Elevating Your Handgun Performance: Hornady Custom .45 ACP 200 gr XTP

For handgun owners who demand uncompromising performance, precision, and reliability, the Hornady Custom .45 ACP 200 grain Hornady XTP Hollow Point ammunition represents a pinnacle of engineering and manufacturing excellence. Whether your focus is on personal defense, competitive shooting, or ethical medium game hunting, this ammunition is meticulously crafted to deliver consistent, superior results, shot after shot.

This isn't just ammunition; it's a commitment to confidence. Every round of Hornady Custom .45 ACP with the iconic XTP bullet is designed to solve critical problems faced by handgun enthusiasts: the need for reliable feeding, consistent terminal performance, and pinpoint accuracy when it matters most. It empowers users with the assurance that their ammunition will perform exactly as expected in the most demanding scenarios.

Why Hornady Custom .45 ACP XTP Stands Apart

The Hornady Custom line is built upon a legacy of hand-loaded precision, now brought to factory-loaded ammunition with unparalleled consistency. This means you benefit from the kind of meticulous attention to detail usually reserved for custom hand-loads, but with the convenience and scalability of mass production.

• Unwavering Reliability: From the selection of premium brass cases to the specific choice of primers and propellants, every component is rigorously chosen and inspected. This ensures flawless feeding and extraction in a wide array of .45 ACP firearms, minimizing malfunctions when dependability is paramount.
• Exceptional Terminal Performance: At the heart of this ammunition is the Hornady XTP (eXtreme Terminal Performance) hollow point bullet. This isn't just any hollow point; it's a highly engineered design optimized for controlled expansion across a broad range of velocities. This capability is crucial for both self-defense and hunting, ensuring effective energy transfer and stopping power without excessive over-penetration.
• Precision and Consistency: Hornady's legendary quality control guarantees that each round closely matches the ballistic performance of the last. This consistency translates directly into tighter groups on the target range and predictable performance in the field, allowing shooters to hone their skills and trust their equipment.
• Versatility for Diverse Applications: While many rounds specialize in one area, the Hornady Custom .45 ACP 200 gr XTP excels across multiple disciplines, making it a truly versatile choice for the discerning handgun owner.

Understanding the Hornady XTP Bullet: Engineering for Excellence

The XTP bullet is a cornerstone of Hornady's reputation for innovation. Developed through extensive research and testing, its design is a masterclass in balancing expansion and penetration. Unlike some hollow points that might either fail to expand or fragment too rapidly, the XTP is designed for controlled, predictable performance.

Key features of the XTP bullet design include:

• Precise Crimp Cannelure: This feature ensures that the bullet remains securely seated in the case, resisting setback during feeding and recoil, which is vital for consistent performance and safe operation.
• Serrated Jacket: The unique serrations on the bullet's jacket are strategically placed to initiate and control expansion upon impact. This allows for consistent mushrooming without jacket core separation, retaining bullet mass and maximizing energy transfer.
• Tapered Jacket: The jacket thickens towards the base, providing structural integrity and preventing bullet deformation during chambering or high-velocity impact. This also helps ensure deep, straight-line penetration before full expansion.
• Hollow Point Cavity: The specific dimensions and internal geometry of the hollow point cavity are designed to capture hydraulic pressure upon impact, initiating the controlled expansion process efficiently and reliably.

This sophisticated design means that whether the bullet impacts soft tissue at closer ranges or encounters tougher hide at greater distances, it performs optimally, delivering reliable expansion and effective energy transfer.

Ballistic Performance You Can Trust: Muzzle Velocity and Energy

Understanding ballistic data is key to appreciating the capabilities of your ammunition. The Hornady Custom .45 ACP 200 gr XTP delivers impressive numbers that translate directly into real-world effectiveness:

• Muzzle Velocity: 900 feet per second (fps)

  This velocity ensures a relatively flat trajectory for handgun distances, aiding in shot placement. For defensive scenarios, it contributes to the bullet's ability to achieve optimal expansion quickly upon impact.

• Muzzle Energy: 360 foot-pounds (ft lbs)

  Muzzle energy is a critical indicator of a bullet's stopping power and ability to transfer kinetic energy to a target. 360 ft lbs for a .45 ACP 200 grain projectile is a robust figure, signifying significant energy transfer on impact, whether for incapacitating a threat or ethically harvesting medium game.

These ballistic figures, combined with the XTP's controlled expansion, contribute to the round's effectiveness, making it a highly respected choice for situations where every shot counts.

Ideal Applications for Hornady Custom .45 ACP 200 gr XTP

The versatility and robust performance of this ammunition make it suitable for a variety of critical applications.

For Personal and Home Defense

When it comes to personal safety, the choice of ammunition is paramount. The Hornady Custom .45 ACP 200 gr XTP is a leading choice for self-defense due to its:

• Proven Stopping Power: The .45 ACP caliber combined with the XTP bullet's controlled expansion delivers substantial energy transfer, crucial for quickly neutralizing threats.
• Reduced Over-Penetration Risk: While providing excellent penetration to vital organs, the XTP's design aims to minimize the risk of over-penetration in typical defensive scenarios, reducing danger to bystanders or unintended targets.
• Reliable Function in Concealed Carry Firearms: The consistent dimensions and quality of Hornady Custom ammunition ensure reliable feeding and extraction, which is non-negotiable for everyday carry or home defense firearms.
• Confidence in Critical Moments: Knowing your ammunition is engineered for consistent, reliable performance provides invaluable peace of mind when facing a high-stress situation.

For Medium Game Hunting

Handgun hunting presents unique challenges, requiring precise shot placement and ammunition capable of ethical energy transfer. The Hornady Custom .45 ACP 200 gr XTP is well-suited for medium game, such as:

• Deer: With proper shot placement, the 200-grain XTP provides sufficient energy and expansion for humane kills on deer.
• Wild Hogs: Known for their tough hide, wild hogs require a bullet that can penetrate and expand reliably. The XTP's robust construction and controlled expansion are up to the task.
• Coyotes and Other Varmints: While primarily a medium game round, its accuracy and terminal performance also make it effective for larger varmints where a decisive strike is desired.

For ethical hunting, always confirm local regulations regarding handgun calibers and bullet types. The 200 gr XTP's ability to retain mass while expanding ensures a deep wound channel and maximum energy delivery to vital organs.

For Competitive Shooting and Training

While often chosen for defensive or hunting applications, the Hornady Custom .45 ACP ammunition also shines on the range for training and some competitive disciplines:

• Consistent Practice Rounds: Using the same type of ammunition for training as you would for defense builds muscle memory and familiarity with recoil characteristics and point of aim.
• Reliable Performance in Drills: During high-round count training sessions or competitions, ammunition reliability is key to maintaining focus and avoiding frustrating malfunctions.
• Accuracy for Skill Development: The inherent accuracy of Hornady Custom rounds helps shooters fine-tune their technique and achieve tighter groups, which is invaluable for improvement.

Hornady's Commitment to Uncompromising Quality

Hornady has long been a trusted name in the ammunition industry, and the Custom line exemplifies their dedication to superior craftsmanship. Every box of Hornady Custom ammunition undergoes rigorous inspection and quality control processes to ensure that it meets the company's exacting standards.

The philosophy behind the Custom line is to bridge the gap between meticulously hand-loaded cartridges and commercially manufactured ammunition. This is achieved by:

• Selecting Top-Tier Components: Only the finest brass cases, reliable primers, and carefully matched propellants are chosen to create a balanced and effective cartridge.
• Precision Manufacturing: Advanced manufacturing techniques ensure uniformity in every component and assembly process, leading to consistent ballistic performance from round to round.
• Rigorous Testing: Each lot of ammunition is extensively tested for velocity, pressure, and accuracy to guarantee it performs exactly as designed.

This unwavering commitment to quality ensures that when you load Hornady Custom .45 ACP 200 gr XTP, you are loading a round engineered for optimal function and performance in your firearm.

Choosing the Right Ammunition for Your .45 ACP Handgun

When selecting ammunition for your .45 ACP firearm, consider these factors:

1. Intended Use: Are you primarily focused on self-defense, target practice, or hunting? The Hornady Custom 200 gr XTP is ideal for self-defense and medium game hunting, but also excellent for training where consistency with your defensive load is desired.
2. Bullet Type: For defensive or hunting purposes, hollow point bullets like the XTP are generally preferred over Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rounds due to their superior terminal performance (expansion and energy transfer).
3. Bullet Weight: The 200-grain weight is a popular choice for .45 ACP, offering a good balance of velocity, energy, and felt recoil. It provides a substantial projectile without being overly heavy, which can sometimes reduce velocity.
4. Firearm Compatibility: While Hornady Custom ammunition is designed for reliability across many .45 ACP firearms, it's always wise to test a few boxes in your specific handgun to confirm flawless feeding and function before relying on it for critical applications.

Frequently Asked Questions about .45 ACP Ammunition

Here are answers to common questions about .45 ACP ammunition, particularly concerning the Hornady Custom 200 gr XTP:

• Is .45 ACP a good self-defense caliber?
  Yes, the .45 ACP is widely regarded as an excellent self-defense caliber. Its larger diameter and ability to deliver substantial energy make it very effective. When paired with an advanced bullet design like the Hornady XTP hollow point, its performance in incapacitating threats is further enhanced due to controlled expansion and significant energy transfer.
• What makes the Hornady XTP special compared to other hollow points?
  The Hornady XTP (eXtreme Terminal Performance) stands out due to its engineered design for reliable and controlled expansion across a wide range of velocities. Its precise crimp cannelure, serrated jacket, and tapered jacket prevent over-expansion or fragmentation, ensuring consistent penetration and mass retention, which are critical for effective terminal ballistics. It's a proven design trusted by professionals and civilians alike.
• Can I hunt with .45 ACP? What game is it suitable for?
  Yes, the .45 ACP, especially with a quality hollow point like the 200 gr Hornady XTP, can be used for hunting. It is primarily suitable for medium-sized game. This includes animals such as deer, wild hogs, and larger predators like coyotes. For ethical hunting, shot placement is paramount, and ensuring your ammunition delivers sufficient energy and controlled expansion is key.
• Why is consistent ammunition important for training and self-defense?
  Consistency in ammunition ensures that each shot behaves predictably, both in terms of accuracy and recoil. For training, this allows shooters to build reliable muscle memory and technique. In self-defense situations, consistency is absolutely critical, as it removes variables and allows you to trust that your firearm and ammunition will perform identically to how they performed during practice, maximizing your chances of success in a high-stress environment.
• What is the difference between a hollow point and an FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) bullet?
  The main difference lies in their terminal performance upon impact.
  • Hollow Point (HP) bullets have a cavity in the nose designed to expand significantly when they strike a target. This expansion increases the bullet's diameter, creates a larger wound channel, and transfers more kinetic energy, making them ideal for self-defense and hunting. They also tend to reduce the risk of over-penetration. The Hornady XTP is an example of an advanced hollow point.
  • Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets have a lead core fully enclosed by a copper jacket, usually with a round nose. They are designed to penetrate deeply with minimal expansion. FMJ rounds are typically less expensive and are commonly used for target practice and range training, but are generally not recommended for self-defense due to increased risk of over-penetration and less effective energy transfer.

Where to Find Your Hornady Custom .45 ACP Ammunition

For those ready to experience the reliability and superior performance of Hornady Custom .45 ACP 200 gr Hornady XTP Hollow Point ammunition, you can find this exceptional product available through trusted retailers like DEGuns. Ensure you check for the UPC 090255391121 to confirm you are acquiring this specific, high-performance round.

Detailed Product Specifications

Category	Specification	Value
Ammunition Type	Brand	Hornady
	Model Line	Custom
	Caliber	.45 ACP
Bullet Details	Bullet Type	XTP (eXtreme Terminal Performance) Hollow Point
	Bullet Weight	200 grains (gr)
Ballistics	Muzzle Velocity	900 feet per second (fps)
	Muzzle Energy	360 foot-pounds (ft lbs)
Packaging	Rounds Per Box	20
	Boxes Per Case	10
Construction	Casing Material	Brass
Intended Use	Primary Application	Personal Defense, Hunting (Medium Game)
Product Identifiers	SKU	9112
	UPC	090255391121