Hornady XTP 147gr chronograph

[JamieC]

Out to the range today, trying NOT to shoot my new chronograph, (success!), amongst other things, I chronographed some 147gr XTP Hornady that I reloaded. 5.1gr of Power Pistol, averaged 1028fps out of a S&W Sigma. Didn't see any signs of overpressure, primer edges still rounded. One or two looked like the beginning of cratering around the firing pin mark, (maybe I was expecting something). Does Hornady make this ammo in a +P? Any idea what they rate it for, speed wise? Just want to make sure the 147gr bullets are going fast enough to expand. The same ammo averaged about 947fps out of a Kel Tec PF9, 1237fps out of a carbine. Sound about right?
Edit: just had the brilliant idea, look up Hornady's web site, their 147gt XTP isn't rated +P, muzzle velocity is 975fps, 935fps @ 50ft. My last test with these bullets, 4.8gr of Power Pistol averaged 969fps, about 12ft out.Certainly NOT going any hotter. I think I'll load up some more, REALLY check the cases...this is fun!

 

[gamestalker]

I run a lot of those 147 gr. XTP's with Longshot with a worked up max charge, they are screaming at around 1050 fps. These results are from various different firearms, some full sized, some short barreled sub compacts. I haven't had any issues with excessive pressures, been loading them like this for ever.

FYI, don't rely on primer appearance as a manner of reading pressures for AL weapons. It's not the same as what you would see with a wheel gun or bolt gun, not at all the same. You'll blow a case long before you see any of the usual tell tale signs associated with the other type weapons, such as revolvers, bolt gun, single shot, ect.. A chrony can be helpful if the published fps estimates were conducted using an actual firearm, not a test/pressure barrel, and also brass extraction distances. Well that, and sticking to a good source of published data in conjunction with using a common sense work up.

Oh, and tests I conducted using wet denim produced reliable expansion, and very good penetration at velocities in the 1000 fps range. OTOH, 124's have been my personal choice for SD, as they are much easier to get 1000 fps with, and penetration has been no less, if not some what better than the 147's.

GS

 

[RussellC]

Hornady does sell a 135 gr XTP +p version, (loaded ammo) but I have never run across those bullets sold separately. My clips are loaded with them as we speak.

Russellc