Let’s Talk About Winchester Ammo Centerfire Handgun Reloading, 40 S&W .400, 180 Grain, TCFMJ
For those of us who spend a lot of time at the range, whether practicing for self-defense, honing our competitive skills, or just enjoying the satisfying thwack of lead hitting steel, reloading is more than just a hobby – it’s a necessity. The Winchester Ammo Centerfire Handgun Reloading, 40 S&W .400, 180 Grain, TCFMJ bullets offer a cost-effective and performance-driven solution for the avid .40 S&W reloader. Winchester, a name synonymous with quality ammunition, brings its expertise to these component bullets, promising consistency and reliable performance.
I started reloading .40 S&W years ago to save money on practice ammo, especially during periods of high demand. But as I dug deeper, I discovered the satisfaction of tailoring my ammunition to specific firearms and purposes. When my supply of reliable projectiles dwindled, I began the search for a new source of projectiles that maintained a high standard of consistency and accuracy without breaking the bank.
Upon opening the box, I was immediately struck by the uniformity of the projectiles. The Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) construction looked clean and consistent, a crucial factor for reliable feeding and consistent ballistics. Compared to some cheaper bulk bullets I’ve used in the past, the Winchester projectiles appeared to have tighter tolerances and a more consistent finish.
I considered several other options, including lead cast bullets and some offerings from smaller, less-known manufacturers. I chose the Winchester bullets because of the brand’s reputation for quality and the FMJ design. My initial excitement was definitely high; I had expectations of producing high-quality, reliable ammunition.
Real-World Testing: Putting Winchester Ammo Centerfire Handgun Reloading, 40 S&W .400, 180 Grain, TCFMJ to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the reloaded ammunition using the Winchester Ammo Centerfire Handgun Reloading, 40 S&W .400, 180 Grain, TCFMJ bullets was at my local outdoor shooting range. I tested them in two different .40 S&W handguns: a Glock 22 and a Sig Sauer P229. The weather was typical for late spring – a bit breezy with intermittent sunshine.
The reloads performed admirably in both firearms. I experienced no feeding issues, and the recoil felt consistent with factory-loaded ammunition of the same grain weight. The bullets seemed stable in flight, with no noticeable keyholing on the target.
The only surprise I encountered was that the primers appeared slightly flattened compared to some other loads. It became evident that the charge needed to be tweaked slightly to achieve optimal performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular range use, the Winchester bullets have proven to be incredibly reliable. The reloads have consistently functioned flawlessly in both the Glock 22 and the Sig Sauer P229, with no malfunctions attributed to the projectiles themselves. There have been no signs of excessive wear on the barrels of either firearm.
These bullets require minimal maintenance. They hold up well to repeated handling and reloading, and their copper jacket protects the barrel from excessive lead fouling. Compared to my previous experiences with lower-quality bullets, these Winchester projectiles have significantly improved my consistency and reduced cleaning time.
Breaking Down the Features of Winchester Ammo Centerfire Handgun Reloading, 40 S&W .400, 180 Grain, TCFMJ
Specifications
The Winchester Ammo Centerfire Handgun Reloading, 40 S&W .400, 180 Grain, TCFMJ bullets are specifically designed for reloading .40 S&W ammunition. They feature a Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) design, with each bullet weighing 180 grains. The bullet diameter is 0.4 inches, and the core material is Lead, encased in a Copper jacket. The box contains 100 bullets.
These specifications translate directly into predictable performance. The 180-grain weight is a common choice for .40 S&W, balancing recoil with stopping power. The FMJ design ensures smooth feeding in semi-automatic pistols and reduces lead fouling in the barrel.
Performance & Functionality
The Winchester Ammo Centerfire Handgun Reloading, 40 S&W .400, 180 Grain, TCFMJ bullets perform their job admirably. They are accurate, reliable, and easy to work with during the reloading process.
The bullets’ strength lies in their consistency. Reloading with these bullets allows me to create accurate and dependable ammunition for range practice and informal target shooting. The FMJ design ensures smooth feeding and reliable cycling. The main weakness lies in the fact that they are FMJ, not hollow points or other expanding bullets suitable for self-defense purposes. They meet my expectations for quality and performance as range ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward, focusing on functionality and consistency. The copper jacket is smooth and free of imperfections. The bullets feel substantial and well-made. There is virtually no learning curve associated with reloading these projectiles.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of these bullets is excellent. They are designed to withstand the pressures and temperatures associated with firing a handgun. These bullets require no maintenance beyond proper handling during the reloading process.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Winchester Ammo Centerfire Handgun Reloading, 40 S&W .400, 180 Grain, TCFMJ bullets are designed for use with standard .40 S&W reloading dies and components. They are compatible with a wide variety of powders and primers. The FMJ profile makes them suitable for use in magazines designed for jacketed ammunition.
Pros and Cons of Winchester Ammo Centerfire Handgun Reloading, 40 S&W .400, 180 Grain, TCFMJ
Pros
- Cost-effective solution for reloading .40 S&W ammunition.
- Consistent performance and reliable feeding in semi-automatic pistols.
- High-quality construction and materials ensure durability.
- Winchester’s reputation for quality provides peace of mind.
- Reduces lead fouling in the barrel compared to lead cast bullets.
Cons
- FMJ design not suitable for self-defense purposes where expansion is desired.
- Requires reloading equipment and expertise.
Who Should Buy Winchester Ammo Centerfire Handgun Reloading, 40 S&W .400, 180 Grain, TCFMJ?
The Winchester Ammo Centerfire Handgun Reloading, 40 S&W .400, 180 Grain, TCFMJ bullets are perfect for high-volume range shooters, competitive shooters, and law enforcement agencies who engage in frequent firearms training. Reloaders who appreciate consistent performance and high-quality components will also find these bullets to be an excellent choice.
Those seeking ammunition for self-defense or hunting should skip this product. They should instead look for bullets with expanding designs, such as hollow points. Must-have accessories include a quality reloading press, .40 S&W reloading dies, a powder scale, and a reliable reloading manual.
Conclusion on Winchester Ammo Centerfire Handgun Reloading, 40 S&W .400, 180 Grain, TCFMJ
Overall, the Winchester Ammo Centerfire Handgun Reloading, 40 S&W .400, 180 Grain, TCFMJ bullets offer excellent value for reloaders seeking consistent performance and reliable feeding in .40 S&W handguns. The price is justified by the quality of the components and the savings realized through reloading.
I would definitely recommend these bullets to anyone looking for a cost-effective and reliable solution for range ammunition. If you’re a .40 S&W shooter looking to save money and improve your consistency at the range, give these Winchester bullets a try. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy the process and the results.