First Impressions of Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP
The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP promise a sweet spot: affordable, reliable performance for the .45 ACP enthusiast. Magnus claims their bullets deliver accuracy and reduced leading at velocities up to 1200 FPS, a claim that immediately piqued my interest given my years reloading for my 1911s. As a seasoned handloader always on the lookout for cost-effective components without sacrificing precision, I decided to give these bullets a try.
I was looking for a reliable bullet for target practice and drills. I also wanted a bullet that was soft enough to expand reliably, making it potentially suitable for self-defense.
The bullets arrived neatly packaged, and the first thing I noticed was their consistent shape and clean swaging. The semi-wadcutter hollow point (SWCHP) design looked classic and effective. Compared to coated bullets I’ve used recently, these looked more traditional.
I’ve typically used either Berry’s plated bullets for range work or Hornady XTPs for serious applications. The Berry’s are clean to load, but not as accurate as I’d like; the XTPs are accurate and reliable, but expensive. I hoped the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP would strike a balance between cost and performance.
Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. Lead bullets can be finicky, but if Magnus’s alloy recipe works as advertised, these could be a game-changer for my .45 ACP reloading.
Real-World Testing: Putting Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test took place at my local outdoor range, a no-frills setup where I could load and shoot without interference. I loaded up several magazines with varying powder charges to find the sweet spot for accuracy in my customized 1911. The weather was mild, around 70 degrees with a slight breeze – ideal shooting conditions.
The first few rounds went downrange without a hitch. The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP loaded smoothly, and recoil felt manageable. I was impressed with the initial accuracy at 25 yards.
There were no immediate issues, but I did notice a bit more smoke than I’m used to with jacketed or plated bullets. This is typical of lead bullets, but something to note.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and hundreds of rounds, the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP continued to perform admirably. I did, however, have to adjust my cleaning regimen.
I noticed a slight increase in lead fouling in my barrel after prolonged use. Regular cleaning with a good lead solvent easily addressed this. Compared to some other lead bullets I’ve tried in the past, the Magnus bullets produced noticeably less leading.
These bullets have proven to be exceptionally reliable. They outperform other budget lead bullets I’ve used in the past and nearly rival the accuracy of premium jacketed options, at a fraction of the cost.
Breaking Down the Features of Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP
Specifications
The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP boasts a classic design and a composition aimed at both performance and affordability. Here’s a breakdown:
- Caliber: .452 Caliber. This is the standard diameter for .45 ACP rounds, ensuring compatibility with most .45 ACP firearms.
- Bullet Type: Hollow Point (HP). The hollow point design is intended to promote expansion upon impact, increasing stopping power, especially important for defensive applications.
- Weight: 185 gr. A lighter bullet weight translates to higher velocities with a given powder charge, potentially leading to a flatter trajectory and reduced recoil.
- Bullet Quantity: 500 Bullet. Buying in bulk saves money, especially for high-volume shooters or reloaders.
- Material: 91% lead 4% tin and 5% antimony. This alloy is designed to be hard enough to resist leading at moderate velocities but soft enough to expand upon impact.
- Recommended Velocity: Up to 1200 FPS. Staying within this velocity range should minimize leading in most handguns, according to Magnus.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the bullet’s performance. The alloy composition dictates how well the bullet resists deformation during firing and how effectively it expands upon impact.
Performance & Functionality
The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP performs its job admirably, especially considering its price point. Accuracy is surprisingly good.
With a proper load, I consistently achieved groups of 2-3 inches at 25 yards from a rest. Reliability was excellent; I experienced no feeding issues in my 1911. These bullets definitely exceed expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The semi-wadcutter hollow point design is a classic for a reason. It feeds reliably in most 1911-style pistols. The bullet’s profile facilitates smooth loading and chambering.
The bullets’ consistent weight and shape make them easy to handle and load into cases. There is a slight learning curve, as with all lead bullets, regarding lubrication and crimping.
Durability & Maintenance
As swaged lead bullets, the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP are inherently softer than jacketed bullets. They will last as long as you properly load and fire them.
Maintenance primarily involves cleaning your firearm more frequently to remove lead fouling. This is a standard practice for anyone shooting lead bullets.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP themselves don’t require any specific accessories. However, proper reloading equipment is essential.
A good bullet lubricant is highly recommended to minimize leading. Standard .45 ACP reloading dies are compatible with these bullets.
Pros and Cons of Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP
Pros
- Excellent value for the price. These bullets offer a significant cost savings compared to jacketed alternatives, making them ideal for high-volume shooting.
- Good accuracy. The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP deliver surprisingly tight groupings for lead bullets, suitable for target practice and recreational shooting.
- Reliable feeding. The semi-wadcutter design ensures consistent feeding in most .45 ACP firearms, minimizing malfunctions.
- Potential for expansion. The hollow point design promotes expansion upon impact, increasing stopping power for self-defense applications.
- Manageable leading. The alloy composition helps reduce leading in the barrel, making cleaning less of a chore.
Cons
- Increased smoke compared to jacketed bullets. Lead bullets typically produce more smoke when fired, which may be a nuisance for some shooters.
- Requires more frequent cleaning. Lead fouling necessitates more regular cleaning of the firearm.
Who Should Buy Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP?
The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP are perfect for budget-conscious reloaders who enjoy shooting their .45 ACP pistols frequently. They’re also well-suited for casual target shooters seeking a more affordable alternative to jacketed bullets.
These bullets are a good choice for those who want a potentially expanding bullet for self-defense but are on a tight budget. Someone who demands absolute match-grade accuracy should skip this product.
A good quality bullet lubricant is a must-have accessory for using the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP. A lead-specific cleaning solvent is also recommended.
Conclusion on Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP
The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP provide an excellent balance of affordability and performance for .45 ACP shooters. While they may require a bit more cleaning and generate slightly more smoke than jacketed bullets, the cost savings and reasonable accuracy make them a compelling option.
At $93.99 for 500 bullets, the price is definitely justified. I would personally recommend these bullets to anyone looking to save money on their .45 ACP reloading without sacrificing too much in terms of accuracy or reliability.
Give the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 185 gr SWCHP a try; your wallet (and your 1911) might thank you.