I have a box of 200 gr 44 cal XTP bullets. I am looking for load suggestions for both 44 spl (Smith 696, 3") and 44 mag (Taurus Tracker medium frame needs light loads). The manuals have very limited data for XTP bullets. Anyone load these with the more commonly used powders? Would 200 gr jacketed load data apply? What makes these bullets different?
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Hornady XTPs - load data
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venomballistics
Member
in the 44 magnum, use H110 / win 296. the 200G XTP is one of my long time favorites and is the only one I haven't replaced with cast.
Sven
Member
For a medium velocity, .44 mag load, any 200 gr jacketed data should work, although data changes slightly for .429 bullets vs .430. I have a Hodgdon Universal load I like -- 9.5 to 10 gr., which comes close to duplicating the Winchester 210 gr Silvertip load. It is in the neighborhood of 1250 fps. Check the Hodgdon website. I've used Universal in the .44 spl, also. H-110 has a little too slow of burn rate for medium velocity loads.
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I agree with Sven, H110/Win 296 isn't a good idea for your medium loads.
You can use other data for 200gr. jacketed bullets but remember to start low and work your way up. For the medium .44 mags I'd start low and stay there, unless you are looking for a particular velocity. If you pick up a Hornady manual they have a lot of bullet specific load data for their XTP's.
What makes them different? Not much. Most current hollow points are pretty much the same as far as how they work, but I think the XTP's became popular due mostly to the way the jacket wraps around the nose with no exposed lead. I actually prefer the ones with the exposed lead but if you use an improperly fitting seating stem it will deform the soft lead, while the XTP's don't have that problem.
You can use other data for 200gr. jacketed bullets but remember to start low and work your way up. For the medium .44 mags I'd start low and stay there, unless you are looking for a particular velocity. If you pick up a Hornady manual they have a lot of bullet specific load data for their XTP's.
What makes them different? Not much. Most current hollow points are pretty much the same as far as how they work, but I think the XTP's became popular due mostly to the way the jacket wraps around the nose with no exposed lead. I actually prefer the ones with the exposed lead but if you use an improperly fitting seating stem it will deform the soft lead, while the XTP's don't have that problem.
venomballistics
Member
I've fired buckets of them. medium load ... use cast or plated. save some money and do the same job.
the premium bullets like the XTP are at their best in full house loadings.
thus my H110 recommendation.
two things I like about the XTP is that they are built for the real world where the ammo will be carried often and fired little while having the tar beat out of them day to day. the other thing I like about them is the cavity design. its not a simple pin hole but more of an obtuse cone shape which seems to make expansion more of a positive proposition. pushed to full steam, the 200 g XTP is the most destructive of the whole line of 44 cal XTP offerings.
but your not looking to push it to full potential .... with that it holds little advantage over a low cost plated HP like those made by ranier ballistics
the premium bullets like the XTP are at their best in full house loadings.
thus my H110 recommendation.
two things I like about the XTP is that they are built for the real world where the ammo will be carried often and fired little while having the tar beat out of them day to day. the other thing I like about them is the cavity design. its not a simple pin hole but more of an obtuse cone shape which seems to make expansion more of a positive proposition. pushed to full steam, the 200 g XTP is the most destructive of the whole line of 44 cal XTP offerings.
but your not looking to push it to full potential .... with that it holds little advantage over a low cost plated HP like those made by ranier ballistics
Gee, the Hornady manual has lots of data as does the powder companies online web site,
I think I just read that Hornady is coming out with a new edition #9??
I think I just read that Hornady is coming out with a new edition #9??
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
That's probably true since the online vendors have the Hornady #8 manual on closeout. That's what they usually do just before a new manual comes out.
A e mail from Sinclair. New manual after 12/1. Heck I thought the last one #8 was the latest? Most do not put out a new one every year.
olskool
Member
17 gr. of H 4227 with a mag primer is the very best i have ever used with a 200 gr. i think the H 4227 is now the same as IMR as far as burn rate. you need a mag. primer to burn all the slow powder. i also use that powder in 45 colt, 20 gr. with a 250 cast. it is very accurate and fast and not to hot for the SAA
Like a lot of noobs when I started reloading I bought the Lyman and bookmarked various on-line resources.
As I learn more, I see the value in purchasing several manuals both old and new. For instance, the Hornady #8. I buy quite a few of their bullets and figured that although my loads were shooting okay, they should be final word on how to load their goods.
So my advice to you young squire is to scope out EBay and other sources for reloading manuals and begin to stock your library.
As I learn more, I see the value in purchasing several manuals both old and new. For instance, the Hornady #8. I buy quite a few of their bullets and figured that although my loads were shooting okay, they should be final word on how to load their goods.
So my advice to you young squire is to scope out EBay and other sources for reloading manuals and begin to stock your library.
Nemo288
Member
In my 4" 629, 10 grains of Unique under the 200 gr. XTP has proven accurate and easy to shoot.
Do a test range of 9, 9.5, 10 and 10.5 grains to find the best one for your weapon.
Do a test range of 9, 9.5, 10 and 10.5 grains to find the best one for your weapon.
gregintenn
Member
I bought some of those "Loadbooks" for several of the calibers I load for. They are caliber specific, inexpensive, and include data from several different manufacturers. I find them quite handy.
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4227
Thanks olskool.. I have a bunch of it..
Also I'm looking for a company that sells decent cast bullets for my 629. Remember I live in Alaska...
Thanks olskool.. I have a bunch of it..
Also I'm looking for a company that sells decent cast bullets for my 629. Remember I live in Alaska...
200 xtp loads
For my 696, I shot 8 grs of Unique behind the 200 xtp bullet, it gives me 895 fps over my chronograph and I get good accuracy, 2" five shot groups from a sandbag rest at 25 yards.
For my 3" 629, I have two loads for the 200 xtp, one heavy and one medium load. 23.5 grs of 2400 for my heavier load and 10 grs of Unique for my medium load.
Ed
For my 696, I shot 8 grs of Unique behind the 200 xtp bullet, it gives me 895 fps over my chronograph and I get good accuracy, 2" five shot groups from a sandbag rest at 25 yards.
For my 3" 629, I have two loads for the 200 xtp, one heavy and one medium load. 23.5 grs of 2400 for my heavier load and 10 grs of Unique for my medium load.
Ed
Speer #14 has good loads listed for their 200 gdhp in 44 special and 44 mag short barrel, that should make good starting points for your purpose. Unique and N-350 work very well for 44 special.
Unique, 231 and Red Dot work very well for the 44 mag. A tight crimp can help.
Unique, 231 and Red Dot work very well for the 44 mag. A tight crimp can help.
ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Even though this thread is fairly old this is an important question. I'm fairly sure Missouri Bullets will ship anywhere in the USA and they produce a quality product. Welcome to the forum...
I loaded the 200gr XTP in some 44 Spcl. cases using 9.0gr of Unique, ~1080fps & another using 11.0gr of Power Pistol, ~1165fps, for some "light" loads in my son's 329NG. Regular primers, of course.
I believe the XTPs have a little thicker jacket than "standard" jacketed bullets but using them as a starting reference should get you in the ballpark.
