XTP for SD?

[Velo Dog]

Hornady XTP bullets are very good for an older design, but newer ammo is often even better performing and better priced.


From Hornady 2011 TAP report

-----------------------------Bare Gelatin Performance Test-----------------------

Ammunition: 9mm 124 XTP 9mm 147 XTP

Weapon: Glock 19 Glock 19

Velocity: 1028 996

Total Penetration: 13" 15.25"

Max. bullet expansion (in): .610" .520"

Retained weight (grains): 123.8 138.5

-------------------------Heavy Clothing Gelatin Performance Test-----------------

Ammunition: 9mm 124 XTP 9mm 147 XTP

Velocity: 1057 1005

Total Penetration: 18.75" 17.5"

Max. bullet expansion (in): .490" .530"

Retained weight (grains): 123.6 146.9

--------------------------Sheet Metal Gelatin Performance Test-------------------

Ammunition: 9mm 124 XTP 9mm 147 XTP

Velocity: 1029 1009

Total Penetration: 18.25" 16.25"

Max. bullet expansion (in): .440" .510"

Retained weight (grains): 123.1 114.9

Notes: Jacket
separation

---------------------------Sheet Rock Gelatin Performance Test------------------

Ammunition: 9mm 124 XTP 9mm 147 XTP

Velocity: 1051 992

Total Penetration: 14.75" 18.00"

Max. bullet expansion (in): .510" .460"

Retained weight (grains): 123.6 146.6

---------------------------Auto Glass Gelatin Performance Test -------------------

Ammunition: 9mm 124 XTP 9mm 147 XTP

Velocity: 1034 985

Total Penetration: 10.50" 12"

Max. bullet expansion (in): .595" .570"

Retained weight (grains): 86.1(1) 98.8(1)

Notes: (1) Jacket separated from the lead core

[358156hp]

I based my load on the one that the author of the highpowersandhandguns blog used as a hunting load on pigs to great effect.
Unique powder and a 124gr XTP loaded up to 1270 fps out of my Glock 17. It’s likely in the +P pressure range. I won’t get into the exact amount as each gun is different and it’s over book max. My load is slightly less then his was.

I'm in the process of rediscovering Unique myself. It all started when I was reading a thread on 357 SIG on another forum and people there were getting some really high velocities with Unique. I started looking and Unique does great work with 357 SIG & 40 S&W. Plus it's an old standard for many calibers with a phenomenally long track record. Now it were only flash suppressed.

I'd work up my own load anyway, I don't give out much reloading data myself unless it's directly sourced from a commecrially published loading manual, seen in print with my own eyes.

[diananike]

I can’t believe Unique powder is 125 years old and still a top performer.
I also use it for my .45 200gr XTP load which is pushing 1050 fps. And my .380 XTP load which is over 1000.
My only issues with it are it doesn’t meter as well as the newer ball powders. And like you said some flash suppressant would be better.
That and the cost, it’s pretty rare I see it on sale so most of my shooting ammo is loaded with titegroup.