158gr XTP in a J-Frame?

[Super77]

I noticed Hornady is loading a 38 Special with their 158gr XTP (http://www.luckygunner.com/hornady-38-spl-ammo-for-sale-38special158xtphornady-25). This seems like it might be a good low-recoil option especially in the wintertime when penetration can be an issue. Has anyone tested this ammo or have any experience with this loading?

[Clay]

Zero expansion from a 2" gun. The 125 XTP does a little better.

[Nephrology]

Zero expansion from a 2" gun. The 125 XTP does a little better.

Source?

[Clay]

My own use. I haven't seen any published data on the XTP's in .38 special. I have shot lots of animals and other stuff with XTP's.

In general, the XTP would not be my choice in a .38, other than a 4-5" gun for hunting. I'd go with one of the various "FBI" loads myself, or the DPX or 135 Gold Dot.

[Nephrology]

My own use. I haven't seen any published data on the XTP's in .38 special. I have shot lots of animals and other stuff with XTP's.

In general, the XTP would not be my choice in a .38, other than a 4-5" gun for hunting. I'd go with one of the various "FBI" loads myself, or the DPX or 135 Gold Dot.

Gotcha. Would be curious to see gel testing of the XTP. I have the 135 gold dot now myself.

[Clay]

I would as well. I tested them 20 years ago in gel from a S&W 642, but I do not remember the exact results. They work good from a lever gun on coyotes and deer.

[deputyG23]

Ran some of these through the chrono today
717 fps 6 shot average from a 4" M10
733 fps 5 shot average from a 2" M60. Strange that the snub ran faster then the service length barrel. Need to check BCG on M10.

[DocGKR]

The XTP's generally don't expand from a .38 sp 2", especially through heavy clothing...

[deputyG23]

Ran some of these through the chrono today
717 fps 6 shot average from a 4" M10
733 fps 5 shot average from a 2" M60. Strange that the snub ran faster then the service length barrel. Need to check BCG on M10.
BCG on M10 used in test was .013. All of my other older Smiths run .004-.005. Glad I followed up. This particular M10 did HD duty for the bride and is a situational carry gun for me. Time to find a good S&W plumber and get it corrected.
Will redo 4" chrono test with a different M10 soon.

[Super77]

What velocity would you expect from a 4"?

[deputyG23]

What velocity would you expect from a 4"?
I would hope for at least 800 fps. I use the Hornady rounds for reloads in speed strips for my older guns that hit POA with 158 grain ammo. The 158 +P LHP rounds I carry in the gun get mashed bullet noses when carried in a pocket over a period of time.

[deputyG23]

Chronographed the Hornady round this morning from a.38 GP-100 4" revolver. BCG .003
Avg 810 fps ES 16 SD 5. Five round average.
Maybe someone can gel test some of this round from a 4" service revolver.

[DocGKR]

We have in the past, they don't consistently expand in 4LD at that velocity, but are very accurate.

[deputyG23]

We have in the past, they don't consistently expand in 4LD at that velocity, but are very accurate.

Thank you, Sir, for your response.