Hornady 32050 XTP 32 Caliber .312 85 Grain Hollow Point Bullets: Precision and Performance for Discerning Shooters

For individuals seeking unparalleled performance in their ammunition, whether for critical self-defense scenarios, ethical hunting, or precision target shooting, the Hornady XTP (Extreme Terminal Performance) line stands as a benchmark of excellence. Specifically, the Hornady 32050 XTP 32 Caliber .312 85 Grain Hollow Point bullets, available in a convenient 100-count box, embody decades of ballistic innovation and manufacturing expertise. These are not loaded cartridges, but precision-engineered components designed for reloaders who demand the highest quality and consistent performance from their handloads.

Why Choose Hornady XTP Bullets for Personal Protection and Defense?

When the stakes are highest, reliability and predictable performance are non-negotiable. The Hornady XTP bullet has earned its world-class reputation in the realm of personal defense and law enforcement applications precisely because it offers both.

• Unwavering Stopping Power: What makes a bullet effective for self-defense? It's the ability to quickly neutralize a threat. The XTP's meticulously engineered hollow point design is crafted to achieve rapid, controlled expansion upon impact. This maximizes energy transfer within the target, mitigating the risk of over-penetration, which is a critical safety consideration in defensive situations. Users often ask, "What is the best bullet for .32 caliber personal defense?" For many, the consistent and predictable expansion of the XTP, even at lower velocities, makes it a top contender, providing peace of mind and confidence in their defensive firearm.
• Controlled Expansion for Maximum Effect: The XTP bullet features precise serrations that divide the bullet into symmetrical sections. These serrations are not merely aesthetic; they strategically weaken the jacket to initiate and control expansion. This means the bullet expands reliably and consistently, forming a larger frontal area that creates a more effective wound channel, without fragmenting excessively. This controlled deformation ensures that the bullet expends its energy efficiently within the target, leading to swift incapacitation.
• Designed for Reliable Feeding: In a defensive firearm, every component must work flawlessly. The XTP's smooth, uniform gilding metal jacket and precisely engineered ogive (bullet nose shape) contribute to reliable feeding in a wide array of firearms, from compact pistols to larger revolvers chambered in compatible .32 caliber cartridges. This translates to fewer malfunctions when it matters most, a crucial factor for law enforcement professionals and civilians who depend on their equipment.

Optimizing Your Hunt: The Hornady XTP for Ethical Small Game Hunting

Beyond personal protection, the Hornady XTP 85 grain .312 hollow point also serves as an excellent choice for ethical small to medium game hunting, particularly in pistol or carbine cartridges where controlled expansion is desired without excessive damage or over-penetration.

• Effective Energy Transfer: For hunters, an ethical kill is paramount. The XTP's controlled expansion ensures that the bullet delivers its energy effectively into the game animal, leading to a quick and humane harvest. Its design prevents the bullet from simply "drilling through" the animal, instead delivering a significant energy dump that aids in rapid incapacitation.
• Accuracy for Precision Shots: The total uniformity of core density within the XTP bullet ensures balanced expansion as well as in-flight stability. This meticulous attention to detail in manufacturing results in superior accuracy, allowing hunters to place their shots precisely, maximizing their chances of a clean kill. When considering "what hollow point bullet is best for small game?" the XTP's proven track record for accuracy and terminal performance makes it a strong candidate.
• Versatility in Cartridge Selection: While primarily designed for cartridges like the .32 ACP, .32 S&W Long, .32 H&R Magnum, and even the potent .327 Federal Magnum, this specific 85-grain .312 diameter bullet provides reloaders with a versatile option for various applications across these popular .32 caliber platforms. It allows hunters to craft loads tailored to their specific needs and local hunting regulations.

The Science Behind the Superiority: Hornady XTP Bullet Design Principles

The success of the Hornady XTP bullet is rooted in its sophisticated design and Hornady's commitment to advanced manufacturing techniques. Understanding these principles helps illuminate why it consistently outperforms many alternatives.

• Gilding Metal Jacket: The gilding metal jacket, composed of a specific alloy, serves multiple critical functions. It protects the nose of the bullet, ensuring consistent expansion even after passing through light barriers. It also provides structural integrity, preventing premature bullet breakup and ensuring the controlled expansion profile is maintained throughout its interaction with the target. Furthermore, the jacket helps prevent lead fouling in the barrel, promoting barrel longevity and consistent accuracy.
• Total Uniformity of Core Density: This seemingly minor detail is profoundly important for ballistic performance. Any inconsistencies in the lead core's density can lead to an unbalanced bullet, resulting in poor accuracy and unpredictable flight paths. Hornady's manufacturing processes ensure that the core is uniform throughout, guaranteeing exceptional in-flight stability and, consequently, superior accuracy that has been noted by competitive shooters and precision enthusiasts alike. This is a key factor when evaluating "what makes a bullet accurate?"
• Optimal Sectional Density (.125): Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass in relation to its diameter. A higher sectional density generally indicates better penetration for a given caliber and weight. While the .125 sectional density of the 85-grain .312 XTP might seem moderate, when combined with its controlled expansion, it strikes an optimal balance between sufficient penetration for vital organ disruption and rapid energy transfer for effective stopping power without excessive over-penetration. This balance is crucial for both self-defense and hunting.
• Reliable Ballistic Coefficient (.145): The ballistic coefficient (BC) indicates how aerodynamically efficient a bullet is. A higher BC means the bullet retains more velocity and energy downrange and is less affected by wind drift. For a short-range pistol or revolver bullet, a BC of .145 is very respectable, ensuring good performance within typical engagement distances for .32 caliber firearms. While not designed for extreme long-range, this BC contributes to the XTP's consistent performance and flat trajectory within its intended operational parameters.

The Hornady Legacy: A Foundation of Trust and Innovation

Hornady Manufacturing has a long-standing reputation as a leader in the ammunition industry, built on a foundation of innovation, quality, and a deep understanding of ballistic science. When you choose Hornady XTP bullets, you're not just getting a product; you're investing in decades of research and development, rigorous testing, and a commitment to precision.

• Commitment to Quality Control: Every Hornady XTP bullet undergoes stringent quality control measures. From the raw materials to the finished product, consistency is paramount. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that each bullet in a 100-count box performs identically, providing reloaders with the confidence that their handloads will be reliable and accurate, shot after shot.
• Trusted by Professionals and Enthusiasts: The XTP bullet's design has been refined over many years, earning the trust of law enforcement agencies, competitive shooters, and self-defense practitioners worldwide. This widespread adoption is a testament to its proven effectiveness and reliability in the most demanding situations.
• Supporting the Reloading Community: Hornady is a strong advocate for the reloading community, providing high-quality components like the XTP bullet that empower handloaders to fine-tune their ammunition for optimal performance in their specific firearms. This allows for customized loads that might exceed factory ammunition performance in terms of accuracy or tailored ballistic profiles.

Reloading with Hornady 32050 XTP Bullets: Crafting Your Ideal Load

For the discerning reloader, the Hornady 32050 XTP 32 Caliber .312 85 Grain Hollow Point offers an exceptional component for crafting high-performance ammunition.

• Precision Manufacturing for Consistent Dies: The uniformity of these bullets ensures consistent seating and crimping in your reloading dies, contributing to smoother operation and reduced frustration during the reloading process. This consistency is vital for producing reliable and accurate handloads.
• Optimized for Various .32 Caliber Cartridges: As a .312 diameter bullet, it is perfectly suited for a range of popular .32 caliber cartridges, including but not limited to:
  • .32 ACP: Often used in compact defensive pistols, the 85-grain XTP can provide significant terminal performance for this cartridge.
  • .32 S&W Long: A classic revolver cartridge, the XTP can elevate its effectiveness for hunting small game or defensive use.
  • .32 H&R Magnum: A more powerful revolver cartridge, the XTP can be pushed to higher velocities, maximizing its expansion capabilities.
  • .327 Federal Magnum: For those seeking maximum power from a .32 caliber, the XTP can deliver impressive performance in this high-pressure cartridge.
• Access to Reloading Data: Hornady provides extensive reloading data for their bullets, often found in their reputable reloading manuals. This invaluable resource helps reloaders safely and effectively develop loads that maximize the XTP's performance while adhering to pressure limits for specific cartridges. This makes the question of "how to reload .32 caliber ammunition for best performance?" much easier to answer with reliable data.

Where to Acquire Your Hornady XTP Bullets

When you're ready to enhance your ammunition performance with the Hornady 32050 XTP 32 Caliber .312 85 Grain Hollow Point bullets, you can find this premium component readily available at trusted retailers like DEGuns. DEGuns offers a comprehensive selection of shooting sports equipment and reloading supplies, ensuring you have access to the components you need to achieve your ballistic goals. Their commitment to customer service and inventory management ensures a smooth purchasing experience.

In conclusion, the Hornady 32050 XTP 32 Caliber .312 85 Grain Hollow Point bullet is a testament to Hornady's unwavering dedication to innovation, precision, and performance. Whether your primary concern is personal defense, ethical hunting, or achieving pinpoint accuracy in your handloads, this bullet offers a superior solution. Its carefully engineered design, from the precise serrations to the uniform core density and robust gilding metal jacket, all work in concert to deliver the extreme terminal performance that has made the XTP a legend among shooters and reloaders worldwide.

Hornady XTP 85 Grain .312 Hollow Point Specifications

Key Feature	Specification	Benefit
Brand	Hornady	Trusted manufacturer, proven quality
Model	XTP	Extreme Terminal Performance design
Caliber	.32 Caliber	Versatile for many .32 cartridges
Bullet Weight	85 grains	Optimized for balanced performance
Bullet Diameter	.312 inches	Precision fit for specific bores
Bullet Type	Hollow Point (HP)	Controlled expansion, energy transfer
Rounds Per Box	100	Convenient quantity for reloaders
Application	Defense / Hunting	Reliable in critical situations
Ballistic Coeff.	.145	Good velocity retention, less wind drift
Sectional Density	.125	Effective penetration and expansion
Core Material	Lead	Traditional, proven core material
Jacket Material	Copper (Gilding Metal)	Durability, controlled expansion
Manufacturer Part No.	32050	Unique product identifier
UPC	090255232059	Universal Product Code
SKU	86704	Stock Keeping Unit