First Impressions of Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS – the name itself speaks volumes about its intended purpose: delivering swift, decisive terminal performance. For years, I’ve relied on various .338 caliber projectiles for big game hunting across diverse terrains. However, the promise of controlled expansion and deep penetration, hallmarks of the Swift A-Frame design, piqued my interest, driving me to finally give them a shot.
My quest for the ideal .338 bullet stemmed from frustrating experiences with projectiles that either fragmented prematurely or failed to expand consistently on tough game animals. I needed a bullet that could reliably penetrate thick hides, break heavy bones, and deliver a swift, humane kill.
Upon unboxing the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS, the first thing that struck me was the solid, almost imposing appearance of each bullet. The exposed lead tip hints at rapid expansion, while the robust copper jacket exudes confidence in its ability to withstand high-velocity impacts. The bullets felt hefty and well-balanced, suggesting consistent weight distribution, a crucial factor for accuracy.
Compared to similar offerings from Nosler (AccuBond) and Hornady (InterBond), the Swift A-Frame seemed to boast a noticeably thicker jacket. This implied a greater resistance to deformation and potentially superior penetration capabilities. I was excited to see if these initial impressions would translate into tangible performance in the field.
My initial reaction was a blend of excitement and cautious optimism. The design appeared promising, suggesting a well-engineered projectile capable of meeting my demanding requirements. But only real-world testing would reveal if the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS could truly live up to its reputation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS took place at my local shooting range. The day was relatively calm, with a slight crosswind, ideal for evaluating bullet accuracy and stability. I loaded the projectiles into my custom .338 Winchester Magnum, carefully recording the load data for future reference.
The first few shots revealed excellent accuracy, with tight groupings at 100 and 200 yards. Recoil was stout, as expected from a magnum cartridge, but manageable. I observed no signs of bullet instability or keyholing on the target.
One initial observation was the clean burning of the propellant, indicating good bullet-to-bore engagement. There were no immediate surprises, and the bullets performed as expected during this initial range session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of rigorous testing, the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS have consistently delivered impressive results. I’ve used them in a variety of conditions, including hot, dry weather and cold, damp conditions during a late-season elk hunt.
The bullets have proven remarkably durable, showing minimal signs of deformation even after repeated firing. Cleaning the bore after shooting these bullets is straightforward, with minimal copper fouling compared to some other jacketed projectiles I’ve used.
During the elk hunt, I harvested a mature bull at a distance of approximately 350 yards. The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS performed flawlessly, delivering a swift, humane kill with excellent penetration. The recovered bullet exhibited textbook expansion, retaining a significant portion of its original weight. Based on this experience, I’m confident that these bullets outperform the older projectiles I’ve relied on previously.
Breaking Down the Features of Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS
Specifications
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS boasts several key specifications that contribute to its exceptional performance. These bullets are .338 caliber, designed for use in rifles chambered for .338 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua Magnum, and other similar cartridges. Each box contains 50 bullets, providing ample supply for load development and hunting.
The bullet features a spitzer shape, which enhances its ballistic coefficient, resulting in a flatter trajectory and reduced wind drift. The jacket material is pure copper, known for its excellent ductility and ability to expand reliably upon impact. The controlled expansion and weight retention are critical for ethical hunting.
Furthermore, the bullet’s unique A-Frame design features a bonded core and a wraparound jacket, ensuring structural integrity and preventing core-jacket separation. This translates to deep penetration and maximum energy transfer to the target. The Manufacturer claims that the tapering at the base of the core is critical for penetration.
Performance & Functionality
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS excels in delivering consistent accuracy and reliable terminal performance. The bullet’s spitzer shape and balanced design contribute to its flat trajectory and minimal wind drift, making it ideal for long-range shooting. In terms of functionality, the bullets are easy to load and handle, with consistent weight and dimensions.
The bullet’s primary strength lies in its controlled expansion and deep penetration capabilities. However, its relatively high cost compared to other .338 caliber projectiles could be considered a weakness. Overall, the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS meets and exceeds my expectations for a premium hunting bullet.
Design & Ergonomics
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS design is simple yet effective. The exposed lead tip ensures rapid expansion, while the thick copper jacket provides the necessary structural integrity for deep penetration. The bullets feel solid and well-balanced in hand, inspiring confidence in their quality.
The bullets are easy to handle and load, with no sharp edges or imperfections. There is no learning curve associated with using these projectiles; they are straightforward to load and shoot.
Durability & Maintenance
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS are designed for single use, but their robust construction ensures they perform reliably upon impact. The thick copper jacket prevents fragmentation and ensures maximum weight retention.
Cleaning the bore after shooting these bullets is relatively easy, with minimal copper fouling. With proper storage, these bullets should last for many years.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS do not require any specific accessories or modifications. However, choosing the right powder, primer, and case is crucial for achieving optimal accuracy and performance.
These bullets are compatible with a wide range of reloading equipment and components. They work effectively with different types of rifle scopes, mounts, and bipods.
Pros and Cons of Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS
Pros
- Exceptional terminal performance: Controlled expansion and deep penetration ensure swift, humane kills.
- Excellent accuracy: Consistent weight and dimensions contribute to tight groupings at various ranges.
- Durable construction: Thick copper jacket prevents fragmentation and ensures maximum weight retention.
- Reliable performance in diverse conditions: Performs consistently in both hot and cold weather.
- Reduced copper fouling: Easier to clean the bore compared to some other jacketed projectiles.
Cons
- Higher price compared to other .338 caliber bullets.
- May require careful load development to achieve optimal accuracy in some rifles.
Who Should Buy Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS?
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS are perfect for serious big game hunters who demand reliable terminal performance and are willing to invest in premium-quality ammunition. Hunters targeting elk, moose, bear, and other large game animals in challenging terrains will appreciate the bullet’s ability to penetrate thick hides and break heavy bones.
Hunters primarily focused on varmint hunting or target shooting might find other, more economical .338 caliber bullets more suitable for their needs. Those new to reloading may want to start with simpler, less expensive bullets before moving on to the Swift A-Frame.
A high-quality reloading press, accurate scale, and reliable powder measure are essential for achieving optimal performance with these bullets. A chronograph can also be helpful for monitoring bullet velocity and ensuring consistent performance.
Conclusion on Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS are premium-quality projectiles designed for serious big game hunting. Their controlled expansion, deep penetration, and consistent accuracy make them an excellent choice for hunters who demand reliable terminal performance.
While the price is higher than some other .338 caliber bullets, the investment is justified by the bullet’s exceptional performance and reliability. I would personally recommend these bullets to any hunter seeking to maximize their chances of a swift, humane kill on large game animals.
If you’re serious about ethical hunting and demand the best possible performance from your .338 caliber rifle, then the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .338 cal .338 AFSS are worth considering. Invest in quality, and experience the difference for yourself!