Read my post, the term I used was frangible not fragile, the XTP is designed to reliably expand over a broad range of velocities. Based upon my experience with shoulder shots using other bullets the XTP would not be one I would choose for a shoulder shot. Other's experiences may be different, my opinion is offered only for informational purposes.
You have my apologies sir. I did read it too quickly. I never tried a "on shoulder" shot with the 10mm. What I said about the Bonded Nosler stands true though. I would not hesitate to load them in a .357 for hunting. My .357 SIG matches the .357 Mag velocity, and the 9x25 exceeds it, and those Noslers hold up in those. I also would not hesitate to use the 6 pedal Gold Dot that was made specifically for the .357 SIG.
This is the 6 pedal, 125gr Gold Dot. It was fired into water jugs from 15 feet. Average chrono speed was 1527 fps from my Glock 32. It held together that good, that close to water, I know it will work for hunting!
With as frangible bullet as an XTP I would definately NOT aim for a shoulder shot. Shoot them in the lungs, may not be a bang flop but the blood trail won't be long. A 158 or 180gr. bullet would be my choice, the XTP bullet is made to expand over a broad range of velocities. Read your Hornady manual to gain knowledge as to the preferred load.
My son shot a doe through the sternum at 30yds with a 158gr XTP. Bullet was found resting against the femur. I'd not avoid a shoulder with that bullet from our experience with them.
There are 2 versions of the xtp...hollow point and soft point. Which one are you guys referring to?
That's a new one on me. I'm looking at the 2019 Hornady catalog now, and all I see is the XTP, which is a JHP. They have the XTP "Mag" version for the ultra-powerful handguns. They are only available in .452", .475", and .500". I'd be interested in the soft points if you can point me in the correct direction.
Edit: Nevermind, I see what you are referring to. Some are labeled FP-XTP. One in 125gr .357", and one in .357" 158gr.
I wouldn't let bullet choice get too complicated, expensive or exotic. I've killed deer with 158 gr. sp's and hp's from Win., Rem. and Speer running at 1800+ fps out of my Marlin 1894C. All died quickly from 20 yds. to 150. Some exited on broadside shots. Others were found nicely mushroomed against the hide on the far side. I'd stay away from anything lighter if running them full speed out of a carbine.
Limited experience but in an 1894CP, I have found the 158 XTP plenty adequate on deer for myself and my daughter at 8 and 9 years old. A large Kansas doe took one through the shoulders at about 75 yards with nasty exit. YMMV
The XTP would be what I looked at for an expander. We've had very good luck with hard-cast, but in .41 and .44 mag. I had to put a horse down, years ago, with a head shot. Used the carcass for a bit of testing and was unable to recover any Keith-style .44s from any chest shots, regardless of the angle. 3 antelope and 4 deer, as best I can recall, were all 1 shot kills from 10 yards to 130. The XTP should work fine on deer.
Broncos are officially the worst team in the nation this year.
I've killed a few (8-10) with a .357 revolver... never made any difference in what I hit them with... that said, I DO LIKE the 158 gr jacketed softpoint. especially on hogs.
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went" Will Rogers
