Hornady .38 Special 158gr XTP JHP Ballistics
Brass Case • XTP JHP • MPN: 90362
Hornady .38 Special 158gr XTP JHP Ballistics
Brass Case • XTP JHP • MPN: 90362
Trajectory @ 25yd Zero
| Range | Velocity | Energy | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 800 fps | 224 ft-lb | — |
| 5 yds | 797 fps | 223 ft-lb | -0.1" |
| 10 yds | 794 fps | 221 ft-lb | +0.1" |
| 15 yds | 792 fps | 220 ft-lb | +0.2" |
| 20 yds | 789 fps | 218 ft-lb | +0.2" |
| 25 yds ⊕ | 787 fps | 217 ft-lb | +0.0" |
| 30 yds | 784 fps | 215 ft-lb | -0.3" |
| 35 yds | 782 fps | 214 ft-lb | -0.8" |
| 40 yds | 779 fps | 213 ft-lb | -1.4" |
| 45 yds | 777 fps | 211 ft-lb | -2.1" |
| 50 yds | 774 fps | 210 ft-lb | -3.0" |
| 55 yds | 772 fps | 209 ft-lb | -4.0" |
| 60 yds | 769 fps | 207 ft-lb | -5.2" |
| 65 yds | 767 fps | 206 ft-lb | -6.5" |
| 70 yds | 764 fps | 205 ft-lb | -8.0" |
| 75 yds | 762 fps | 204 ft-lb | -9.6" |
| 80 yds | 760 fps | 202 ft-lb | -11.4" |
| 85 yds | 757 fps | 201 ft-lb | -13.3" |
| 90 yds | 755 fps | 200 ft-lb | -15.4" |
| 95 yds | 752 fps | 198 ft-lb | -17.6" |
| 100 yds | 750 fps | 197 ft-lb | -20.0" |
Product Overview
Hornady's 158gr XTP in standard-pressure .38 Special is a defensive load built around deep penetration rather than raw speed. At 800 fps from a 4-inch barrel, the heavy bullet won't break any velocity records. What it will do is punch through heavy clothing, intermediate barriers, and tissue to reach vital structures. The XTP bullet expands in a controlled, predictable pattern that holds weight well. For shooters who carry older revolvers that can't handle +P pressures, this is one of the best defensive options available.
The 158gr weight makes this load a strong choice for home defense in any .38 Special revolver. Standard pressure means manageable recoil even in lightweight J-frame snubbies. Follow-up shots come faster than with +P loads, and the lower chamber pressure is easier on the gun over time. The XTP bullet's jacket design controls expansion to a moderate diameter, trading wound channel width for straight-line penetration. In gelatin testing, the XTP regularly reaches 14-16 inches, which meets FBI minimum standards despite the lower velocity.
Shooters who train regularly with their carry revolver will appreciate the brass cases and standard-pressure recipe. Practice sessions are more pleasant, and the recoil impulse stays consistent between range work and carry ammo. The 158gr bullet weight also matches many popular .38 Special practice loads, so the point of impact at defensive distances stays close. This load fills a specific gap: serious defensive performance for revolvers that shouldn't run +P ammunition.
- Standard pressure is safe for all .38 Special revolvers including older and lightweight models
- 158gr XTP bullet penetrates deep enough to meet FBI protocol minimums in gelatin testing
- Controlled expansion holds bullet weight well through barriers and heavy clothing
- Recoil is mild compared to +P defensive loads, allowing faster follow-up shots
- Brass cases allow reloading for shooters who want to recoup costs
- 800 fps muzzle velocity is slow and drops further from short-barreled revolvers
- Lower velocity may limit expansion reliability at the margins, especially from 2-inch barrels
- Muzzle energy of 225 ft-lbs is at the low end for a primary defensive round
- Standard pressure means less terminal effect than comparable +P offerings like Gold Dot or Critical Defense
All Hornady .38 Special 158gr XTP JHP Prices
| DEALER | QTY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky Gunner | 250 | $290.00 | $19.57 | $309.57 | $1.24 |
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