Hornaday XTP

[jake]

I shoot the same bullets out of my encore 209-50 and have had very good luck with them.They put deer down quickly,but they don't open up a whole lot.I guess as long as they shoot good and put deer down quickly thats all that matters.I haven't lost a deer yet with them.

This is my experance with them.I'm pleased with the preformance and the price isn't bad either.

Good Hunting

[Bullseye]

I agree with the other responder, if the deer died quickly it really does not matter.  If the bullet passed through you are really just guessing about how much it expanded by looking at a exit hole in a deer.

[KING]

Greetings !!!!   If the animal went down without any problems in a short time I would not worry abut weather the projo expanded or not in its travel through the animal.  It is the results that count,and like the others have told you it is not a problem.  The size of the exit wound can be decieving as to the amount the projo expanded  inside of the animal.  Again,its the results that count.   stay safe...king

[bubba]

I agree a quick kill is the ticket. The studies I have been reading show that the jacketed pistol bullets will not expand much at the speeds a muzzleloader will push them. Even the supposed magnum loads. AI switched ro a 200 grain lead cast pistol bullet I shoot in the Hornady green sabots. Works very well and opens up nicely. Either way the results are the same. A quick kill. I shot a nice doe at 10 feet with the Hornady 250 went in and right out the other same size. She fell in her tracks. I guess when you are throwing somethig almost a half inch in diameter how much expansion do you need?

[Billyboy]

I agree, the XTP works well regardless of exit hole size.  I have recovered 200 & 240 bullets from my Knight .50 shooting 100 gr. Pyrodex and they mushroomed perfectly.  I think part of the problem with the exit hole size involves the projectile moving slowly and the hide actually stretching around the bullet as it exits.  Just a theory...

[HoCoMDHunter]

Thanks for the advice fellas.   "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

[Kurt]

How do,, fellow ML shooters. Good responses here. I got a 4x5 23inch heavy beam muley four years back with a 250g 45XTP in  a 50cal sabot. It entered on a slightly quartering, facing toward me angle. The bullet just kissed the front point of the shoulder bone and was recovered on the diaphram line far side. Mushromed just like in the pictures. It shattered the point of the shoulder and that is why it didn't exit. It was 100g Pryo P at about 25 yards. Opening day just before dark. I had to pack pack him out the next day with a bunch of  courius cattle congregated around. FUN FUN. Until this old angus bull decided that my truck was HIS cow shelter. After much hootin an hollerin an a little face off, there was a moment there I was jist a tad nervous. He much to my relief moved off with his "girls".

[HoCoMDHunter]

Thanks for the advice fellas.   The XTP claimed another deer this morning.  Same as before, passed clean through.  Did a number on the heart - it looked like someone put it in a meat grinder.  Second time that has happened this season.  I find it amazing that these things can run 50 yards without a heart.  With proper shot placement the XTP certainly does it's job.