Hornady XTP Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Hollow Point Review

Let’s Talk About Hornady XTP Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Hollow Point

The Hornady XTP Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Hollow Point represent a gold standard in handgun projectiles, especially for those seeking a reliable and accurate bullet for self-defense or hunting applications. Manufactured by Hornady, a company renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation, these bullets offer a compelling blend of controlled expansion and deep penetration, making them a top choice for serious shooters. I was looking for a projectile that offered consistent performance across both .38 Special and .357 Magnum loadings.

My search led me to these Hornady XTPs because of their reputation for accuracy and controlled expansion, which are critical for ethical hunting and effective self-defense. Upon receiving the box, the first thing I noticed was the consistent quality of the bullets; each one was perfectly formed and uniformly sized. The weight felt precise and even in my hand, a testament to Hornady’s manufacturing process.

I considered other options, such as the Speer Gold Dot and the Sierra JHP, but I chose the Hornady XTP for its versatility in both .38 Special and .357 Magnum, and its track record of consistent expansion at various velocities. I was excited to finally test these bullets and see if they lived up to the hype.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady XTP Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Hollow Point to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Hornady XTP Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Hollow Point at my local shooting range, loading them into both .38 Special and .357 Magnum cases using a progressive reloading press. I wanted to evaluate their accuracy and expansion characteristics at different velocities. The weather was a typical Texas summer day, hot and humid, which can sometimes affect powder performance.

The .38 Special loads were exceptionally smooth and accurate, consistently grouping within 2 inches at 25 yards from my Smith & Wesson Model 686. The .357 Magnum loads, while producing significantly more recoil, still maintained excellent accuracy, grouping within 2.5 inches at the same distance from my Ruger GP100. Seating depth was straightforward and crimping was a breeze thanks to the cannelure.

I didn’t encounter any issues during the reloading process, and the bullets fed flawlessly in both revolvers. The most notable surprise was how consistent the velocities were across multiple rounds, indicating a high level of uniformity in bullet weight and dimensions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Hornady XTP bullets have consistently delivered excellent performance, proving their reliability across numerous reloading sessions. I’ve used these bullets in a variety of scenarios, from casual target practice to preparing hunting loads for whitetail deer. There were no failures to expand in water jug tests, when velocities were at standard pressure recommendations.

Despite the high volume of rounds loaded, I’ve observed no degradation in the bullets’ quality or performance. The copper jackets remain intact during firing, and there has been no evidence of leading in my barrels, even with the hotter .357 Magnum loads. Cleaning my revolvers after using these bullets has been relatively easy, requiring only standard solvents and brushes.

Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper, less consistent bullets, the Hornady XTP bullets have been a significant upgrade, offering greater accuracy, reliability, and peace of mind. They consistently outperformed the generic jacketed hollow points I had used previously, justifying the slightly higher cost.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady XTP Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Hollow Point

Specifications

• Caliber: .38 Caliber / .357.
  This indicates the bullets are suitable for both .38 Special and .357 Magnum firearms, providing versatility for reloaders.
• Bullet Weight: 158 grain.
  A heavier bullet weight delivers greater energy on target and deeper penetration.
• Bullet Type: Hollow Point (HP).
  The hollow point design promotes rapid expansion upon impact, maximizing stopping power.
• Sectional Density: 0.177.
  This measurement reflects the bullet’s potential for penetration; a higher sectional density generally means deeper penetration.
• Bullet Quantity: 100 Bullet.
  Each box contains 100 bullets, providing a sufficient supply for multiple reloading sessions.
• Fabric/Material: Copper.
  The copper jacket ensures smooth passage through the barrel and contributes to the bullet’s expansion characteristics.
• Manufacturer: Hornady.
  Hornady is a trusted name in ammunition and reloading components, known for its quality and consistency.

These specifications are critical because they directly impact the bullet’s performance in terms of accuracy, penetration, and expansion, all of which are essential for effective self-defense and ethical hunting. The Hornady XTP’s design strikes a balance between these factors, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of applications.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady XTP Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Hollow Point perform exceptionally well in terms of accuracy, consistently delivering tight groupings at various ranges. The controlled expansion ensures that the bullet transfers its energy efficiently to the target, maximizing stopping power without excessive over-penetration.

The strengths of these bullets lie in their consistent performance, reliable expansion, and excellent accuracy. One potential weakness is that they may not be ideal for hunting larger, tougher game, where a heavier, more specialized bullet may be necessary. Overall, the Hornady XTP bullets meet and exceed expectations for a general-purpose handgun projectile.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hornady XTP bullets are well-designed, with a sleek profile that facilitates smooth feeding and consistent seating during the reloading process. The copper jacket is uniformly thick, and the hollow point cavity is precisely formed, contributing to the bullet’s overall accuracy and expansion characteristics.

These bullets are user-friendly, requiring no special tools or techniques to load properly. The cannelure is a thoughtful addition that helps ensure consistent crimping, further enhancing accuracy and reliability.

Durability & Maintenance

Given their construction from high-quality materials, the Hornady XTP bullets are expected to last indefinitely under proper storage conditions. They are not subject to wear and tear in the traditional sense, as their primary function is to be fired once.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only basic cleaning of the firearm after use to remove any residue from the bullet’s passage through the barrel.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hornady XTP Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Hollow Point do not require any specific accessories, as they are the primary component of a reloaded cartridge. However, they can be paired with various powder types, primers, and cases to achieve different performance characteristics.

While the bullets themselves cannot be customized, reloaders can tailor their loads to suit specific firearms or applications. The bullets are compatible with standard reloading dies and equipment, making them easy to incorporate into existing reloading setups.

Pros and Cons of Hornady XTP Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Hollow Point

Who Should Buy Hornady XTP Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Hollow Point?

The Hornady XTP Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Hollow Point are perfect for reloaders who are looking for a versatile and reliable bullet for self-defense, target shooting, and small game hunting. They are also an excellent choice for law enforcement officers or security personnel who require a high-performance handgun projectile.

Those who should skip this product are individuals seeking the absolute cheapest option for reloading, or those who require a specialized bullet for hunting extremely large or dangerous game. A must-have for reloading the Hornady XTP is a good progressive press, quality dies, and a reliable source of reloading data.

Conclusion on Hornady XTP Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Hollow Point

The Hornady XTP Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Hollow Point are an outstanding choice for anyone seeking a reliable, accurate, and versatile handgun projectile. The price is justified by the consistent performance and high-quality construction of these bullets.

I would personally recommend these bullets to any reloader who values accuracy, reliability, and stopping power. If you’re looking for a bullet that will perform consistently across a variety of applications, look no further than the Hornady XTP. Add these bullets to your reloading bench, and experience the difference that quality makes.