Hornady 200 XTP , 180gr XTP and Nosler 150 gr HP wet pack test

[475/480]

I was able to test some of the Hornady 200 gr XTP's in wetpack.
Impact velocity = 1220 fps
Weights
L--->R
183.1gr- Diameter .661 x .631" - Depth of Penetartion (DOP) = 9.0"
186.7gr- Dia; .646 x .647" - DOP = 9.5"
196.0gr- Dia; .667 x .632" - DOP = 10.0"
Very good penetration and decent weight retention.
Penetration is a little better than the Nosler 200gr HP's but the expanded diameter AND weight retention on the Hornady is LESS than the Nosler. It comes down to what each individual likes in a defensive round. I prefer large expanded bullet and weight retention (Nosler)

Sean
.

[doverpack12]

Thats what I have noticed as well in my less official testing than yours.  Noslers expand more and retain more weight.  Also I have found the Nosler 200's have less of a tendancy to shed their jackets than the XTP's in 200.  If you like the XTP go with a 180 because the performance envelope of the bullet is not exceeded as easily and I have had less separations in the 180 weight.  Just what I have observed.

[475/480]

Hornady 180 gr XTP . Impact Velocity  = 1300 fps
Not bad, a little bit of weight loss but very consistant.
L---.R
Weight
144.2gr - Diameter .618 x .631" DOP = 7.0"
138.4gr - Dia .632 x .562" DOP = 7.3"
144.2gr - Dia .652 x .594" DOP = 6.8"

[475/480]

I prefer Nosler and lighter bullets. IMHO using heavy 180-200 gr bullets at the velocities we are shooting is asking for overpenetration. Also I am in Houston and rarely do BG's have heavy coats or jackets even in winter time
I will carry a Nosler 150gr HP at 1400+ fps.

Sean

Thats what I have noticed as well in my less official testing than yours.  Noslers expand more and retain more weight.  Also I have found the Nosler 200's have less of a tendancy to shed their jackets than the XTP's in 200.  If you like the XTP go with a 180 because the performance envelope of the bullet is not exceeded as easily and I have had less separations in the 180 weight.  Just what I have observed.

[sqlbullet]

I prefer the Nosler price for a similar performing bullet.

[475/480]

Nosler 150 gr HP. Impact velocity = 1400 fps
L--->R
97.2gr - Diameter .654 x .646" ; DOP = 6.0" might be an anomaly , but weight loss is severe.
149.5gr - Dia .731 x .710" ; DOP = 6.5"
149.7gr - Dia .767 x .735" ; DOP =  6.25"
I must say I do like the 70+ caliber expansion on these
Sean

[doverpack12]

I meant to put in I like the 180 performance at 1200 fps Nosler is still preferred but at that speed the XTP's loose less weight than 40 grains.

[REDLINE]

It's like The_Shadow has brought up elsewhere, and I'm paraphrasing here;  If Speer would put out a 200gr Gold Dot we wouldn't be having this discussion between Nosler JHPs and Hornady XTPs. 

Personally I'ld like to see Speer come out with a 215gr Gold Dot for 10mm Auto/10mm Magnum that would expand to +.70" @ ~1100 FPS (velocity based on a 4.5-5.0" barrel) and still have room for expansion from the added velocity of 10mm Magnum and longer barrel lengths.  I don't think they could ever keep shelves stocked with enough of them.

Of course none of the above is in relation to 475/480's comments regarding a Nolser 150gr JHP.  My personal favorite for 10mm is the 155gr Gold Dot (when bear defense is not part of the equation).

[REDLINE]

BTW, anyone know what the weight of a 200gr XTP jacket is?