Hornady XTP 38 Cal .357 158 Grain Hollow Point Bullets: Unrivaled Performance for Defense and Hunting

For shooters who demand the utmost in reliability, controlled expansion, and terminal performance, the Hornady XTP (Extreme Terminal Performance) 38 Cal .357 158 grain Hollow Point bullet (SKU: 35750, UPC: 090255235753) stands as a benchmark in personal defense and small to medium game hunting applications. This isn't just another bullet; it's a meticulously engineered projectile designed to deliver consistent, devastating energy transfer upon impact, making it a premier choice for those who prioritize effective stopping power and ethical hunting outcomes.

Whether you are a handgun owner looking for the best possible ammunition for self-protection, a reloader seeking high-quality components for precision loads, or a hunter preparing for a small game expedition, understanding the unique attributes of the Hornady XTP 158 gr Hollow Point is crucial. This detailed exploration will delve into the technology, applications, and performance metrics that make this Hornady bullet a trusted name in the firearms community, readily available at DEGuns.

What Makes the Hornady XTP Bullet a Top Choice?

The success of the Hornady XTP line stems from its innovative design, focused on achieving optimal terminal performance across a wide range of velocities. Unlike some hollow points that might over-expand or fragment at high speeds, or fail to expand at lower speeds, the XTP is engineered for controlled, predictable expansion.

At its core, the XTP bullet features a swaged lead core and a precision-drawn copper jacket. This combination is not arbitrary; it's the result of extensive research and development aimed at overcoming common issues with traditional hollow point designs. The heavier jacket construction, a hallmark of the XTP, plays a critical role in its performance, allowing it to withstand the immense pressures and velocities generated by powerful handgun cartridges like the .357 Magnum, while also performing admirably in .38 Special loads.

Key Engineering Principles Behind XTP Performance:

• Controlled Expansion: One of the most critical aspects for any defensive or hunting bullet is predictable expansion. The Hornady XTP 158 gr Hollow Point is designed to expand to approximately 1.5 times its original diameter. This controlled expansion ensures maximum energy transfer within the target without excessive over-penetration, which is vital for safety in self-defense scenarios and for achieving humane kills in hunting. This predictable expansion occurs across a broad velocity spectrum, making it versatile for various handgun loads and barrel lengths.
• Heavy Jacket Construction: The robust copper jacket sets the XTP apart. It's thicker than many other hollow point jackets, providing the structural integrity necessary to prevent premature fragmentation or core-jacket separation, even when encountering tough barriers. This ensures that the bullet maintains its mass and continues to penetrate deeply enough to reach vital organs, whether for defensive purposes or ethical hunting.
• Precise Manufacturing: Hornady's commitment to quality control is evident in every XTP bullet. The jacket is drawn from gilding metal, ensuring uniform thickness and concentricity. The lead core is precisely swaged into place. This meticulous manufacturing process contributes directly to exceptional accuracy and consistent ballistic performance, which are non-negotiable for both defensive scenarios and hunting success.

Why Choose 158 Grain for Your .38 Caliber or .357 Magnum Firearm?

The 158 grain weight is a historically significant and highly effective choice for both .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. For the .38 Special, a 158 gr bullet typically offers a good balance of recoil management and kinetic energy, making it manageable for many shooters while still providing significant defensive capability. In the more powerful .357 Magnum, the 158 gr XTP truly shines, leveraging the cartridge's higher velocities to achieve its full expansion potential and deep penetration.

This specific weight bullet often provides a good balance of external and terminal ballistics. With a provided ballistic coefficient (BC) of .206, the Hornady XTP 158 gr has a decent aerodynamic profile for a handgun bullet, contributing to flatter trajectories over typical handgun engagement distances. The sectional density (SD) of .177 indicates its ability to penetrate, given its weight and diameter, a crucial factor for reaching vital areas in defensive situations or during hunting.

Ideal Applications for Hornady XTP 158 gr Hollow Point:

• Personal Protection and Self-Defense: When your life, or the lives of your loved ones, are on the line, you need ammunition you can trust implicitly. The controlled expansion and deep penetration capabilities of the XTP are paramount in self-defense situations, where the goal is to quickly incapacitate a threat. The consistent performance of this Hornady bullet instills confidence in its ability to perform under stress. Many users ask, "What is the best bullet for my .38 Special for concealed carry?" or "Which hollow point provides reliable stopping power for home defense?" The Hornady XTP 158 gr is consistently a top recommendation due to its proven track record and engineering. Its ability to perform reliably across different handgun platforms and barrel lengths adds to its appeal as a go-to defensive load.
• Hunting Small to Medium Game: For hunters utilizing .357 Magnum revolvers or carbines for species like coyotes, javelina, or even smaller deer at appropriate ranges, the 158 gr XTP offers an ethical and effective option. The controlled expansion ensures a wide wound channel for a quick, humane kill, while the jacket integrity helps to prevent over-fragmentation, which can ruin meat. Users often inquire, "Can I hunt deer with a .357 Magnum?" or "What bullet should I use for hunting hogs with a handgun?" The Hornady XTP 158 gr provides a compelling answer for these scenarios, given its robust construction and terminal ballistics designed for energy transfer into game animals.
• Reloading for Performance: For the dedicated handloader, the Hornady XTP 158 gr (SKU: 35750) offers an exceptional component for crafting custom loads tailored to specific firearms and purposes. The consistent quality and precise dimensions of these bullets ensure reliable seating, consistent crimp, and repeatable accuracy. Reloaders seeking to replicate factory-level defensive performance or optimize hunting loads often turn to XTP bullets due to their known terminal effectiveness and superior construction. "What are the best components for reloading .357 Magnum for hunting?" or "How do I achieve consistent accuracy with my .38 Special handloads?" are common questions where the XTP is a frequent answer among experienced reloaders. The tight manufacturing tolerances mean less variation from bullet to bullet, leading to more consistent velocities and tighter groups downrange.

Hornady XTP: A Legacy of Innovation and Trust

Hornady Manufacturing has a long-standing reputation for producing innovative, high-performance ammunition and components. The XTP bullet series is a testament to this legacy, built on decades of ballistic research and real-world application. When you choose Hornady XTP, you are investing in a product that has undergone rigorous testing and has been proven effective by countless shooters and hunters worldwide.

The commitment to delivering "Extreme Terminal Performance" is not just a marketing slogan; it's an engineering philosophy that defines the XTP bullet. Every aspect, from the core material (lead) to the jacket material (copper) and the distinctive hollow point cavity, is optimized to achieve a specific outcome: reliable, devastating energy transfer when it matters most.

Considering the unpredictable nature of defensive situations or the need for a clean, ethical harvest in hunting, confidence in your ammunition is paramount. The Hornady XTP 158 gr Hollow Point provides that confidence, enabling you to focus on the task at hand, knowing your ammunition is designed to perform exactly as intended. Its uniform performance across a variety of firearms chambered in .38 Special or .357 Magnum, from compact revolvers to full-sized hunting handguns, further solidifies its position as a top-tier choice.

These premium Hornady XTP bullets (SKU: 35750, UPC: 090255235753) are available for purchase in boxes of 100, with 25 boxes per case, making it convenient for both individual shooters and larger organizations to acquire the quantity they need. You can find these reliable Hornady XTP bullets and many other essential shooting supplies at DEGuns, a trusted source for firearms and ammunition components.

In conclusion, the Hornady XTP 38 Cal .357 158 gr Hollow Point bullet is more than just a component; it's a critical tool for personal safety and responsible hunting. Its advanced design, coupled with Hornady's unwavering commitment to quality, ensures that whether you're defending your home, pursuing game, or honing your reloading skills, you have a bullet that delivers consistent, reliable, and truly extreme terminal performance.

Product Specifications: Hornady XTP 38 Cal .357 158 gr Hollow Point

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model	XTP
Caliber	38 Cal
Bullet Diameter	.357
Bullet Type	Hollow Point
Weight	158 gr
Core Material	Lead
Jacket Material	Copper
Coefficient	.206
Sectional Density	.177
Application	Defense / Hunting
Rounds Per Box	100
Boxes Per Case	25
SKU	35750
UPC	090255235753