Hornady Custom XTP 9mm 147gr JHP

Hornady Custom 147-grain XTP (eXtreme Terminal Performance) is a traditional expanding hollow point that prioritizes penetration depth and weight retention over maximum expansion. In Lucky Gunner's gel testing from a 3.5" barrel, the 147gr XTP achieved 19.28 inches of penetration with 0.486 inches of expansion at 994 fps, recovering virtually all of its original weight.

The XTP bullet design uses a swaged lead core mechanically locked to a drawn copper jacket. The jacket is serrated at the nose to initiate controlled expansion while the thicker base section maintains structural integrity for deep, straight-line penetration. At 975 fps from a standard barrel, this is a true subsonic load suitable for suppressed pistols.

The trade-off is clear: the XTP expands less than modern bonded designs like HST or Gold Dot, but penetrates deeper and usually prices below many premium duty loads. Hornady's hand-inspection process and matched primers ensure consistent ignition and reliable feeding.