First Impressions of Remington Component Handgun Bullet .40/10mm 180 Grain Flat Nose Enclosed Base Pistol Bullet
Handloading ammunition has always been a passion of mine. The ability to tailor a load to a specific firearm or application is incredibly satisfying. Today, I’m diving into the Remington Component Handgun Bullet .40/10mm 180 Grain Flat Nose Enclosed Base Pistol Bullet, a component bullet from a trusted name in the industry.
For years, I’ve struggled to find a consistently accurate and reliable bullet for my 10mm Auto. I wanted something that would feed reliably in my Glock 20 and deliver consistent performance on the range and in the backcountry. So, when I saw that Remington was offering a flat nose enclosed base bullet in .40/10mm, I had to give it a try.
The bullets arrived in a heavy-duty laminated plastic pouch, complete with a zip-type resealable top and a desiccant packet. Opening the pouch, I was immediately impressed by the uniform appearance of the bullets. They were clean, consistent in shape, and free from any obvious defects – a positive first sign.
I’ve used Speer Gold Dots and Hornady XTPs in the past for self-defense loads. However, for general range practice and potentially hunting smaller game in a survival situation, I was looking for something more economical and versatile. These Remington bullets seemed to fit the bill perfectly, especially with their enclosed base design.
My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to try these out, but also aware that not all component bullets live up to their promises. Time at the reloading bench and range would tell the true story.
Real-World Testing: Putting Remington Component Handgun Bullet .40/10mm 180 Grain Flat Nose Enclosed Base Pistol Bullet to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Remington Component Handgun Bullet .40/10mm 180 Grain Flat Nose Enclosed Base Pistol Bullet at my local shooting range. The temperature was a mild 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze. I loaded 100 rounds using a moderate charge of Hodgdon Longshot powder, carefully monitoring for signs of overpressure.
The initial results were promising. The bullets fed smoothly in my Glock 20, and recoil felt manageable. Accuracy at 25 yards was acceptable, producing groups of around 3-4 inches. There were no malfunctions or issues with the ammunition during the first 100 rounds.
The enclosed base design appeared to minimize leading in the barrel, which is a common concern with some cast or swaged lead bullets. This was a definite plus for ease of cleaning.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use and hundreds of rounds fired, the Remington Component Handgun Bullet .40/10mm 180 Grain Flat Nose Enclosed Base Pistol Bullet has held up remarkably well. I haven’t observed any significant signs of wear and tear on the bullets themselves. My reloading dies also seem to be holding up well with these bullets.
Cleaning my firearms after using these bullets is noticeably easier than with non-enclosed base lead bullets. I attribute this to the reduced leading in the barrel. The bullets themselves have shown consistent performance over time, with no significant changes in accuracy or reliability.
Previously, I relied on plated bullets for range practice. However, I find these Remington bullets to be a more cost-effective option. They offer comparable performance for a lower price.
Breaking Down the Features of Remington Component Handgun Bullet .40/10mm 180 Grain Flat Nose Enclosed Base Pistol Bullet
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Remington
- Bullet Type: Flat Nose Enclosed Base (FNEB)
- Bullet Weight: 180 grain
- Projectile Caliber: .40 Caliber/.400 Diameter
- Bullet Quantity: 100 Bullets
The Remington bullets are designed for use in .40 S&W and 10mm Auto handguns. The 180-grain weight is a popular choice for both calibers. It offers a good balance of recoil and stopping power. The flat nose design is intended to improve feeding reliability in semi-automatic pistols and enhance energy transfer on impact.
The enclosed base is a significant feature. It helps prevent lead exposure and reduces leading in the barrel, ultimately aiding in safety and firearm maintenance. The .40 caliber projectile size makes them compatible with a wide range of handguns chambered in those calibers.
Performance & Functionality
The Remington Component Handgun Bullet .40/10mm 180 Grain Flat Nose Enclosed Base Pistol Bullet performs its intended job admirably. Accuracy is more than adequate for range practice and general-purpose shooting. Feeding reliability in my Glock 20 has been flawless, regardless of magazine type.
One strength of these bullets is their versatility. They can be loaded to a variety of power levels, making them suitable for different applications. A slight weakness, perhaps inherent to the flat nose design, is that they may not be ideal for long-range shooting where a more aerodynamic bullet profile would be advantageous.
They certainly meet my expectations for a general-purpose component bullet. They are accurate, reliable, and relatively clean to shoot.
Design & Ergonomics
The bullets are simple in design, which is a good thing for a component bullet. The enclosed base is well-executed and appears to be effectively preventing lead exposure. The bullets are easy to handle and load into cases.
There’s no real learning curve associated with using these bullets. If you’re an experienced handloader, you’ll find them straightforward to work with.
Durability & Maintenance
The bullets themselves are not subject to wear and tear in the traditional sense. However, their enclosed base design contributes to the longevity of the firearm by minimizing leading in the barrel. Proper cleaning and maintenance of the firearm remain essential, regardless of the type of bullets used.
These bullets are simple to use and do not require any special maintenance. As long as proper reloading techniques are followed, they should provide consistent performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
These are component bullets, so they don’t come with any accessories. However, they can be paired with various powders, primers, and cases to achieve different performance characteristics. Reloading manuals provide ample guidance on selecting appropriate components and load data.
These bullets are compatible with standard .40/10mm reloading equipment. There are no special dies or tools required.
Pros and Cons of Remington Component Handgun Bullet .40/10mm 180 Grain Flat Nose Enclosed Base Pistol Bullet
Pros
- Reliable Feeding: The flat nose design promotes consistent feeding in semi-automatic pistols.
- Reduced Leading: The enclosed base significantly reduces lead fouling in the barrel.
- Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of applications, from target practice to hunting small game.
- Cost-Effective: Offers good performance at a reasonable price.
- Easy to Reload: Simple design makes them easy to work with for handloaders.
Cons
- Limited Long-Range Performance: The flat nose design is not ideal for long-distance shooting.
- Not Jacketed: Lacks the higher velocity potential of jacketed bullets, but this is inherent to their design and intended use.
Who Should Buy Remington Component Handgun Bullet .40/10mm 180 Grain Flat Nose Enclosed Base Pistol Bullet?
These bullets are perfect for handloaders looking for a cost-effective and reliable option for range practice and general-purpose shooting in .40 S&W or 10mm Auto. They’re also a good choice for shooters who want to minimize lead exposure and barrel fouling. Survivalists who reload and use a .40 S&W or 10mm would benefit from these bullets.
Those primarily focused on long-range shooting or self-defense might want to explore other options, such as jacketed hollow points. New reloaders may find jacketed bullets easier to start with.
A quality reloading manual and a reliable powder scale are must-have accessories for working with these bullets. A good bullet puller is also recommended to remove any mistakes.
Conclusion on Remington Component Handgun Bullet .40/10mm 180 Grain Flat Nose Enclosed Base Pistol Bullet
The Remington Component Handgun Bullet .40/10mm 180 Grain Flat Nose Enclosed Base Pistol Bullet is a solid choice for reloaders seeking a reliable and versatile bullet for their .40 S&W or 10mm Auto handguns. The enclosed base design is a welcome feature, reducing lead exposure and simplifying firearm maintenance. While not ideal for all applications, these bullets excel at range practice and general-purpose shooting.
At a price of $53.99 for 100 bullets, the value proposition is excellent. They offer a good balance of performance and affordability.
I would definitely recommend these bullets to other handloaders. They are a valuable addition to any reloading bench. Give them a try and experience the satisfaction of creating your own accurate and reliable ammunition!