I was considering this ammo as defensive ammo for my J-Frame and SP101. I also like it because with the 158gr. weight, I should be able to firing without feeding problems in my Marlin 1894.

Does anyone have any information on how this performs as a defensive round?

I would suggest the 158 XTP be limited to very high pressure .38 loads or .357 magnum only. I have shot a few of them and while I believe it's a very good bullet for some things, it's a really bad choice for others. You might as well shoot FMJ because performance will be the same from a snubby .38 load.





If you need a bullet for SD in a .38 SPL, the Speer GD short barrel load, the old 158gr LSWCHP +P, and one load from buffalo bore are the only three that are trustworthy from snubbies.

Thanks for the reply. I was just hoping to avoid the heavy recoil and price of the Buffalo Bore...I guess I will suck it up and do it. I would like to avoid the Gold Dot, bacause my Marlin will only shoot 158gr. or heavier.

I've had no issues with the wife's Marlin, though I don't really shoot many light bullets. The wife's has ballard rifling and not the microgroove.



 

It is a feeding issue not a stabilization issue. It will feed the lighter bullets, but you have to "feather" them into the chamber. You can't really work the action that fast with the lighter bullets. Sorry for the confusion.

I wish someone would make a newer / better 158gr bullet for the j frame / snub

I have   5 S&W snubs and 3- 4inch K frames & 1 - L frame 4incher

All  fixed sight S&W revolvers shot 158gr at POA

110 125 135gr bullets  all shoot low

those snubbies are going to need a specialized load if expansion is to have a chance. Something like the GoldDot 135grn.

Have J frame and a 101 also. The XTP's are extremely accurate out of the 101, but wasn't confident in their performance from the snubbie. I keep either the BB +P or standard pressure 158's in the 101, and the standard pressure 158 in the snubbie. I have short barrel Speer 135's also. The standard BB's in the J are not too bad, IMO. Sometimes Cabelas has the BB on sale, but they're still pricey though.

If you can find it, Remington's version of the FBI load, the 158 +P 158 SWCHP, is viable also. Federal and Winchester's versions are not as good.