Why do manuals treat HDY XTP bullets separately?

[soldernut]

I've noticed an interesting thing in several of my reloading data sources (manuals and on-line factory data). Many of them list the Hornady XTP bullets in a category by themselves.

They'll have sections for Lead, Plated, Jacketed, Copper (Barnes) - and then XTP; as if XTPs are, somehow or other, significantly different from all other jacketed bullets.

Can anyone shed any light on this?

 

[Sgt Garcia]

What are some manuals that do this?

Dennis.

 

[soldernut]

What are some manuals that do this?

Dennis.

Lee "Modern Reloading Second Edition," Hodgon on-line loading data are two that quickly come to mind.

 

[M'BOGO]

In the late '90's Midway made four caliber specific loading manuals, for the 9X19, .357 Mag, .45 ACP, and the .44 Mag. They were broken down by bullet weight, and included all the component slugs they carried at the time. Each slug was rated with several powders, one case, and one primer. It was amazing the differences in pressures developed, in the same slug weights, between brands. The conclusion that I get is that, the alloy of the core, and jacket do matter that much. Then, there is the jacket thickness. Some of the components were close, or comparable, but others ran at much higher pressures, much sooner, with the same cases, primers, and powders.

 

[SlickRS23]

Western Powders lists specific bullets in both their RamShot and Accurate guides. Hornady XTP's being one of them.

 

[96/44]

The XTP's diameter is larger than most other jacketed bullets. The .44 bullets are .430 vs .429, and the .45ACP are .452 instead of .451. Those are the ones I am familiar with, I assume that holds true with their other calibers as well.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

The XTP's diameter is larger than most other jacketed bullets. The .44 bullets are .430 vs .429, and the .45ACP are .452 instead of .451. Those are the ones I am familiar with, I assume that holds true with their other calibers as well.

I have found the same and also that XTP's usually take a little more powder to reach max pressure. They seem to be very accurate and have good velocity. From that I would assume they have a hard but slick jacket. But your guess is as good as mine. If I find data for jacteted bullets I find no problems using it for XTP's but not the other way around. :shock:

...Jimbo

 

[Iron Mike Golf]

Another factor would be bearing surface. I have not measured and compared the XTPs to others to see if XTPs have more bearing surface. Just saying it could be another thing.

 

[WESHOOT2]

Their data is specific because they are different than other bullets.
Their jacket material is different.
Their construction is different.
Thier bearing surface is different.
Their malleability is different.

They are different.


FWIW, my ten-thou mike has never noticed XTP's are bigger than advertised.

 

[2 dogs]

I believe some XTPs also have 2 crimp groove locations.

I also believe it is the most accurate sixgun bullet available.

 

[soldernut]

I believe some XTPs also have 2 crimp groove locations.

I also believe it is the most accurate sixgun bullet available.

I tend to agree with you, although I have no scientifically-collected data to prove it. It's just that, each time one of our six-guns gets some range time, the XTP loads group tighter than comparable loads with other bullets.

I've also had very good success with XTPs in auto-loaders (only 9mm so far), and just received some 180g XTPs to try in my new CZ 75B 40 cal.

Thing is, I don't want the XTP to be the most accurate bullet. I'd prefer that honor go to an inexpensive cast lead bullet that I can afford to shoot hell out of at the range.

 

[pvtschultz]

I also think that the XTP's are some of the best selling bullets so the powder companies offer loadings for them over (or above) the others due to that alone. Like others, I've found them to be incredibly accurate and great performers, in all calibers that I've tried.

 

[M'BOGO]

I haven't shot many Hornady handgun slugs. But have loaded and shot many of their rifle slugs, and many rifles like them (much of my component selections is based on price point, and for normal non magnum rifles, thus premium slugs aren't needed for 150 lb deer).

 

[tek4260]

Come on guys, pour your own and you won't have to worry about such trivial things

 

[soldernut]

Come on guys, pour your own and you won't have to worry about such trivial things

Who's worrying?

The original post was simply a question as to why many reloading data sources treat the XTP as "different" than all other jacketed bullets.

A curious mind wanted to know.

BTW, I do pour my own; very rewarding I must say.

 

[Fishslayer]

The XTP's diameter is larger than most other jacketed bullets. .

AHA! I thought so! They just seem to have a different feel getting seated and going through the final crimp/sizing die..

Might be just the boolits for that R-P brass...

 

[WESHOOT2]

When I'm not so lazy I'll ten-thou mike the different XTPs I have in stock, ranging from .355"s up to .451"s......but as I recall all are as claimed.

Can't measure a bullet with calipers.

 

[soldernut]

When I'm not so lazy I'll ten-thou mike the different XTPs I have in stock, ranging from .355"s up to .451"s......but as I recall all are as claimed.

Can't measure a bullet with calipers.

I'm not questioning your assertion that: "Can't measure a bullet with calipers," but I'm sure curious - why not (assuming good quality calpers)?

I'm no machinist, but I'm willing to be educated. Where does one get a "ten-tho" mike - and what should one expect to pay?

Thanks!

 

[WESHOOT2]

The jaws of the calipers 'spread' slightly; most are accurate to within +/-.001" at best.

One can buy an inexpensive (under $50) Lyman ten-thousands micrometer from the normal suspects.

When 'closing' the anvil I recommend a piece of (paper) cardstock be 'captured' between them; keeps from having metal-to-metal contact and reduces flex stress.

 

[soldernut]

The jaws of the calipers 'spread' slightly; most are accurate to within +/-.001" at best.

[sn] Okay, that makes sense, especially if the user is heavy-handed and really reefs down on them.

One can buy an inexpensive (under $50) Lyman ten-thousands micrometer from the normal suspects.

When 'closing' the anvil I recommend a piece of (paper) cardstock be 'captured' between them; keeps from having metal-to-metal contact and reduces flex stress.

Thanks for the heads-up on the Lyman mic.

I did know that, with a conventional micrometer, one should never leave them fully closed. Expansion/contraction due to heat/cold can mess them up.

Shortly before my dad passed away, he gave me some of his tools. One was a micrometer built like a Swiss watch, and in a nice wooden case. I guess nobody told Dad about that because when I looked them over, they were closed up - firmly; probably for years. I have no idea if they can be trusted.