Hi
I'm wondering about this bullet. I ran into a guy that's shot 4 hogs with the 325 XTP, and recovered the bullets. No expansion.

Wondering if anyone has had the same problem with the 400's?

I've finally got a group using em, that's worthy of my Jack Huntington converted FA 83 custom, with match chambers and barrel.




Same day at the range some guy tried shooting it, saying he shoots 454 all the time. He took one shot.

The gun wrapped all the way around his head, nearly putting the hammer in his ear, elbow in mouth.

I wish I had tape of me shooting that gun...

I have used the Hornady factory load with the 400gr bullets out of a 6" revolver.

I have shot wild pig, deer and a black bear.

All were pass throughs, but the exits did show that some exansion had taken place.

I also shot some of them into some animal glue ballistic testing media and they exanded nicely.

I also recovered 2 shot into zebra at point blank range. They expanded nicely as well.

They were stoed by the hide on the exit side. In fact one of the bullets had turned a 180 and the base was sticking our of the hide, the mushroom holding it inside the animal.

I haven't hunted with the 400 grain Hornady load, so I don't know how well it does on live game, but in my penetration testing, I found it to be underwhelming, particularly alongside my flat-nose hardcast bullets.

It's obviously an accurate load you've got there!!

Whitworth

What was your testing media, and difference in penetration?

It was wet newsprint, and I believe that the Hornady went about 15-inches, but I have to dig up th data. The hardcast went over 40-inches.

Whitworth

How "wet" was you media, and did you get any expansion?

I view the 400gr XTP in the 475 as a good bullet for game under 400 lbs to maybe 600 lbs on behind the shoulder shots.

If you look at the History of hunting, whether it be rifle or handgun, the one thing that causes more more problems than ANYTHING else is inadequate penetration.

It was very wet, and expansion was impressive to say the least. I will have to dig up the bullets and photograph them. I just think an expanding bullet in .475 caliber is a bit of a waste as it already has the diameter. All it needs is penetration, and the deed is done.

I've used the 400 XTP on bison, water buffalo, hogs, bears and elk. I've also used the 420 WFN hard cast on water buffalo, bear and hog. Muzzle velocities have ranged from 1250 fps to almost 1400 fps, depending upon the gun and load. The 400 gr. XTP is my favorite .475 bullet. The several bullets that have been recovered have expanded a bit, up to as much as about a ragged 3/4", but it takes a big animal or bone to stop one.

The 400 gr. Hornady XTP seems like a well built bullet. But I can't seem to get around to loading or using them. I am stuck on the 400 gr. hard cast bullets for my 475 Linebaugh.

kenoneill, sounds like you have had some good experience with them.

I too have heard good things about the accuracy with this bullet. I have to dig up the ones I shot into wet newsprint -- opened up quite nicely.

Thanks for the feedback. I'd love to see pictures of the bullets expanded.