Purpose of Flat Point Hornady .357 XTP's?

[Richard.Howe]

Just bought a small box of 158 gr. Flat Point Hornady XTP's for my model 686. There's a small indentation in the nose, like a teeny version of the opening on a hollow point.

I know that the Hollow Point 158 gr. XTP's are good for small/medium game when shot placement is guaranteed. But what's the application for the flat point XTP's?

I am assuming you get deeper penetration and less expansion? Anyone had actual game experience with these bullets?

Thanks,
Rich

 

[ChristopherG]

I haven't used 'em yet, but I just got a box delivered from MidwayUSA today. What they're for is going fast. Hornady's reloading manual lists 1400, IIRC, as about top intended speed for the XTP HP; for the XTP FP, it's 1800. I'm reloading them for my Marlin 1894, in which 1800 is no sweat--some distance from the muzzle. Deer season's coming.

You're right about the impact on function of that little divot of a hollowpoint; this bullet will penetrate deeper before opening than will the HP.

 

[Random Discharge]

I load them for my 10" Contender barrel for the same reason. Using the XTP/FP alleviates jacket separation concerns because it is designed to travel fast. With no barrel/cylinder gap on a single shot Contender and a 10" barrel, 158gr. 357's over W296 at 1600+ fps are no problem. Energy approaches that of a 240 gr. 44 revolver with this combination.

 

[mtnbkr]

I may have to check out the 180s for my 357mag...

Chris

 

[Richard.Howe]

Thanks everyone. Would you say then that the XTP-FP has "limited application" in 1400 fps revolver loads?

Would you feel comfortable tagging a deer broadside at 20 yds with this round given the above specs? I think the HP may be better-suited...

 

[ChristopherG]

Agreed. The HP will expand as designed; the FP would stand a good chance, I would think, of punching a path little different from a FMJ at typical handgun speeds. I don't know this from experience, however--only from reading about others' experience. Hopefully we'll scare up some older, wiser--or at least wiser--heads to offer their input.

 

[stans]

The flat point is unlikely to expand and will penetrate deeper. The lack of expansion means less destruction to the meat of the animal. Shot placement will be far more critical since there will not be a big exit wound with large amounts of bleeding. This bullet should have a similar effect as shooting a cast lead semi-wadcutter, only it is fully jacketed and will not leave any lead fouling in the barrel.

 

[mtnbkr]

Understood, but how is that any different than Hornady's non-XTP flat point?

Chris

 

[Okiecruffler]

Bought some by accident a while back thinking they were the JHP I usually load for my Contender. Saw an immediate increase in accuracy over the HP's with the same load of powder.