a very good load. The downside is the primers are less sensitive than Federals and while my Colt has fired them, the little dents make me nervous enough not to trust them for defensive use.

Darn shame because it's a good load. Probably the best ever "medium" .357 mag load for Police / Security / HD / SD.