Hornaday 230gr. +P

[K191145]

I bought a new box of these the other day, it's what I keep loaded in my G21. I have had them in my G21 for around 2 years, I bought a new batch because the ones I had are 2 years old and have been cycled many times, I have fired a few mags of these in the past with no problems and very little difference in recoil. My question is, does anyone else keep 230gr. +P's loaded in their .45 and do you think they're a little too much concerning over penetration? I guess I just want a review on the load itself. My thinking on these loads is that, that extra 100+fps will make them a little more reliable to expand, then again they may just enter and exit with no expansion because of the extra velocity. I guess alot of us are looking for that perfect cartridge when one doesn't exist.

[Guest The Dude]

I do. I keep my Gen4 G21 loaded with Federal HST 230gr. +p's.
Everything is a trade-off.
Assuming the bullet perfoms as designed, Id take my chances, especially when the perp is wearing heavy clothing. Its no different than a 9mm +p+ load or a light .40 load, as they all offer very similar penetration results overall. Try to remember that handgun rounds dont carry the same velocity through material as high velocity rifle rounds. And human flesh is very elastic. If the bullet fails to expand, then it may be an issue, but that can be said in any caliber. Overpenetration is much more likely with FMJ rounds.

I wouldnt let it worry you.

[K191145]

I just want the best handgun cartridge I can get, still waiting for someone to develop a smart bullet that will guide itself to your intended target no matter how bad your aim and explode after 6" of penetration. Until then I have to stick with what's on the shelf.

[peejman]

I use 200gr +P. Worry more about hitting the target and less about what the bullet does afterwards.

[Guest Junion]

Even with the +P designation, this ammo doesn't gain much in the velocity department over standard pressure loadings. That being said, from my own experience, the XTP is one of if not the best penetrating HP bullet offered. I'm not talking hard targets. With the XTP, you wont get the .75 inch expansion as with other bullets designs. Where it lacks in expansion, it makes up for in penetration. I'll take the added penetration any day. Like peejman said, worry about putting rounds on target. Over penetration goes right out of the window when bullets miss the intended target.

Colt