Hornady 9mm 147gr XTP is a premium hollow-point round designed for precision, controlled expansion, and terminal performance. Here are its key characteristics:

Ballistics & Performance

• Muzzle Velocity: 975–1,000 fps (subsonic, ideal for suppressed firearms).
• Muzzle Energy: 310–314 ft/lbs, delivering deep penetration.
• Expansion: Controlled expansion up to 1.5x original diameter, even at low velocities.

Bullet Design

• Jacket: Drawn gilding metal (copper) with varying thickness for balanced expansion.
• Core: Swaged lead alloy for uniform density and stability.
• Hollow Point: Serrated cavity initiates symmetrical expansion.
• Cannelure: Ensures consistent crimping in revolvers.

Applications

• Self-Defense/Law Enforcement: Reliable expansion and penetration meet FBI protocols.
• Hunting/Varmint: Effective for small game (<50 lbs).
• Competition: Match-grade accuracy.

Ammo Specifications

• Casing: Reloadable brass.
• Round Count: Sold in 25-, 50-, or 100-count boxes.
• Price: ~$1.04–$1.16 per round.

Notable Features

• Subsonic: Minimal recoil and noise, optimized for suppressors.
• No Exposed Lead: Ensures smooth feeding in semi-autos.

Widely trusted for its balance of stopping power and accuracy, the 147gr XTP is a top choice for defensive and tactical use.

What makes the XTP bullet suitable for self-defense?

Hornady 147gr XTP 9mm is a highly regarded hollow-point bullet designed for self-defense, law enforcement, and hunting, combining deep penetration with controlled expansion. Here’s why it’s a top choice for defensive use:

Key Features for Self-Defense

1. Controlled Expansion
   • Serrated hollow-point cavity ensures symmetrical expansion up to 1.5× original diameter, even at lower velocities (e.g., subsonic 147gr loads).
   • Variable jacket thickness (thicker near the base, thinner at the nose) prevents fragmentation, promoting consistent penetration.
2. Deep Penetration
   • Outperforms many competitors in penetration tests (12–18″ in gel), meeting FBI standards for barrier-blind performance.
   • Resists over-expansion, ensuring penetration through heavy clothing or intermediate barriers.
3. Reliability
   • No exposed lead ensures smooth feeding in semi-autos.
   • Swaged lead core enhances accuracy and terminal stability.

Compared to Alternatives

• Vs. FTX: XTP penetrates deeper (ideal for vital organ reach), while FTX expands wider but may under-penetrate in compact pistols.
• Vs. HST/Gold Dot: XTP trades rapid expansion for deeper penetration, making it better for barriers or larger game.

Why Choose XTP for Self-Defense?

• Predictable performance: Expands reliably across velocities (unlike plated bullets).
• Proven in duty use: Trusted by law enforcement for decades.
• Subsonic compatibility: 147gr’s lower recoil and noise suit suppressed firearms.

For urban defense or cold-weather carry (where heavy clothing is a factor), the XTP’s penetration makes it a robust choice, though some prefer faster-expanding rounds (e.g., HST) for bare gel performance.