Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Pistol Bullet Review

First Impressions of Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Pistol Bullet

The Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Pistol Bullet promises consistent performance and reduced leading, a perennial concern for handloaders, especially those working with revolvers. As an experienced handloader with over a decade of experience, I’m always on the lookout for components that simplify the reloading process and improve the shooting experience. The Speer name carries weight in the shooting world, known for quality and reliability, so I was eager to see if these bullets lived up to the reputation.

I have been reloading .38 Special and .357 Magnum for years, primarily for target practice and occasional small game hunting. Leading in my revolvers has always been a frustrating issue, requiring tedious cleaning sessions after each range trip. These Speer bullets, with their advanced lube system, seemed like a potential solution to my leading woes.

Upon receiving the bullets, the first thing I noticed was the clean and uniform appearance. The Speer bullets looked precisely made, with a consistent round nose profile. Unlike some other lead bullets I’ve used, these weren’t coated in excessive, sticky lube; they were clean and dry to the touch. My initial impression was positive; they looked and felt like a quality product. I hoped these bullets would feed smoothly and deliver the accuracy I expect.

I considered other lead bullets from brands like Missouri Bullet Company and Hornady, but the advertised reduction in leading with the Speer bullets swayed my decision. I also wanted the convenience of purchasing a bulk pack of 500 bullets to streamline my reloading process. The promise of cleaner shooting and less barrel leading was a strong selling point.

I was cautiously optimistic about these bullets. If they perform as advertised, they could save me significant time and effort cleaning my revolvers. If they fail to deliver, I’ll be back to scrubbing lead from my barrels after every shooting session.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Pistol Bullet to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Pistol Bullet at my local outdoor shooting range. I loaded them into .38 Special cases with a moderate charge of Hodgdon Titegroup, a powder I’ve found to be consistent and clean-burning. I fired them from my Smith & Wesson Model 686, a .357 Magnum revolver known for its accuracy.

The bullets loaded smoothly into the cases and fed reliably into the cylinder. The recoil was manageable, as expected with a .38 Special load. What immediately stood out was the noticeable lack of smoke compared to other lead bullet loads I’ve used in the past.

After about 50 rounds, I checked the barrel. I was pleasantly surprised to find significantly less leading than I typically experience with lead bullets. There was a slight amount of residue, but it was easily removed with a brush. The reduced leading was a definite improvement.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, firing over 500 rounds of the Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Pistol Bullet, I’ve become very impressed with their performance. The bullets have consistently delivered good accuracy, with groupings averaging around 2 inches at 25 yards from a rest. The loading process remains smooth, and I haven’t experienced any malfunctions.

The durability of the bullets themselves is as expected for lead; they are relatively soft and can deform if mishandled during the reloading process. However, with careful handling, this is not an issue. Cleaning has become noticeably easier; the reduced leading saves me considerable time and effort.

Compared to my previous experiences with other lead bullets, these Speer bullets are a clear winner. They deliver comparable accuracy with significantly less leading and easier cleaning. They have definitely exceeded my expectations. My older loads with harder cast bullets may have leaded less, but they also produced more felt recoil and were generally more expensive to assemble.

Breaking Down the Features of Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Pistol Bullet

Specifications

The Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Pistol Bullet is a .358 caliber bullet weighing 158 grains. The Speer bullets are designed for handguns chambered in .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and other cartridges that use .358 diameter bullets. They are a Lead Round Nose (LRN) type bullet, known for reliable feeding.

The bullets are made of cold-formed lead, which contributes to their consistency and uniform shape. The key feature is the technologically advanced, multi-layer lube system. This proprietary lube is designed not to burn off or melt during storage. The lube ensures the bullet travels down the barrel with minimal friction. The design dramatically reduces barrel leading. The bullets are packaged in bulk packs of 500.

The 158-grain weight is a classic choice for .38 Special and .357 Magnum, offering a good balance of recoil and energy. The round nose profile is known for smooth feeding in revolvers and other handgun platforms. The bullet design and Speer’s quality ensures proper chambering and ignition.

Performance & Functionality

The Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Pistol Bullet performs its job admirably. Accuracy is consistent and reliable, suitable for target shooting and plinking. I have achieved consistent groupings at various distances with these bullets. The reduced leading is a major benefit, making cleaning significantly easier.

The main strength of these bullets is the reduction in barrel leading. This translates to less time spent cleaning and more time shooting. The round nose profile ensures reliable feeding in my revolvers. The primary area for potential improvement would be the addition of a gas check option for those seeking to push these bullets to higher velocities in magnum loads.

These bullets meet and exceed my expectations. They deliver good accuracy, reliable feeding, and significantly reduced leading. This makes them a great choice for high-volume shooting.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Pistol Bullet is excellent. The bullets are consistently shaped and sized, and the lube is evenly applied. The bullets’ weight and profile are optimized for smooth feeding and reliable performance.

These bullets are user-friendly. There is no learning curve associated with loading them. They can be loaded using standard reloading equipment and techniques. Their consistent shape and weight ensure reliable performance.

Durability & Maintenance

As lead bullets, they are relatively soft and can deform if mishandled. However, with proper care during loading, they should last indefinitely in storage. Maintenance primarily involves cleaning the firearm after use, which is made easier by the reduced leading.

These bullets are designed for single use and are not meant to be reused or repaired. Regular cleaning of the firearm after shooting is recommended to maintain optimal performance. The reduced leading properties of these bullets result in reduced cleaning time.

Accessories and Customization Options

These Speer bullets do not come with any accessories. Customization primarily involves selecting the appropriate powder charge and case for the desired performance. These bullets are compatible with a wide range of .38 Special and .357 Magnum cases.

These bullets are compatible with standard reloading equipment and dies. This allows for a high degree of customization in terms of load development and performance. Aftermarket crimp dies can be used to ensure proper bullet seating and tension. The bullets can be used with various powders to achieve different velocity and recoil levels.

Pros and Cons of Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Pistol Bullet

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Who Should Buy Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Pistol Bullet?

The Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Pistol Bullet is perfect for high-volume shooters, reloaders seeking to reduce barrel leading, and target shooters looking for consistent accuracy. The bullets are also great for plinkers who value ease of cleaning and reliable performance.

Those who intend to load high-velocity .357 Magnum rounds or require maximum bullet hardness may want to consider gas-checked bullets. Shooters who prioritize extreme accuracy for competitive shooting may want to explore match-grade jacketed bullets.

A must-have accessory would be a quality set of reloading dies in .38 Special/.357 Magnum. A good powder measure and scale are essential for consistent loads. A bullet seating die with a crimping function is highly recommended.

Conclusion on Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Pistol Bullet

Overall, the Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Pistol Bullet is an excellent choice for reloaders seeking consistent performance and reduced barrel leading. The price of $86.19 for 500 bullets is justified by the time saved on cleaning and the improved shooting experience.

I would personally recommend these bullets to anyone who reloads .38 Special or .357 Magnum and is tired of scrubbing lead from their barrels. They offer a great balance of accuracy, reliability, and ease of use.

If you’re looking for a reliable and clean-shooting lead bullet for your .38 Special or .357 Magnum, the Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Pistol Bullet is an excellent investment. Try them out and see the difference for yourself!