380 XTP Ammo Problems

[nodpete]

I've shot hundreds of Hornady American Gunner XTP & Fiocci Extrema XTP's through my KelTec PAT with no problems. When I first got the gun I tried FMJ's, some brand (forgot what it was) of round nose ammo and Fiocci HP's and they all functioned fine. But, before I fired a single round I polished the ramp and the chamber with a soft dremel pad. Got them to a mirror finish and have had no trouble with any brand so far. Try polishing and see what happens.

 

[Old cop]

I use the HPR 90 grain HP in my M&P .380 and have never had a problem with feeding or cycling.

 

[Christopher L.]

M&P 380......is that basically identical to the BG380?

 

[GRU_ 7_ mech]

I've shot hundreds of Hornady American Gunner XTP & Fiocci Extrema XTP's through my KelTec PAT with no problems. When I first got the gun I tried FMJ's, some brand (forgot what it was) of round nose ammo and Fiocci HP's and they all functioned fine. But, before I fired a single round I polished the ramp and the chamber with a soft dremel pad. Got them to a mirror finish and have had no trouble with any brand so far. Try polishing and see what happens.

Did the same to my TCP738 when the XTP and Critical Defense rounds did not feed. Had a few problems for a couple hundred rounds...now every type feeds, fires and ejects with no problem. Every cleaning (after every firing) the ramp gets polished with Mothers Polish.

 

[Florida J Frame]

1/20/2016. Received an email from HPR......they say they're going to send me a free box of their REFORMULATED HPR XTP (JHP) 380 To test. I assume this means they have added more powder. Maybe I wasn't the only one reporting cycling problems with their slow ammo.

I received the same email from HPR yesterday. I'll post a range report after I receive the new ammo.

 

[Ron AZ]

Christopher, glad you got it worked out. These short feed ramp .380's can be tricky with ammo. Different guns but my experience with 2 P380's, one new and one purchased used ... various stovepipe, failure to feed or return to battery with several ammos including Fiocchi Extrema XTP's and HPR XTP's. A trip back to Kahr took care of the problems.

After that both Fiocchi and HPR XTP's were very good and almost but not perfect reliability. About the time I got them back, some Precision One XTP's I ordered arrived. Those are 100% reliable in my guns. Also the HPR 100 gr TMJ's, and Federal 95 gr FMJ's are 100% reliable. So the guns are humming smoothly now. But, just to illustrate the point that these small guns can be picky, Magtech 95 gr FMJ's, which function well in the 6 round mags, will give me 1 or more failures each mag load of the 7 round extended mags.

Now, these 2 P380's are 100% reliable until they get dirty after about 75 rounds or so in a range session. It seems at about that level of "gun dirty" I will get one (usually only one) stovepipe or premature slide lock back, which coincides with about as much as I want to shoot in one session with my indicator it is time to clean the gun.

For those of you who mentioned G42, Precision One, in addition to the standard .380 XTP loading, also loads the XTP in a load version with a little more oomph (they call it +P) to handle the heavier slide/springs of the G42, but not intended for other .380's.

 

[Christopher L.]

Haven't received the reformulated HPRs yet but tried 100 Sig Sauers yesterday.....they suck.

 

[Christopher L.]

Received 2 free boxes (2 x 50) of the reformulated 90 grain JHP (XTPs) from HPR.
LOT # = 3803011916. HPR's website still lists them at 915 fps. I assume the new formula is more powerful & they will update that data eventually. Also, I assume the data they list is from a 4 inch barrel.
Based on Ammoquest data ....you can probably reduce that number by ? Close to 150 fps for a 2.75 inch barrel ?? If you're interested in buying HPR 380 xtps.......
don't buy earlier lot #s.

 

[Florida J Frame]

I just received a box of the same lot today. I'll post a range report as soon as I get some range time.

 

[oldfart64]

I know HPR XTPs show great penetration and expansion for the BG 380....BUT...I'm experiencing cycling problems???? Anyone else?

I want it to go bang every time. Seen FTL, Seen XTP load....but gun not cocked???? Jams' etc.

Same day Herter's 95 gr. Ball ....NO problems. I think these are actually loaded by Fiocchi in Missouri?

After my glock g42 was reworked by the repair facility. I had zero issues with any ammo at all to include the HPR xtp, and the herters. This is not your pistol, but I would suggest your get some 600 grit emery paper and polish the feed ramp. I have many friends for whom this fixed their issues. Just a suggestion.

 

[Christopher L.]

I gave up and Cabelas gave me $320 as a trade-in for a $419 Ruger LC 380. Fired 125 thru it today....flawless' , comfortable. Weighs 5 oz more than the BG fully loaded....but have 7+1 capacity. I wanted to love that BG.....but it had so many problems, I decided I couldn't bet my life on it.

 

[Florida J Frame]

OK, I finally got to the range and tested the "new formulation" HPR ammo. I ran flawlessly in my Glock 42. Absolutely no issues. Looks like they cured the problem. I have to say I'm impressed. As soon as they realized they had a problem they corrected it and replaced the questionable ammo at no charge with no return required.

 

[mrmike7189]

I have been using old school hydrashoks 90 grain.

I have been using old school federal hydrashoks 90 grain. Ammoquest said they were acceptable/ better than most...think they made the top 10 before being bumped by the xtp bullets. seems the old school design penetrates better than the HST in 380 , because the hollowpoints don't open as quick as some others which gives a little better penetration. We all love penetration...dont we!

 

[caleb4387]

Sorry to get off topic but...I started this thread...so I can't hijack it. So here I can ramble.
In Kansas we have Constitutional Carry now (no CC permit required).
I've had my wife sew a simple line in my summer cargo shorts right front upper pockets. The barrel fits down into the pocket so that the gun is always positioned correctly.

Anyone ever heard of men's pants/shorts specifically designed for CC?

I've tried a pocket holster......no thanks.

Berne echo one pants and coat

 

[Brasky]

I've never fired a g42, just saying if you dig on the internet it appears the roll out of the 42 was just as big a disaster as the early roll out of the BG. Many were replaced free of charge.

Just went to Cabelas & by applying for their CC got $ 25 off 2 boxes of the hotter Hornady Custom XTPs. Hopefully 851 feet / second solves the problem with the 789 feet/ second HPR XTPs.

Will report back when complete.

My problem with the G42 is no safety & a lighter trigger pull. I want to keep 7 in my gun...& my mods with the safety on the BG combined with the harder DAO trigger make it seem more unlikely to get an accidental discharge. Plus, laugh at the BG's laser if you want....but at 25 yards (75 feet) I scored 29 out of 30 first time I fired a gun in 30+ years.

If you can't safely carry a Glock you really shouldn't carry anything