Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet Review

First Impressions of Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet

For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, constantly seeking out the best components for my own firearms and those of my clients. Reloading is a passion of mine, and finding consistent, reliable projectiles is paramount for accurate shooting and effective training. The Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet promised to deliver that consistency at a reasonable price, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the Remington name.

Years of shooting 38 Special and 357 Magnum have taught me the importance of a good full metal jacket (FMJ) bullet, especially for high-volume practice and competition where lead fouling can become a significant issue. I needed a bullet that would reliably feed, minimize fouling, and provide consistent accuracy across a variety of handguns. The Remington 130-grain FMJ seemed like a great option for both my .38 Special revolvers and my .357 Magnum lever-action rifle.

The bullets arrived in a heavy-duty, resealable laminated plastic pouch with a desiccant packet, a nice touch that suggests Remington takes quality control seriously. Handling the bullets for the first time, the FMJ jackets appeared uniform and the overall build quality seemed consistent. They felt substantial and well-made.

I’ve previously used similar FMJ bullets from Hornady and Winchester, and while those are excellent, they often come at a higher price point. The Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet offered a potentially more economical solution without sacrificing quality, which was a major draw. I picked these over Berry’s Bullets plated bullets as I needed something that could withstand higher velocities.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. Remington has a long-standing reputation, but I’ve seen inconsistencies in component bullets from other manufacturers. However, the packaging and initial visual inspection of these Remington bullets gave me a good feeling about their potential.


Real-World Testing: Putting Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet at my local shooting range, loading them into .38 Special cases for my Smith & Wesson Model 686 and .357 Magnum cases for my Henry Big Boy Steel lever-action. The reloading process was smooth, with the bullets seating consistently and crimping well. I used a moderate charge of powder, aiming for a comfortable practice load.

The weather was slightly overcast with a light breeze, ideal conditions for accuracy testing. Firing from a bench rest at 25 yards with the revolver, the bullets grouped reasonably well, approximately 2-3 inches. My lever-action produced 1.5-2 inch groups at 50 yards.

These bullets fed without issue in both firearms. There was no noticeable leading in the barrels after the first 50 rounds through each gun. I was impressed with the clean burning powder and consistent seating.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use and reloading over 1,000 rounds, the Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. The bullets hold up well during the reloading process, with minimal deformation during seating and crimping.

I have noticed only slight signs of wear and tear on the FMJ jackets, even after repeated firings at moderate velocities. Cleaning the barrels after shooting these bullets is straightforward, with minimal copper fouling. The bullets outperform many of the cheaper FMJ options I’ve used in the past, offering better accuracy and cleaner burning.

My previous experiences with lower-quality bullets often resulted in inconsistent groupings and significant barrel fouling, requiring extensive cleaning after each range session. The Remington bullets have significantly reduced the time I spend cleaning and improved my overall shooting experience.

Breaking Down the Features of Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet

Specifications

The Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet features several key specifications that contribute to its performance. These bullets are .38 caliber, designed for use in .38 Special and .357 Magnum firearms.

  • Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ). This design ensures reliable feeding and reduces lead fouling in the barrel.
  • Bullet Weight: 130 grain. A versatile weight suitable for both target shooting and self-defense applications.
  • Projectile Caliber: .38 Caliber. Designed specifically for .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges.
  • Bullet Quantity: 100 Bullet. This quantity is ideal for reloaders who want to test the bullet before purchasing larger quantities.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the bullet’s trajectory, recoil, and terminal performance. The FMJ design is crucial for maintaining barrel cleanliness, while the 130-grain weight offers a balance between manageable recoil and adequate stopping power.

Performance & Functionality

The Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet performs admirably in its intended role. The accuracy is consistent, providing tight groupings at reasonable distances. The bullets feed reliably in both revolvers and lever-action rifles.

One of the major strengths is the minimal barrel fouling, significantly reducing cleaning time. The bullet’s weight provides a good balance of recoil and accuracy.

The one area that could use improvement is the ballistic coefficient. While adequate for target shooting, it may not be ideal for long-range applications. However, the product is not specifically designed for longer ranges, so this is a minor consideration.

Design & Ergonomics

The Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet is designed with a traditional FMJ profile, ensuring smooth feeding and consistent performance. The materials used in the FMJ jacket are high-quality, contributing to the bullet’s durability and minimizing jacket separation.

The weight and shape make it easy to handle during the reloading process. There’s no learning curve associated with using these bullets, making them suitable for both experienced and novice reloaders.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, these bullets are built to last. The FMJ jackets are robust and resistant to deformation. I anticipate that these bullets will provide consistent performance for thousands of rounds.

Maintenance is minimal, primarily consisting of cleaning the firearm after use to remove any powder residue. The FMJ design significantly reduces the amount of lead fouling, simplifying the cleaning process.

Accessories and Customization Options

As component bullets, the Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, they are highly customizable through handloading. Reloaders can select different powders, primers, and cases to fine-tune the bullet’s performance.

The bullets are compatible with a wide range of .38 Special and .357 Magnum firearms, and they can be loaded to various velocities depending on the specific application. They are also compatible with a variety of bullet seating dies and crimping tools commonly used in handloading.

Pros and Cons of Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet

Pros

  • Consistent Accuracy: Provides reliable groupings at reasonable distances, ideal for target shooting and practice.
  • Reduced Barrel Fouling: The FMJ design minimizes lead fouling, reducing cleaning time and extending barrel life.
  • Reliable Feeding: Feeds smoothly in a variety of firearms, including revolvers and lever-action rifles.
  • High-Quality Construction: Durable FMJ jacket resists deformation and ensures consistent performance.
  • Economical Choice: Offers a balance of quality and price, making it an excellent option for high-volume shooting.

Cons

  • Limited Customization: Lacks the expanding properties of hollow point bullets, limiting its effectiveness for self-defense scenarios where over-penetration could be a concern.
  • Ballistic Coefficient: Not ideal for long-range applications due to its relatively low ballistic coefficient.


Who Should Buy Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet?

The Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet is perfect for reloaders who engage in high-volume target shooting and practice. They are also well-suited for competitive shooters looking for a consistent and reliable bullet for training. Individuals who own multiple .38 Special and .357 Magnum firearms will benefit from the bullet’s versatility.

Those prioritizing maximum stopping power for self-defense might want to consider hollow point bullets instead. Shooters focused on extreme long-range accuracy may find the ballistic coefficient limiting.

A must-have accessory for using these bullets is a quality reloading setup, including a bullet seating die and a crimping tool. Selecting appropriate powder and primers is also essential for achieving optimal performance.

Conclusion on Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet

The Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet has proven to be a reliable and cost-effective option for reloaders. The bullets offer consistent accuracy, minimal barrel fouling, and reliable feeding in a variety of firearms. The value proposition is excellent, providing a balance of quality and price that makes them ideal for high-volume shooting.

I would personally recommend these bullets to anyone looking for a dependable FMJ bullet for .38 Special and .357 Magnum firearms. They are a great choice for practice, competition, and general shooting activities.

Ready to elevate your reloading game? Give the Remington Component Handgun Bullet 357/38 SPL 130 Grain FMJ Pistol Bullet a try and experience the difference quality components can make. You won’t be disappointed!

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