Anyone useing this bullet for taking game?If so how did it perform? It says on the box recommended velocities 700-1500 fps and for medium game. Did Hornady recently change this bullet because I've read a lot of conflicting info on the internet claiming different recommended velocities that were much higher!
Hey, I found this thread while searching around with the same question as you. I finally asked Hornady directly, and got a clear answer which I'll paste below. Hopefully it helps somebody else, too.
My original email to Hornady support:
> I have published Hornady data from a few years ago stating that the
> recommended impact velocity for the 38 cal 158gr FP/XTP (#35780) is
> 1150-1800 FPS, but the box I recently bought of the exact same bullet
> recommends 700-1500 FPS. Was the bullet design changed
> in the last few years? What's the reason for the difference in
> recommendation?
Their answer:
> Mr. (redacted), thank you for contacting us. Bullet #35780 has not been
> subjected to any recent changes and the velocities of 1150-1800fps still
> apply. The velocities of 700-1500fps are correct for item #35750 which is
> our 158 XTP HP. It sounds as if item #35750 was purchased, perhaps
> unintentionally, instead of #35780 or there may have been a labeling error.
> Please feel free to include the seven digit lot number from the box and we
> can look into this further if you would like. Thanks
My response:
> Thank you, I have 3 boxes and the lot number on all 3 is 2181754. All three
> are clearly labelled as item no. 35780 and as FP/XTP. The velocity
> recommendation is listed on the top of the box as, verbatim, "Recommended
> muzzle velocity range: 700 to 1500 fps." I would be happy to send a
> picture of the box if that would help.
Their answer:
> Mr. (redacted), thank you for the lot number and the offer to send a photo. A
> picture will not be necessary. The lot number you have provided allowed us
> to verify that you have the FP bullet which is rated for higher velocities, but the
> velocity recommendation on the label is incorrect. This has been forwarded to our
> packaging department for quality control purposes. We apologize for any
> inconvenience that this may have caused and appreciate you bringing this to our
> attention. Thank you!
So it sounds like 700-1500 is incorrect for the FP; it's actually 1150-1800, and Hornady just has a persistent labeling issue.
