Sierra 124-Grain THD (Target Hunt Defense)

Sierra’s THD line is a relatively new defensive option designed to be versatile enough for range use, hunting, and personal protection. The 124-grain jacketed hollow point (JHP) features a traditional cup-and-core design with a generous hollow cavity to encourage expansion.

Advertised velocity: 1,090 fps
Tested velocity (4.4" barrel): 1,088 fps

In Clear Ballistics gel testing, the THD penetrated 17 inches and expanded evenly to approximately 0.53 inches in diameter, retaining nearly 100% of its weight. That puts it comfortably within the FBI’s recommended 12–18 inch penetration window for defensive handgun ammunition.

This load favors slightly deeper penetration, which may appeal to those prioritizing consistent reach through heavy clothing or intermediate barriers.

Black Hills 115-Grain EXP (Extra Power)

The EXP from Black Hills is a hotter-than-standard load, though not quite a true +P. It launches a 115-grain Sierra JHP at higher velocity, designed to balance expansion and manageable recoil.

Advertised velocity: 1,200 fps
Tested velocity (4.4" barrel): 1,209 fps

In gel testing, the EXP penetrated 13.25 inches and expanded to about 0.54 inches. As expected from a lighter, faster bullet, it expanded slightly more and penetrated less deeply than the 124-grain THD.

Recoil from both loads was slightly above baseline 9mm (115-grain at ~1,150 fps), but still very controllable—especially in compact carry guns.

Why Hollow Points Matter

For comparison, standard full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition like Federal’s Gold Medal Action Pistol Match load can penetrate 20–30+ inches in gel. While that may sound impressive, it dramatically increases the risk of overpenetration and transfers less energy to the intended target.

Hollow points serve two important functions:

• Controlled expansion, increasing wound cavity size
• Reduced overpenetration, lowering risk to bystanders

Modern defensive handgun rounds are designed specifically to meet FBI standards for penetration and expansion. In practical terms, both the Sierra THD and Black Hills EXP performed exactly as defensive loads should.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Sierra 124-grain THD: Slightly deeper penetration, excellent weight retention, balanced performance.
• Black Hills 115-grain EXP: Faster, slightly wider expansion, moderate penetration, and manageable recoil.

Both are proven, reliable defensive loads. The better choice may come down to your specific carry gun, recoil preference, and point-of-impact shift.

What’s not recommended? Carrying FMJ in your defensive pistol unless absolutely unavoidable. Hollow point technology has evolved significantly there’s little reason not to take advantage of it.