Hornady's Custom 155-grain XTP is the fastest and hardest-hitting mainstream 10mm Auto load available. At 1410 fps, it generates 684 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, which exceeds every other factory 10mm offering including the heavier 180-grain XTP at 650 ft-lbs. Hornady achieved this by dropping bullet weight to 155 grains and pushing velocity up by 135 fps over the 180-grain version. The result is a round that hits like a small rifle cartridge from a handgun platform.

The XTP bullet at this velocity expands aggressively on soft tissue while still penetrating deep enough for defensive use. The serrated jacket controls the expansion rate so the bullet does not fragment prematurely. For self-defense situations where stopping a threat quickly is the priority, the combination of high velocity and rapid energy transfer makes this load extremely effective. The flat trajectory at 1410 fps also simplifies shot placement at distances where slower 10mm loads start to drop noticeably.

The lighter bullet weight offsets some of the felt recoil despite the higher energy. Muzzle flip is different from a 180-grain load. It is a sharper, faster impulse rather than the heavy push of a 200-grain bullet. Experienced 10mm shooters will adapt quickly. For hunting medium game, the 684 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle provides clean kills on deer and hogs at handgun distances. This is the load to choose when you want maximum performance from the 10mm Auto cartridge without stepping into handloaded territory.