I noticed Hornady is loading a 38 Special with their 158gr XTP. 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?
I noticed Hornady is loading a 38 Special with their 158gr XTP. 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?
Zero expansion from a 2" gun. The 125 XTP does a little better.
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.
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.
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.
The XTP's generally don't expand from a .38 sp 2", especially through heavy clothing...
Facts matter...Feelings Can Lie
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.
What velocity would you expect from a 4"?