I'm about to add some 357 158gr XTP bullets to an order but am undecided on whether to get the regular XTP or to get the flat point version.

I have used 125 and 140 XTP in the past but have been ordering the 158gr in the XTP.FP (flat point) version since I have a Marlin 94 carbine. I use these near max loads in L, N and the carbine - try not to let them find their way into k or k frames.

I'm wondering if there is any practical difference between the two tip designs as I have more 357 revolvers than carbines. If they are essentially the same I would tend to order the FP just to be a little safer when using in the carbine. Is the FP rated to a higher fps since it is intended for carbines?

Yes, I know the BC is different and I have seen different max loads for the two varieties in various manuals but like W296 vs H110, is that really valid?

What are your experiences with the two? Which would you order and why.

Thanks
al

The XTP HP are perfectly safe in tubular magazines. It you are hunting get those. if just paper punching, whatever is cheaper.

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Still Running Against the Wind

If you're going to be loading to a high velocity level in your carbine
for deer hunting then you'll want the FP because the HP would likely
fail and seperate on big game. For any other purpose buy the HP or
as mentioned, which ever is cheaper.

Thanks - they are the same price and I am looking for both accuracy and performance at 1800-2000fps in the M94 and 1100-1300 in the pistolas (which I get with the flat points).

I have some very good loads for the Flat Point style in both rifle and revolver but was wondering if I should try the regular XTP in case it offered anything the FP didn't (in that weight).

In the lighter bullets I only have data for the regular XTP, in 3"~8" revolvers (and that too is good) - so I was jus' wondering what to buy this time... I think I'll stick to the FP

Older manuals have slightly different data for H110 and 296 why?? I can not say, just test variations, but you can use either or as they are exactly the same powder.
Hodgdon now lists them the same.

The advantage of using slow powders over the Fast powders is that it is near impossible to have a kboom with them, They fill the case to almost max capacity Just do not compress them. Actually more problems with undercharge so do not use less than the min charge.

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Still Running Against the Wind

See the high-lighted text above. You've nailed it here. According to Hornady, the FP version IS rated to operate at a higher velocity. IMO, the cavity of the FP versions appear to be a bit smaller but the jacket may also be heavier to allow the higher velocity. In any case, I've elected to stay with the NON-FP versions for all my pistol/revolver needs, to help assure better expansion. I don't have a carbine so that's a simple decision for me. YMMV.

This applies to 44 caliber. I've seen fp's failed to expand quick enough to quickly down 130-150 pound deer when used in a rifle. For that reason I've only used hp's and I've never had a problem. Same might apply for 357. I use the expansion chart Hornady provides and determine if my bullet falls inside the parameter at the distance I normally shoot game. So far I've never experienced bullet failure.

For bigger game I'd go with a flat point, which is also perfect for your rifle. It doesn't have all the technology behind it as the JHP but it's a proven round on game. It gives some expansion and better penetration.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

+1;
on the SP or FN design for hunting large game.

Penetration is the name of the game .

Just for info, I chronied a couple of American Eagle 158 grain soft points out of a Henry 20" barrel at 1800 fps. I was going to develop a hunting load, until I discovered this. I am using these as my hunting rounds now.

"tastes great ... Less filling"
the real answer here is to get both so you can compare them against your own needs.

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it just needs more voltage

You might want to look at Zero jacketed bullets. They make a flat point 158 that is less expensive than XTP. I use XTP in my carbine but I'm going to order Zero next time to see how they work.

Hornady manual list both bullets HP and FP with the same load data.

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That's just somebody talkin.

My computer power supply crapped out last week and I just got back on line tonight.
A lot of you have mentioned most of what has been going through my mind trying to decide...

XTP.FP is better for hunting, although around here the deer are 80# wonders (Coues white tail) but the Mulies are a bit bigger - but you still have to climb the pile of rocks (5000' mountains) to find them though... my knees and hips don't like that idea... now Elk is worth it.

I do shoot the Zero 158 SJHP when I can find them in stock- good bullet- but that barrel is dry today.

The regular XTP works just fine in my pistols but the carbine gets em up to 1800+ fps and I wonder if they will go that fast accurately without coming apart and feed safely from the tube. Since the Zero is a Semi Jacket and has no problem I suppose the full jacket XTP wouldn't either. IIRC the old 146gr Remington SJHP did have a problem staying together at faster velocities.

I better hurry - midway sale will probably end soon.... or fire up the lead pot before it gets too cold.