Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710 Review

First Impressions of Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710

The .45 Colt, a cartridge steeped in Wild West lore and practical stopping power, deserves ammunition that lives up to its reputation. Underwood Ammo, known for its high-performance loadings, aims to deliver just that with their 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point offering. This isn’t your grandpa’s cowboy load; this is a modern take on a classic, designed for hunting and self-defense with a focus on controlled expansion and deep penetration.

My search for the ideal .45 Colt ammunition began with a desire for versatility. I wanted a round suitable for both whitetail deer hunting in thick brush and as a potential self-defense option when hiking in areas with large predators. I needed something with manageable recoil in my Ruger Blackhawk, but enough punch to get the job done.

Upon receiving the Underwood Ammo, the nickel-plated brass cases immediately stood out. They offer enhanced corrosion resistance and smoother feeding, a detail often overlooked but critical for reliability in a revolver. The coated soft cast hollow points looked menacing, promising significant expansion upon impact. My initial impression was one of quality and careful attention to detail.

I considered Buffalo Bore’s heavy .45 Colt loads and Cor-Bon’s jacketed hollow points, but the Underwood Ammo seemed to strike a better balance. It offered a heavier bullet than the Cor-Bon, potentially improving penetration, and wasn’t as punishing as the Buffalo Bore rounds, which can be uncomfortable in lighter revolvers. This Underwood Ammo appeared to be the Goldilocks of .45 Colt loads – just right.

My initial excitement was palpable. The promise of a powerful, accurate, and reliable .45 Colt load from Underwood was something I eagerly anticipated testing.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Underwood Ammo was at my local shooting range. I tested it in my 7.5-inch Ruger Blackhawk at distances of 25 and 50 yards. The weather was overcast, but the range was dry and conditions were ideal for accuracy testing.

The recoil was surprisingly manageable for a .45 Colt load pushing a 225-grain bullet at 1050 ft/s. It was stout, yes, but not painful or uncontrollable. Muzzle flash was minimal, thanks to the clean-burning powders Underwood claims to use. After only a few rounds, I noticed a distinct improvement in accuracy. I achieved consistent groupings tighter than any of my old loads.

There was one initial surprise: the coating on the lead bullets left a slight residue in the barrel. It wasn’t excessive, and it cleaned up easily, but it was something I hadn’t encountered with traditional jacketed bullets.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Underwood Ammo has proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve put approximately 200 rounds through my Ruger Blackhawk without a single malfunction. The nickel-plated cases continue to feed smoothly, and the primers ignite consistently.

The coating on the soft cast bullets seems to be holding up well, preventing excessive leading of the barrel. Cleaning is relatively straightforward, requiring a bit more attention than jacketed bullets, but less than traditional cast lead rounds. I have noticed a slight build-up of residue near the cylinder gap, but it’s easily removed with a bore brush and solvent.

Compared to my previous experience with standard .45 Colt loads, the Underwood Ammo delivers significantly improved accuracy and terminal performance. It offers a flatter trajectory and greater stopping power, making it a far more capable hunting and self-defense round. The performance easily outperforms other rounds that I have used in the past and I would be very comfortable recommending this to others.

Breaking Down the Features of Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710

Specifications

The Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710 boasts several key specifications:

• Caliber: .45 Colt – A classic cartridge with a rich history and considerable stopping power.
• Bullet Weight: 225 grain – Heavier than many standard .45 Colt loads, offering improved penetration.
• Bullet Type: Soft Cast Hollow Point – Designed for controlled expansion and deep penetration, maximizing terminal performance.
• Case Material: Nickel Plated Brass – Provides enhanced corrosion resistance and smoother feeding.
• Muzzle Velocity: 1050 ft/s – A respectable velocity for a .45 Colt load, generating significant energy.
• Muzzle Energy: 551 ft-lbs – Delivers substantial energy on target, increasing stopping power.
• Primer Style: Centerfire – Ensuring reliable ignition.
• Sectional Density: 0.16 – Indicates good penetration potential.

These specifications are crucial for the overall performance of the ammunition. The heavier bullet weight and hollow point design contribute to improved terminal ballistics, while the nickel-plated brass cases enhance reliability. The published velocity and energy figures demonstrate the power of this load, making it suitable for hunting and self-defense.

Performance & Functionality

The Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710 performs exceptionally well. Its standout attribute is its accuracy. At 25 yards, I was consistently achieving groupings of 2-3 inches, and at 50 yards, I maintained groupings of 4-5 inches.

Reliability is another strong point. I have not experienced any failures to feed, fire, or eject. The ammunition functions flawlessly in my Ruger Blackhawk. The primary strength is its balance of power and accuracy, making it a versatile option for various applications. One potential weakness is the coating on the bullets, which can leave a slight residue in the barrel, requiring more frequent cleaning.

The Underwood Ammo more than meets my expectations. It delivers the performance I was hoping for, providing a significant upgrade over standard .45 Colt loads.

Design & Ergonomics

The nickel-plated brass cases are aesthetically pleasing and contribute to smooth feeding. The soft cast hollow point bullets are well-formed and consistent in shape and weight. The overall build quality is excellent.

The recoil, while stout, is manageable and doesn’t detract from the shooting experience. There is no significant learning curve. Those familiar with revolvers will find the Underwood Ammo easy to use.

Durability & Maintenance

The nickel-plated brass cases offer excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring a long shelf life for the ammunition. The coating on the soft cast bullets helps to minimize leading of the barrel. The overall durability of the ammunition is excellent.

Cleaning requires a bit more attention than jacketed bullets due to the residue left by the coating. However, it’s a relatively simple process. Regular cleaning after each range session is recommended to maintain optimal performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Underwood Ammo itself does not come with any accessories. However, it’s compatible with a wide range of .45 Colt revolvers. Many shooters choose to pair it with aftermarket grips for improved comfort and control.

The ammunition is also suitable for use with optical sights, such as red dots or scopes, to enhance accuracy at longer ranges. The Ruger Blackhawk is easily customizable with aftermarket grips and sights, allowing shooters to tailor the firearm to their individual preferences.

Pros and Cons of Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710

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Who Should Buy Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710?

The Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition is perfect for hunters seeking a reliable and accurate round for medium-sized game. It is also great for those who need a powerful self-defense option against large predators. Anyone who appreciates high-quality ammunition and demands peak performance from their .45 Colt revolver will love it.

Those who primarily target shoot with inexpensive ammunition or who are highly sensitive to recoil should skip this product. The premium price and stout recoil may not be suitable for all shooters.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality bore cleaner and brush to remove the residue from the bullet coating. A comfortable set of grips is also recommended to help manage the recoil.

Conclusion on Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710

The Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710 is a high-performance load that delivers exceptional accuracy, reliability, and terminal ballistics. It’s a premium option for those who demand the best from their .45 Colt revolver.

The price is justified by the quality of the components and the superior performance. It’s not the cheapest .45 Colt ammunition on the market, but it’s worth the investment for serious shooters.

I would absolutely recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a versatile and powerful .45 Colt load for hunting or self-defense. If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your .45 Colt’s performance, give Underwood Ammo a try – you won’t be disappointed.