How do Hornady XTP bullets stack up as self-defense bullets?

[The Shootist]

I'm wondering if anyone has any reports regarding the performance of XTP bullets as defense rounds. How do they stack up against SXTs, Hydra-Shoks, 357B, etc. Any help would be great because I've found XTPs to be extremely accurate in most of my pistols and revolvers. Thanks in advance for the input!

-Joe

[Lucas]

Is there any companies producing loads using XTPs? I would advise against carrying reloads. Just seems to be bad juju if you ever actually have to use your weapon.

[The Shootist]

Is there any companies producing loads using XTPs? I would advise against carrying reloads. Just seems to be bad juju if you ever actually have to use your weapon.

Sure:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=302593
357 Sig 124g

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=619280
38 special 158g

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=517172
357 Magnum 125g

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=694767
9mm 124g

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=596878
40 S&W 155g

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=155424
45 ACP +P 230g

There are others, but I just wanted to throw in some examples. Also, I've heard of the argument regarding not using hand loads as defensive ammo because of court case problems. I've also heard that it's a myth and the reason why you shouldn't use hand loads because you are more prone to make a mistake while reloading than major brand factory ammo. Anyone wish to clarify this issue? Thanks!

[Lucas]

I somehow completely forgot that hornady actually loads their xtps. Had my head down too close to the reloading bench lately or something.

This link may help, if you haven't already seen it.
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/HornadyXTP.htm

[knight0334]

The .357" XTP's expand pretty reliably. At .38spl to moderate .357mag velocities they have good lead retention. At hyper-357mag speeds I've had some come apart, but we're talking 1950fps with 125gr slugs.

[IronButt]

I've been reloading XTP's almost exclusively for my 9, .40 & .45 for years. I wouldn't hesitate to use them for SD.

[sleeper78]

I'm pretty sure there is a thread around here somewhere devoted to the legalities of reloads for self defense.

[unclesam099]

I'm looking for load data for 45ACP using Win231 under a 185gr XTP... So far, there's a lot of conflicting data. Hornady #6 recommends 7.2gr MAX 1.230", vs. Hodgdon's 5.9gr (185gr JSWC) 1.195" vs. Lyman #49 at 6.1gr 1.175" under a 185 XTP. Not sure what to believe at this point. I think that I will use 6.0gr and 1.200"

I was going for about 900-950fps from a 4" XD45 bbl, can anyone help with real experience?

[IronButt]

I'm looking for load data for 45ACP using Win231 under a 185gr XTP... So far, there's a lot of conflicting data. Hornady #6 recommends 7.2gr MAX 1.230", vs. Hodgdon's 5.9gr (185gr JSWC) 1.195" vs. Lyman #49 at 6.1gr 1.175" under a 185 XTP. Not sure what to believe at this point. I think that I will use 6.0gr and 1.200"

I was going for about 900-950fps from a 4" XD45 bbl, can anyone help with real experience?

For .45 I've only ever loaded 230gr with Hodgdens Universal @ 1.2"

I found this though:

http://www.handloads.org/loaddata/de...rce=Winchester

I use an old Hodgdens manual, so use this ^ info at your own risk.

[doc454]

I have also heard that one should never use handloads for SD. It was in the context that a jury might find that you made your loads to cause undue damage. Excuse me, but is not that the point of a SD load?

Never tried loading my .45 with XTP's, but I use them exclusively for all my hunting pistol loads. I load my .454 Cassull with 300g XTP over 31.2g H110, with great accuracy. The stopping power is phenomenal.