First Impressions of Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets 9mm .356in 124 gr FP
I’ve been reloading 9mm for over a decade, chasing that perfect balance of accuracy, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. When I saw the Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets 9mm .356in 124 gr FP, I was immediately intrigued. The promise of “match grade quality” at a fraction of the price is a bold claim.
I needed a consistent and accurate bullet for my practice loads and occasional IDPA matches. My go-to bullets had become increasingly expensive and difficult to find in recent times. So, I wanted to explore alternatives that could offer similar performance without breaking the bank.
The bullets arrived in a sturdy cardboard box containing 500 projectiles. My initial impression was positive; the bullets appeared uniform and well-manufactured, lacking any visible imperfections. Their flat point design was reassuring, giving me some confidence regarding consistent feeding into the chamber.
Compared to my previous standard, the Hornady HAP 125gr, the Accura Bullets were noticeably less expensive. They also had a different profile compared to the coated lead bullets I sometimes use for low-recoil target loads. My hope was they would rival the accuracy of the Hornady at a lower cost, surpassing the overall consistency of the coated lead.
I was cautiously optimistic; the claims were enticing, and the initial inspection was encouraging. But, the true test would be their performance on the range and at the reloading bench.
Real-World Testing: Putting Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets 9mm .356in 124 gr FP to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets 9mm .356in 124 gr FP at my local outdoor range. It was a relatively calm day, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze. I loaded up 100 rounds using my standard 9mm recipe: a moderate charge of Hodgdon Titegroup powder and CCI primers, all in mixed brass.
Initially, the feeding was flawless across my Glock 19, Sig Sauer P320, and CZ Shadow 2. The flat point profile seemed to help ensure consistent chambering. Accuracy at 15 yards was promising, grouping within 2 inches offhand with each pistol.
I did notice slightly more smoke than I was used to with my jacketed rounds. However, I didn’t find the increased smoke production distracting or a hindrance in any way.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and roughly 2000 rounds, the Accura Bullets have proven to be remarkably consistent. There has been zero failures to feed or extract across multiple platforms. The accuracy has remained consistent, easily holding sub-3-inch groups at 25 yards from a rest with my CZ Shadow 2.
I’ve observed minimal leading in my barrels, even after extended shooting sessions. Cleaning is straightforward, requiring no more effort than with any other copper-jacketed bullet. They hold up well to repeated use and storage in my ammo cans.
Compared to my previous bullet choices, the Accura Bullets have impressed me with their consistent performance-to-price ratio. While they may not be quite as accurate as the premium Hornady HAP bullets at extreme distances (50 yards+), they deliver more than acceptable accuracy for the vast majority of practical shooting applications.
Breaking Down the Features of Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets 9mm .356in 124 gr FP
Specifications
The Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets 9mm .356in 124 gr FP are designed for 9mm Luger cartridges and are manufactured by Accura Bullets. These bullets have a .356-inch diameter, a weight of 124 grains, and feature a flat point (FP) design. These are packaged in quantities of 500.
The .356 diameter is crucial for proper fit and function in most 9mm handguns, ensuring a good seal in the barrel to maximize velocity and accuracy. The 124-grain weight is a popular choice for 9mm, offering a balance of recoil, velocity, and bullet stability. The flat point is valuable for efficient energy transfer on impact, and enhances consistent feeding in certain pistols.
Performance & Functionality
The Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets 9mm .356in 124 gr FP perform admirably in terms of accuracy and reliability. They offer consistent groupings at typical pistol ranges, making them suitable for target shooting, practice, and competition. Their reliability is high, with smooth feeding and minimal issues encountered across different 9mm platforms.
A notable strength is their consistent weight and dimensions, leading to more predictable ballistic performance. A potential area for improvement is reducing the amount of smoke produced during firing, though this is a minor concern. Overall, they meet and even exceed expectations for their price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The bullets are well-constructed with a uniform copper jacket and a lead core. This provides a good balance of hardness for consistent feeding and expansion, while remaining soft enough to properly engage the rifling. The flat point profile contributes to both improved feeding and potentially more effective terminal ballistics compared to round-nose bullets.
The streamlined shape ensures easy handling and loading during the reloading process. There is no noticeable learning curve associated with using these bullets.
Durability & Maintenance
These are jacketed bullets, so leading and excessive wear are typically minimal compared to lead bullets. With proper storage, these bullets should maintain their integrity for many years.
Cleaning is relatively easy and straightforward, requiring standard bore cleaning procedures to remove any residue after shooting. The copper jacket is resistant to corrosion and degradation under normal storage conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
These are bullets intended for reloading, so “accessories” refer to the reloading components used with them. These bullets work well with a wide range of 9mm cases, primers, and powders.
While no specific customization is directly applicable to the bullets themselves, the reloader has precise control over the cartridge’s overall performance characteristics. The Accura Bullets are compatible with a broad array of aftermarket seating dies and crimping tools, and can be used to build custom loads tailored to specific firearms.
Pros and Cons of Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets 9mm .356in 124 gr FP
Pros
- Excellent accuracy for the price, rivaling more expensive options.
- Consistent feeding across various 9mm platforms due to the flat point design.
- Reliable performance with minimal leading or fouling.
- Cost-effective option for high-volume practice and competition.
- Good quality construction with uniform dimensions and a well-formed copper jacket.
Cons
- Slightly more smoke compared to some premium jacketed bullets.
- Not quite as accurate at extreme distances (50+ yards) as top-tier match bullets.
Who Should Buy Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets 9mm .356in 124 gr FP?
Perfect for: High-volume shooters, competitive pistol shooters (IDPA, USPSA), and reloaders seeking a cost-effective and accurate 9mm bullet for practice and matches. These bullets are also well-suited for self-defense practice, where consistent feeding and reliable performance are crucial.
Who should skip this product? Those solely focused on achieving the absolute best possible accuracy at very long ranges (50+ yards) may want to stick with premium match-grade bullets. Those who dislike any amount of noticeable smoke when shooting might also consider exploring other options.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Standard reloading equipment (press, dies, scale, etc.) is required. A quality crimp die is recommended to ensure proper bullet seating and reliable ignition.
Conclusion on Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets 9mm .356in 124 gr FP
The Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets 9mm .356in 124 gr FP have proven to be an excellent choice for reloaders seeking a balance of performance and affordability. They deliver reliable feeding, consistent accuracy, and clean shooting performance at a price that’s hard to beat.
The value proposition is outstanding; these bullets offer performance comparable to more expensive options, making them a great choice for high-volume shooters. I personally recommend these bullets to anyone looking to save money without sacrificing accuracy and reliability in their 9mm loads.
Give the Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets 9mm .356in 124 gr FP a try; you might be surprised at how much you can save without compromising on quality!