Hornady's Custom 180-grain XTP is a full-power 10mm Auto load that delivers what the cartridge was originally designed to do. At 1275 fps, it generates 650 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, which is among the highest in the caliber. The XTP bullet has been in production for decades and has a long track record for controlled expansion across a wide velocity window. This is not a downloaded 10mm. It runs at the power level that Jeff Cooper envisioned when he championed the cartridge.

The XTP hollow point uses serrated jacket walls and a precision-machined cavity that opens into uniform petals upon impact. This controlled expansion means the bullet transfers energy effectively while still penetrating deep enough to reach vital organs through bone and muscle. Hunters use this load on whitetail, hogs, and black bear inside handgun range. The 650 ft-lbs of energy puts it in the same territory as many .357 Magnum rifle loads, but from a semi-auto platform with faster follow-up shots.

This load also works well for backcountry defense against large predators. The 180-grain weight at 1275 fps provides enough penetration for thick-skinned animals while the JHP design still opens up on softer targets. It is the most versatile full-power 10mm load available, bridging the gap between hunting and defensive use. The recoil is stout but manageable in full-size pistols like the Glock 20 or EAA Witness. Shooters who want the most from their 10mm platform without stepping into boutique ammunition will find this load hard to beat.