Question about Hornady bullets

[Johnnyjr]

While looking at the Hornady bullets,I noticed that they have what I believe is thier recommend muzzle velocity for each bullet. What is this anyway. I noticed in other manuals (not Hornady) that with a Hornady bullet the muzzle velocity is a lot more than their suggested fps. Does that mean the bullets wouldn't stay together or what. Be using xtp in my 44 big boy. Johnny

[fortyshooter]

Well for a JHP bullet they might recommend a minimum speed for the bullet to open up and a max speed so it might stay intact after hitting target with max expansion

[Johnnyjr]

It should be explained in more detail. I might just call them to see what that's about..

[fortyshooter]

Which Hornady bullets are you looking at?

[Johnnyjr]

In the manual they show all their bullets with recommended uses for them,etc. Plus the suggested muzzle velocity of each one.

[JEBar]

In the manual they show all their bullets with recommended uses for them,etc. Plus the suggested muzzle velocity of each one.

that's interesting .... we use Nosler bullets .... they provide recommendations of maximum and minimum velocity with various powders .... I wasn't aware of a company recommending a set velocity

[Johnnyjr]

Well, maybe I'm wrong about it. But,I received an email from them,say they recommend a mv of 700 to 1400 fps for the 180 gr xtp 44 cal bullets. No reason why. But when you look at the loading data,it shows velocity some what faster.. I've got 300 of them,so I'm going to use them..

[JEBar]

they recommend a mv of 700 to 1400 fps for the 180 gr xtp 44 cal bullets. No reason why.

that makes sense .... over the range they are built to perform, their specs call for a MV of 700 fps (or higher) to mushroom as designed .... further that bullet is designed to retain its integrity upon impact at up to 1400 fps

[Johnnyjr]

I suppose your right,but when you look at the same bullet in the 44 rifle the mv is a lot fast,so does that mean the bullet will fall apart?

[JEBar]

I suppose your right,but when you look at the same bullet in the 44 rifle the mv is a lot fast,so does that mean the bullet will fall apart?

my Nosler manual shows pictures the expansion of their 44 caliber 240 gr JHP from 800 to 1320 fps .... while I have used one to take a black bear at literally under 6" from the muzzle, that isn't the norm for hunting .... bullet's expansion starts on contact with the target which usually a good bit further away .....after contact, what it hits (large or small bone or tissue) plays a big part in the bullet's expansion .... frankly with with Hornady bullets (so long as you don't go the the extreme) I don't believe it will be an issue

[NHshtr]

Although a little late to the conversation, I just wanted to add that I've been using 240 grain XTPs in my .44 Mag for deer and as long as your muzzle velocity is in the zone they recommend, you'll get the right expansion. I usually get 1280-1300 fps, from my Ruger 7 1/2" bbl and the bullet expands very nicely with whitetails out to 75 yards. Fear not that they will come apart above 1300 fps.
Good luck with your hunt.

[Johnnyjr]

Thanks for the information,but I'm shooting them from my Henry big boy which produces more velocity.

[BigBoreBusiness]

I’ve experienced what I believe is an answer to your question, although I wasn’t loading for a Henry. I ordered some 300 grain XTP for my 45 colt revolver. They sent some XTP and some XTP MAG. The MAG variant had a much higher recommended velocity. What I found is the 45 colt is not capable of reaching the velocities necessary for properly expansion with MAG variant, although the regular XTP functioned perfectly. I also noticed some (minor) signs of increased pressure with the MAG variant. I would definitely pay attention to the recommended velocities if hunting game. Otherwise, difference is negligible

[Johnnyjr]

Exactly,my thought as well. I appreciate your post..

[Shakey Jake]

Well, maybe I'm wrong about it. But,I received an email from them,say they recommend a mv of 700 to 1400 fps for the 180 gr xtp 44 cal bullets. No reason why. But when you look at the loading data,it shows velocity some what faster.. I've got 300 of them,so I'm going to use them..

Make sure you're looking at RIFLE data. Usually the data for revolvers is different.
Jake

[Shakey Jake]

Well, maybe I'm wrong about it. But,I received an email from them,say they recommend a mv of 700 to 1400 fps for the 180 gr xtp 44 cal bullets. No reason why. But when you look at the loading data,it shows velocity some what faster.. I've got 300 of them,so I'm going to use them..

Make sure you're looking at RIFLE data. Usually the data for revolvers is different. My Hornady manual lists 1700 fps to 2200 fps depending on powder. It lists Alliant 2400 at 21.8 gr (1700 fps) to a maximum of 27.5 gr (2100 fps).
Jake

[Hatchdog]

Well, maybe I'm wrong about it. But,I received an email from them,say they recommend a mv of 700 to 1400 fps for the 180 gr xtp 44 cal bullets. No reason why. But when you look at the loading data,it shows velocity some what faster.. I've got 300 of them,so I'm going to use them..

Make sure you're looking at RIFLE data. Usually the data for revolvers is different.
Jake

This!