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180 grain Hornady XTP .38 special load?

P

Pequod

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I picked up some Hornady 180 grain jacketed XTP bullets some time ago, with the thought of loading some .38 special defense loads. Always liked heavy and slow versus light and fast, in general. Bullets are Hornady #35771. I have several reloading books, and still have not found a suggested .38 special load. After doing some web research (i know...) it seems the thought is jacketed heavy bullets may actually stick in the barrel, causing a big problem when the next bullet comes along.

I was figuring a load around 800 fps, is this a legitimate danger, or high risk, or does it only come into play with slower loads? Hard to find data, if it is risky, I will just use them for .357 Magnum loads, but I wondered if anyone has loaded this bullet or other jacketed 180 for .38 special with good results.
 
I have loaded the Hornady 180 gr. Silhouette with 9.5 grs. of 2400 in the .38 Special. Velocity is a measured 868 FPS out of my Model 60-7 with 2" barrel. My notes indicate I get similar performance and easy extraction out of my "weak sister" Model 64, also with 2" barrel. Velocity is the most consistent of any of my revolver handloads. Not bad, considering most 125 gr. factory loads don't get this kind of velocity.

Dave Sinko
 
860 fps is ok for that big Jhp in a snub nose if you can get it but you might also put that bullet through 6-7 water jugs to see how many it will penetrate.
The light weight 110-125 average 2-3 jugs if they open up and 5-6 if they don't start to expand which is like 24" of gel.

4 water jugs would be great for that big bullet if you could get it,in the weapon you shoot.
 
It will almost certainly not expand. Hornady's own specs say that bullet will expand at 1200 to 1700 fps, and the velocities discussed here are not even close. A 158 LSWC would be a better choice.
 
I know what you're trying to do and I think it's fine but when you can't find data for a caliber/bullet combination there's usually a very good reason. I'm fairly sure a 180gr bullet will not reliably expand at the velocities you can safely generate in a .38 Special.
 
If I wanted to shoot 180s in a 38 I'd use lead, be cheaper and your not going to get any expansion anyway. Do some penetration test and see if you get alot more than you would with a 158 LSWC, let us know.
 
Thanks for the responses, makes sense. Pretty straightforward case of my buying bullets first without checking on their spec.s and intended performance! I will use them for some other role, probably .367 magnum. If I still think I want to try 180 grain .38 spcl. will go with lead as suggested for slower velocities. I appreciate the experienced answers.
 
Even with lead it's a heavy for caliber situation. The mighty 38 just can't push it that hard. You gain nothing and actually loose a lot.
Bigger is not always better;)

You want 180, shoot a 40SW or 45ACP or as you said it is great in the 357 but even then it's about the max weight bullet.
 
Don't waste these bullets on 38spl loads. You won't get the speeds they're intended for. Try some 180gr lead over 2-2.5grs of Green Dot. I think this is what you're after.
 
Note:

3.5grs of GreenDot with a 158gr Lswc in my snub nose only gets 600fps.
 
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