Hornady 38 Cal 158gr XTP

Hornady 38 Cal 158gr XTP

The Hornady 38 Cal 158gr XTP is a precision-designed bullet component ideal for handloaders seeking reliable accuracy, controlled expansion, and consistent terminal performance in .38-caliber applications. With a .357-inch diameter and a weight of 158gr, this XTP (eXtreme Terminal Performance) bullet incorporates a deep, open hollow-point cavity and streamlined profile that make the 38 Cal 158gr XTP effective for both hunting and target use.

Featuring a thick jacket bonded at the nose and a tapered jacket design, the 38 Cal 158gr XTP ensures reliable expansion and structural integrity. The open-tip hollow point cavity initiates controlled mushrooming, while retaining over 90 percent of its weight through heavy flesh and bone. This combination allows the 38 Cal 158gr XTP to offer dependable terminal penetration, making it suitable for game like whitetail deer, hogs, and larger predators at moderate ranges.

Optimized for cartridges such as .38 Special +P, .357 Magnum, and .38-40 Winchester, the Hornady 38 Cal 158gr XTP performs well even in shorter barrels at velocities between 1,200 and 1,400 fps. The consistent bearing surface and precise ogive design deliver reliable feeding in both revolvers and lever-action rifles. Handloaders appreciate the 38 Cal 158gr XTP for its smooth magazine cycling and dependable point-of-impact repeatability.

In field testing, the 38 Cal 158gr XTP exhibits balanced expansion—typically mushrooming to 1.3–1.5 times its original diameter—with controlled penetration sufficient to reach vital organs without excessive fragmentation. This performance makes the Hornady 38 Cal 158gr XTP a trusted choice for ethical hunting in brush and woodland environments, where shot placement and terminal reliability are essential.

Manufactured at Hornady’s Grand Island, Nebraska facility under tight quality-control tolerances, each 38 Cal 158gr XTP bullet is sold as a component only. Reloaders must select compatible brass, powder, and primers to complete their loads. With consistent weight, concentricity, and ogive geometry, the 38 Cal 158gr XTP delivers dependable accuracy, reliable feeding, and proven terminal effectiveness shot after shot.

Overall, the Hornady 38 Cal 158gr XTP bullet component offers a compelling balance of precision, controlled expansion, and retention of weight. It stands as a go-to option for handloaders searching for a durable, accurate, and terminally effective .38-caliber bullet for sport shooting and medium-game hunting.