Test Gun: Sig P229, S&W Shield.

Barrel length: 3.9 inches, 3.1 inches.

Ammunition: Hornday .40 S&W 180gr XTP

Test media: 10% Clear Ballistics Gel.

Distance: 10 feet.

Chronograph: Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph G2.

Five shot velocity average: 949, 890fps

Gel Temperature 70 degrees.

Out of the Sig P229, the five shot average velocity was 949fps with a high of 964fps and a low of 921fps.



From the Sheild, I got an average velocity of 890fps with a high of 901fps and a low of 869fps.



The first round from the Sig hit the bare gel at a velocity of 914fps and penetrated to 21 inches. The expansion was .51 inches and the recovered weight was 180.2 grains. Round two had a velocity of 931fps, expanded to .52 inches with a penetration of 20.25 inches and a recovered weight of 180.2 grains.



In the heavy clothing covered gel, the first round had a velocity of 932fps and penetrated to 26 inches with no expansion. Recovered weight was 180.3 grains. Number two also had no expansion and penetrated to 27.25 inches. Velocity was 938 fps and weight was 180.1 grains.



From the M&P Sheild, round one had a velocity of 852fps and penetrated to 21.5 inches. Recovered weight was 180.1 grains and expansion was .50 inches. The second round had a velocity of 911fps and penetrated to 22.5 inches. Recovered weight was 180.2 grains and expansion was .51 inches.



http://www.general-cartridge.com/

Wow! I need to switch.

to, or from ?

Didn't expand in denim but I woulnd't mind the penetration if it expanded as in the gel ...

Maybe a good compromise trial round if you are packing a .40...?

I would humbly say that is a failure.
Thanks OP for another excellent post.

Obviously it is running too slow for the bullet to properly expand.

It might be OK out of a PCC, but otherwise, um...  nope, not good at all.

Hmm. My 40 is a p226 but I doubt the itty bit extra barrel is gonna give it enough umph. I shall shy away from the xtp. Glad I don’t have many of those in stock.

That same XTP bullet in the Hornady 10mm load is darn good I believe. As is the 200gr version. It may not be full power 10mm, but going 1150-1200 should get it to open up nicely.

I keep the Underwood loaded 200gr XTP on hand for my Glock 20. I shy away from it in other calibers as Hornady is often known more for penetration than expansion. I wasn't at all surprised by THIS gel test by 5pins...

I'd prefer the 180 grain Nosler bullet loaded by DoubleTap for trail defense in the .40 S&W.

It runs about 1,130 fps from a Glock 22. That's Hornady 10mm load territory.

Wow. The XTP needs 10mm velocity.

And that's a slow load by Hornady. Since most people who use XTP bullets want deep penetration, possibly for woods carry, Hornady should step it up, give it an honest 1000fps, and market it as a trail/woods load.

1000fps may still not be enough to open reliably though but maybe...I'd personally stick with Ranger-T, Gold Dot, or HST if stuck with 40SW velocity.