First Impressions of Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP
For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear. From advising seasoned professionals to outfitting weekend warriors, my hands-on experience has given me a keen eye for quality and performance. Today, I’m diving deep into the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP, a cast bullet designed for the iconic .45 Colt cartridge, manufactured by Magnus.
My interest in these bullets stemmed from a frustrating search for consistent and reliable ammunition for my vintage Colt Single Action Army. Factory loads were often expensive and sometimes underpowered. I wanted a bullet that offered a balance of accuracy, manageable recoil, and affordability for high-volume practice and occasional cowboy action shooting.
The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP arrived in a simple, no-frills package. My initial impression was that these were serious bullets, not some fancy, over-marketed product. The bullets were clean, evenly cast, and displayed a consistent hardness that I could immediately appreciate.
I’ve used similar cast bullets from other manufacturers like Missouri Bullet Company and Acme Bullets. I chose to try the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP based on reports of their consistent sizing and alloy composition, crucial for avoiding leading issues. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping they would live up to their promise of reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Real-World Testing: Putting Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP was at my local outdoor range. I loaded them into my .45 Colt cartridges using a moderate charge of Hodgdon Trail Boss powder, aiming for a velocity of around 800 fps. The weather was typical for Texas in the summer: hot and humid.
Recoil was manageable and pleasant, much like a classic .45 Colt load should feel. Accuracy was immediately apparent; at 25 yards, I was consistently grouping within 3 inches. There were no immediate signs of leading in my revolver barrel, a welcome surprise.
There was one initial issue, the bullets were slightly tight in some of my cartridge cases, requiring a bit more force during seating. A minor adjustment to my seating die resolved this quickly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP have proven to be incredibly reliable. I’ve put several hundred rounds downrange through multiple firearms, including my Colt SAA and a modern Ruger Blackhawk. The results have been consistently positive.
I’ve noticed minimal signs of wear and tear on the bullets themselves. The consistent alloy has reduced leading issues, simplifying cleaning. Maintenance primarily involves regular cleaning of my firearms after each shooting session, as with any lead bullet.
Compared to other cast bullets I’ve used, the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP noticeably outperforms many in terms of consistent accuracy and reduced leading. These bullets have definitely exceeded my expectations, providing a cost-effective and reliable solution for my .45 Colt shooting needs.
Breaking Down the Features of Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP
Specifications
The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP is a cast lead bullet specifically designed for the .45 Colt cartridge. The projectile caliber is .452 Caliber. The bullet weight is 250 grains.
The Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP) design is a classic choice for .45 Colt, offering good feeding characteristics and decent terminal performance. Magnus states that they use a virgin alloy of 91% lead, 4% tin, and 5% antimony. This alloy is designed to be hard enough to prevent leading at velocities up to 1200 FPS.
The bullet quantity per box is 400 bullets. This generous quantity makes them ideal for reloaders who enjoy high-volume shooting. These specifications are vital for the consistent performance and reliability that shooters demand.
Performance & Functionality
The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP performs exceptionally well in its intended role. Accuracy is excellent, easily achieving consistent groupings within 3 inches at 25 yards with a variety of .45 Colt firearms. Reliability is a key strength; these bullets consistently load and cycle without issue.
The bullet’s design helps prevent leading. This contributes to longer shooting sessions with less frequent cleaning needed. The only noticeable weakness is that the bullet seating depth may need to be precisely adjusted for specific firearms.
Overall, this bullet meets and exceeds my expectations for a cast lead bullet in the .45 Colt caliber. The consistent performance and reduced leading make it a standout choice.
Design & Ergonomics
The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP are cast from a virgin alloy, giving the bullets a good weight and balance for consistent loading. The flat point aids in more efficient energy transfer on the target, creating a larger wound channel. The consistent sizing of the bullets ensures they seat properly in the cartridge case.
The bullets are designed for reloaders, and as such, there is no special finish or coating on them. The simplicity is appreciated, making the bullets easy to handle and load. The bullets have a slight learning curve regarding seating depth, but once dialed in, the reloading process is smooth.
Durability & Maintenance
As cast lead bullets, the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP are very durable when stored correctly. Proper storage in a cool, dry place will prevent oxidation and maintain their integrity. Proper cleaning of the firearm after use will minimize the accumulation of lead residue, maintaining accuracy.
Maintenance involves regular cleaning of your firearms after each use. The bullet design minimizes leading. These bullets are easy to reload, provided you follow proper reloading procedures.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP bullets do not come with any accessories, as they are simply the projectiles themselves. However, they can be customized through various reloading components and techniques. You can use different powders to achieve varying velocities and recoil levels.
You can use different crimping methods for improved accuracy and consistency. These bullets are compatible with most standard .45 Colt reloading equipment.
Pros and Cons of Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP
Pros
- Excellent accuracy: These bullets consistently produce tight groupings at the range.
- Reduced leading: The alloy composition minimizes leading, making for easier cleanup.
- Affordable: Offers excellent value for the price, especially for high-volume shooters.
- Consistent sizing: Ensures reliable feeding and consistent performance.
- Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of .45 Colt firearms and applications.
Cons
- Seating depth: May require fine-tuning of seating depth for optimal performance in specific firearms.
- No coating: Lack of coating means more direct contact with lead, requiring careful handling.
Who Should Buy Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP?
The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP are perfect for reloaders who enjoy shooting the .45 Colt caliber. They are also ideal for cowboy action shooters, and recreational shooters who value accuracy, affordability, and reduced leading. Anyone looking for a cost-effective way to shoot their .45 Colt firearms should consider these bullets.
Those who prefer coated bullets or factory-loaded ammunition should skip this product. Novice reloaders who are not familiar with the process of reloading lead bullets should also avoid it. A must-have accessory for those who purchase these bullets is a high-quality bullet seating die for precise reloading.
Conclusion on Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP
In summary, the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP are an outstanding choice for anyone who reloads the .45 Colt cartridge. Their consistent accuracy, reduced leading, and affordable price make them a standout product in the market. The price of $93.99 for 400 bullets is justified.
I would personally recommend these bullets to anyone looking for a reliable and cost-effective way to shoot their .45 Colt firearms. Give the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 250 gr RNFP a try and experience the difference for yourself.