First Impressions of Wilson Combat Hornady XTP .38 Super +P 124 Grain Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A38SU-124-XTP $1.76 Off
The .38 Super +P is a cartridge with a cult following, often overshadowed by the 9mm and .45 ACP. Finding reliable, high-performance defensive ammunition for it can be a challenge. When I saw that Wilson Combat, a name synonymous with quality 1911s and accessories, was offering a load featuring the Hornady XTP bullet, my interest was piqued.
My search began when I decided to upgrade my carry ammo for my custom 1911 chambered in .38 Super. I needed something with proven terminal ballistics, consistent performance, and the accuracy to match the pistol’s potential.
The packaging was typical for handgun ammunition, a sturdy cardboard box containing 20 rounds. The rounds themselves looked immaculate; clean brass, precisely seated bullets, and no visible imperfections. My initial impression was that this was a premium product, reflecting the reputations of both Wilson Combat and Hornady.
Compared to some other .38 Super +P offerings, particularly some of the boutique brands, the Wilson Combat offering seemed more reasonably priced, especially with the current discount. I was also considering some DoubleTap loads, but the proven track record of the Hornady XTP swayed me. My first thought was: “This ammo looks serious, let’s see if it lives up to the hype!”
Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat Hornady XTP .38 Super +P 124 Grain Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A38SU-124-XTP $1.76 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor shooting range on a crisp autumn morning. I ran the Wilson Combat Hornady XTP ammunition through my custom-built 1911, as well as a more budget-friendly Rock Island Armory .38 Super. Both pistols have 5-inch barrels.
The ammunition performed flawlessly in both pistols. There were no malfunctions, and the recoil felt manageable and consistent. The day was dry and cool, around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze.
I was immediately impressed with the accuracy. At 15 yards, I was consistently printing groups of around 1.5 inches with the custom 1911. Even the Rock Island, which is typically less accurate, managed groups around 2.5 inches. There were no unexpected pressure signs or feeding issues.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of sporadic range trips and dry-fire drills, I’ve put approximately 300 rounds of this ammunition through my pistols. The Wilson Combat Hornady XTP has remained incredibly reliable. I have yet to experience a single malfunction of any kind.
The ammunition has held up well in storage. The brass casings show no signs of corrosion or tarnishing. Cleaning is straightforward; standard bore solvent and brushes work perfectly.
Compared to some of the cheaper, bulk-packed .38 Super ammunition I’ve used in the past, the Wilson Combat offering is a significant step up in terms of consistency and accuracy. It inspires confidence, which is paramount when selecting ammunition for self-defense. It significantly outperformed the cheaper ammunition I previously used.
Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat Hornady XTP .38 Super +P 124 Grain Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A38SU-124-XTP $1.76 Off
Specifications
- The ammunition is chambered in .38 Super +P. This offers increased velocity and energy compared to standard .38 Super loads.
- It features a 124-grain Hornady XTP jacketed hollow point bullet. The XTP is known for its controlled expansion and deep penetration.
- The cartridges are brass-cased. Brass casings ensure reliable feeding and extraction.
- The listed muzzle velocity is 1335 ft/s. This velocity provides significant energy transfer upon impact.
- The listed muzzle energy is 491 ft-lbs. This energy level is sufficient for effective self-defense.
- It uses centerfire primers. Centerfire primers offer greater reliability than rimfire primers.
- The sectional density is 0.123. This measurement relates bullet weight to diameter, and influences penetration.
- The G1 Ballistic Coefficient is 0.274. This number is useful for calculating bullet drop at longer ranges, although it’s less important for typical self-defense distances.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the ammunition’s terminal performance and reliability. The +P rating and the Hornady XTP bullet are specifically chosen for self-defense. The velocity and bullet design combine to ensure effective expansion and penetration, even through barriers.
Performance & Functionality
The Wilson Combat Hornady XTP .38 Super +P ammunition performs exceptionally well. Accuracy is outstanding, as demonstrated by the tight groupings during testing. Reliability has been flawless across multiple firearms.
The ammunition’s strengths lie in its consistent velocity, excellent accuracy, and proven terminal ballistics of the Hornady XTP bullet. One potential area for “improvement” (though not a major flaw) would be offering a version with a slightly heavier bullet weight for even deeper penetration. It meets and exceeds my expectations for defensive ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the ammunition itself is fairly standard, but the quality is evident. The brass casings are clean and uniform, and the bullets are precisely seated.
The ammunition is very user-friendly. There is no learning curve, it loads easily into magazines, and functions flawlessly in properly maintained firearms chambered in .38 Super.
Durability & Maintenance
The brass casings are durable and resistant to corrosion. With proper storage, this ammunition should last for many years.
Maintenance is minimal; simply store the ammunition in a cool, dry place. After shooting, standard cleaning procedures for the firearm will suffice.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ammunition itself does not require accessories or customization. It is ready to use straight out of the box.
However, a high-quality magazine is essential for reliable feeding in any semi-automatic pistol. Ensure that the magazines used are specifically designed for .38 Super. Wilson Combat also offers excellent magazines known for their reliability.
Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat Hornady XTP .38 Super +P 124 Grain Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A38SU-124-XTP $1.76 Off
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy: Consistently tight groupings at various distances.
- Proven terminal ballistics: The Hornady XTP bullet is a trusted design for self-defense.
- Flawless reliability: No malfunctions experienced during extensive testing.
- Consistent performance: Minimal velocity variations between rounds.
- Premium components: High-quality brass casings and primers.
Cons
- The 124-grain bullet weight might be considered lighter than some prefer for deep penetration in certain scenarios.
- The +P loading may increase wear and tear on older or weaker firearms chambered in .38 Super.
Who Should Buy Wilson Combat Hornady XTP .38 Super +P 124 Grain Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A38SU-124-XTP $1.76 Off?
This ammunition is perfect for individuals who carry a firearm chambered in .38 Super for self-defense and demand reliable, accurate, and effective ammunition. It’s also well-suited for competitive shooters who require consistent performance and tight groupings.
Those who should skip this product include individuals with older .38 Super firearms that may not be rated for +P ammunition. Also, those who primarily practice with very inexpensive ammunition might find this load too costly for high-volume training.
A must-have accessory is a reliable magazine designed specifically for .38 Super, such as those offered by Wilson Combat or Tripp Research. A quality holster designed for the specific firearm being used is also essential for safe and comfortable carry.
Conclusion on Wilson Combat Hornady XTP .38 Super +P 124 Grain Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition A38SU-124-XTP $1.76 Off
The Wilson Combat Hornady XTP .38 Super +P 124 Grain Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition is an outstanding defensive load. Its accuracy, reliability, and the proven performance of the Hornady XTP bullet make it a top contender in the .38 Super +P market.
The price is justified, considering the quality of the components and the consistent performance. While perhaps not the cheapest option, the peace of mind it provides is worth the investment.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to anyone seeking a premium defensive load for their .38 Super pistol. If you demand the best for your .38 Super, don’t hesitate – grab a box (or several!) of the Wilson Combat Hornady XTP and experience the difference for yourself.