Let’s Talk About **PPU Handgun .38 Special 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
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The PPU Handgun .38 Special 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
PPH38SL 38% Off represents a solid, budget-friendly option for .38 Special shooters. PPU (Prvi Partizan), a Serbian ammunition manufacturer, has been producing ammunition for decades and is known for its reliable, if not always the most refined, products. This particular load is a classic – a 158-grain lead round nose (LRN) bullet in a brass case, designed for revolvers chambered in .38 Special.
My journey to this particular ammunition started when I was looking for a cost-effective solution for high-volume practice with my Smith & Wesson Model 10. I wanted something that wouldn’t break the bank, but would still provide consistent performance for honing my skills. Having used various brands of .38 Special ammo over the years, I was intrigued by the PPU offering, especially with the advertised 38% discount, and decided to give it a try.
Upon receiving the ammunition, the first thing I noticed was the clean brass casing and the traditional LRN bullet design. The rounds were packaged in a standard cardboard box, containing 50 rounds, securely held in place. The overall appearance was straightforward and functional. Compared to some premium self-defense rounds with advanced bullet designs, the PPU ammunition looked rather simple.
I considered other options, such as Winchester White Box and Federal American Eagle, both well-regarded for their consistency. Ultimately, the price point of the PPU ammunition, coupled with my previous positive (though limited) experiences with other PPU calibers, tipped the scales in its favor. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The ammo looked decent and the price was right – the range would tell the true story.
Real-World Testing: Putting **PPU Handgun .38 Special 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I tested the PPU Handgun .38 Special 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was clear and sunny, with a slight breeze – ideal conditions for accuracy testing. I fired the ammunition through my Smith & Wesson Model 10, a classic .38 Special revolver with a 4-inch barrel, from distances of 7, 15, and 25 yards.
The performance was generally good, but not without some observations. The ammunition fed reliably, with no misfires or failures to extract. The recoil was manageable, as expected for a standard .38 Special load. However, I noticed a slightly smoky discharge and a noticeable lead smell after each shot, which is common with LRN bullets.
The initial accuracy at 7 yards was excellent, producing tight groupings. As the distance increased to 15 and 25 yards, the group size opened up somewhat, but still remained within acceptable limits for practice ammunition. After the first 50 rounds, I noticed a slight buildup of lead fouling in the barrel, which is another common trait of LRN bullets.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next several months, I put approximately 500 rounds of the PPU Handgun .38 Special ammunition through my Model 10 and a Ruger SP101. The ammunition continued to perform reliably, with no malfunctions. The consistency of the loads remained relatively stable.
However, the lead fouling in the barrel continued to be a recurring issue, requiring more frequent cleaning than when using jacketed ammunition. I also noticed that the brass casings, while reloadable, seemed to be slightly softer than those from some other manufacturers. This made them a bit more prone to deformation during the reloading process.
Compared to my previous experiences with premium .38 Special ammunition, like Speer Gold Dot, the PPU ammunition falls short in terms of cleanliness and overall refinement. However, considering the price difference, the PPU ammunition offers a worthwhile compromise for practice and plinking. It gets the job done, even if it requires a bit more cleaning afterward.
Breaking Down the Features of **PPU Handgun .38 Special 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
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Specifications
- Manufacturer: PPU (Prvi Partizan), a Serbian ammunition manufacturer.
- Caliber: .38 Special, a widely popular revolver cartridge known for its manageable recoil and versatility.
- Number of Rounds: 50, a standard box quantity for handgun ammunition.
- Bullet Type: Lead Round Nose (LRN), a traditional bullet design that is cost-effective to produce but can lead to increased fouling.
- Bullet Weight: 158 grain, a common bullet weight for .38 Special, offering a good balance of velocity and energy.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass, the standard material for ammunition casings, known for its reloadability and corrosion resistance.
- Muzzle Velocity: 902 ft/s, a typical velocity for a 158-grain .38 Special load, providing adequate energy for target shooting and self-defense.
- Application: Self Defense, although primarily used for target practice due to its LRN design.
- Primer Style: Centerfire, the most common type of primer for modern ammunition, known for its reliability.
These specifications translate to a classic .38 Special load, designed for reliable performance and ease of use. The LRN bullet, while not ideal for self-defense due to its potential for over-penetration and lack of expansion, is still suitable for practice and plinking. The brass casing allows for reloading, further reducing the overall cost of shooting.
Performance & Functionality
The PPU Handgun .38 Special 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition performs its job adequately, providing consistent and reliable operation in .38 Special revolvers. The accuracy is sufficient for practice and target shooting, although not match-grade.
The primary strength of this ammunition is its affordability. It allows for high-volume practice without breaking the bank. However, the main weakness is the increased lead fouling, requiring more frequent cleaning. It meets expectations for an affordable practice round, but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the PPU ammunition is very basic. The materials are standard – brass casing and lead bullet.
The ammunition is user-friendly, requiring no special handling or considerations. There is no learning curve associated with its use.
Durability & Maintenance
The ammunition itself is durable, with the brass casing providing good corrosion resistance. However, the lead bullet can deform upon impact with hard surfaces.
The main maintenance consideration is the increased lead fouling, requiring regular cleaning of the firearm.
Accessories and Customization Options
This is ammunition, so there are no accessories or customization options. However, the brass casings are reloadable, allowing for customization of the load through different powder charges and bullet types.
The PPU ammunition is compatible with any standard .38 Special revolver and reloading equipment. Reloading the brass casings allows for tailored performance.
Pros and Cons of **PPU Handgun .38 Special 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
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Pros
- Affordable: Significantly cheaper than premium .38 Special ammunition, making it ideal for high-volume practice.
- Reliable: Consistent performance with no misfires or failures to extract during testing.
- Reloadable: Brass casings can be reloaded, further reducing the overall cost of shooting.
- Manageable Recoil: Standard .38 Special load with manageable recoil, suitable for shooters of all skill levels.
- Widely Available: Easily found at most gun stores and online retailers.
Cons
- Lead Fouling: LRN bullets lead to increased lead fouling in the barrel, requiring more frequent cleaning.
- Smoky Discharge: Noticeable smoky discharge and lead smell after each shot.
- Limited Self-Defense Potential: LRN bullets are not ideal for self-defense due to their potential for over-penetration and lack of expansion.
Who Should Buy **PPU Handgun .38 Special 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
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The PPU Handgun .38 Special 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition is perfect for:
- Casual target shooters who want affordable ammunition for practice.
- Reloaders who are looking for quality brass casings to reload.
- Revolver enthusiasts who enjoy shooting classic .38 Special loads.
Who should skip this product?
- Shooters who prioritize cleanliness and minimal fouling.
- Individuals looking for optimal self-defense ammunition.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A good quality bore cleaner to remove lead fouling.
- Reloading equipment for those who want to customize their loads.
Conclusion on **PPU Handgun .38 Special 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
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The PPU Handgun .38 Special 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
PPH38SL 38% Off is a solid, budget-friendly option for .38 Special shooters. While it may not be the most refined ammunition on the market, it offers reliable performance and consistent accuracy at an affordable price. The increased lead fouling is a drawback, but the overall value proposition is strong.
The price is definitely justified, especially with the advertised 38% off. It’s hard to beat the cost-effectiveness of this ammunition for practice and plinking. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for affordable .38 Special ammunition for high-volume shooting.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to hone your skills with a .38 Special revolver, give the PPU Handgun .38 Special 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition a try. You might be surprised at how well it performs, especially considering the price. Just remember to clean your gun thoroughly after each shooting session!