Will XTP's expand at .38 velocity

[jim8115]

I usually load my 38's with 158 Grain Hornady LSWC / HP's. I have some Hornady 140 Grain XTP's . I am wondering if it realistic to expect these to expand at 38 special velocity- 3 and 4 inch barrel. If not I will just use them in the .357

JIM

[Adamantium]

This video is with 125 XTP's, but I would be surprised if the results were different for 140's. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbeSm08KINs

[WESHOOT2]

Yes.
Use HS6 in 38 Special.

[Adamantium]

I actually did some bullet testing with some other bullets but included a couple 140 XTP which I have on hand. These were shot straight into bare wet-pack and I've attached the picture which speak for themselves. One is at max load for 38 spl using Universal and one is at max load for 357 magnum using 2400. Universal gets the same velocity as HS-6 but uses less powder. HS-6 is a really random choice for 38 spl unless you were also using it for a caliber it is actually suited for.

Now don't say I never gave you anything

[WESHOOT2]

If simply seasrching for similar velocities Universal is an excellent 38 Special choice.

If loading the 140g XTP-HP in 38 Special specifically for 'social use' then my recommendation of HS6 makes significantly more sense.

If loading the 'social use' 140g XTP-HP for robust 38 Special platforms one moves right to 3N37.

[Adamantium]

If loading the 140g XTP-HP in 38 Special specifically for 'social use' then my recommendation of HS6 makes significantly more sense.

Less velocity, more powder. Sounds like a winner for sure

[David Bachelder]

Hornady xtp's are designed to work between 700 and 1500 fps. According to Hornady.

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XTP®

The controlled expansion of the XTP and XTP Mag is 1.5x its original diameter over a wide range of velocities. It features a heavier jacket, which stands up to the high pressures and velocities of the highest performance handgun. Find out more...

XTP®
•Controlled expansion with deep penetration.
•Recommended muzzle velocity range: 700 to 1500 fps
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Or:

XTP® MAG™
•Controlled expansion with deep penetration at higher velocities than the original XTP.
•Recommended muzzle velocity range: 1200 to 2300 fps
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

[TXGunNut]

I'd stick with the lead if looking for expansion. I'm a big fan of WW's version of that bullet. Bullet expansion at low-to-medium handgun velocities in jacketed bullets is iffy at best. If I want a big hole I start with a big bullet.

[GP100man]

TGN said"If I want a big hole I start with a big bullet."

+1 for that & in the rite place !

[Stick_man]

at .38special velocities, why not just go with a fairly soft cast hollow point? At 700-800 fps, you can get away with just about pure lead and get better expansion than a jacketed bullet plus have less likelihood of bullet weight loss.

[jim8115]

I generally use the Hornady 158 gr LSWC/HP's.... I was just curious if the XTPs were actually any good in a 38. I didnt really think so, but thought I would get others opinions

[WESHOOT2]

HS6 offers flash and noise signatures ideal under the 140g XP-HP in most 38 Special platforms.

Perhaps further understanding promotes certain more appropriate powder choices. Personal defense ammo is never about cheapness.

[Adamantium]

The question asked was if the 140 XTP could be relied upon to expand at 38spl velocity, which is no. HS-6 isn't anything special velocity wise even when Hodgdon pumps it up by shooting it out of a 7.7 inch barrel. Why you are talking about everything else, who knows.

[WESHOOT2]

I (even) loaded the 140g XTP-HP over HS6 for snub-gun use.
Even for my wife's gun.

I assumed the OP was searching for a social-use load, since the 38 Special is less used for hunting.