Wilson Combat .38 Special 122 Grain Flat Point Brass Pistol Ammunition A38SP-122-FP Review

First Impressions of Wilson Combat .38 Special 122 Grain Flat Point Brass Pistol Ammunition A38SP-122-FP

The Wilson Combat .38 Special 122 Grain Flat Point Brass Pistol Ammunition A38SP-122-FP promises a blend of accuracy, reliability, and reduced barrel wear, targeting competition shooters, serious target enthusiasts, and those seeking a consistent training round. This ammunition aims to deliver superior performance thanks to its coated flat-point bullet and quality components, all at a competitive price point. I was drawn to this ammunition specifically for its purported ability to minimize lead fouling and improve consistency in my Smith & Wesson Model 15, a revolver I regularly use in local shooting competitions.

Upon receiving the ammunition, I immediately noticed the sturdy packaging and the neat rows of gleaming brass cartridges. The flat point bullet design was clean and consistent across all rounds, suggesting tight quality control at Wilson Combat. Compared to standard lead round nose .38 Special ammunition, these rounds looked noticeably more modern and performance-oriented. My usual choice for practice rounds has been a generic 158-grain lead round nose, but I’m always looking for something cleaner and more consistent.

I was particularly interested in the claim of reduced barrel wear due to the polymer coating on the bullet. The promise of cleaner shooting and greater accuracy piqued my interest, giving me high hopes. While generic range ammunition gets the job done, the Wilson Combat offering appeared to be a step up in terms of both design and intended use. Overall, my initial impression was one of cautious optimism, intrigued by the potential benefits but eager to see how it performed in reality.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Wilson Combat .38 Special 122 Grain Flat Point Brass Pistol Ammunition A38SP-122-FP to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local outdoor shooting range, under relatively ideal conditions: sunny, with a slight breeze and temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. I brought along my Smith & Wesson Model 15, a classic .38 Special revolver with a 4-inch barrel, and a variety of targets at distances ranging from 7 to 25 yards. The first cylinder’s worth of Wilson Combat .38 Special 122 Grain Flat Point Brass Pistol Ammunition fired flawlessly.

The recoil felt noticeably lighter compared to my usual 158-grain rounds, and the flat point seemed to punch cleaner holes in the paper targets. I experienced zero failures to feed or extract, and the spent brass ejected cleanly from the cylinder. I was very impressed by the consistent felt recoil, which aided in rapid follow-up shots.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, firing approximately 500 rounds of the Wilson Combat .38 Special 122 Grain Flat Point Brass Pistol Ammunition, the ammunition has proven to be exceptionally reliable. There were absolutely no malfunctions of any kind, reaffirming my initial positive impressions. The polymer coating seems to be doing its job, significantly reducing lead fouling in the barrel, making cleaning a breeze.

The brass casings also appear to be of high quality, showing no signs of excessive wear or deformation after multiple reloads. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper range ammunition, the Wilson Combat offering is significantly superior in terms of both cleanliness and consistency. It consistently outperforms cheaper, generic brands. I found maintenance to be significantly easier as a result of the reduced lead fouling.

Breaking Down the Features of Wilson Combat .38 Special 122 Grain Flat Point Brass Pistol Ammunition A38SP-122-FP

Specifications

• Caliber: .38 Special. A classic and widely used handgun cartridge known for its manageable recoil and inherent accuracy.
• Bullet Weight: 122 grain. This lighter-than-average bullet weight contributes to reduced recoil and increased velocity.
• Bullet Type: Flat Point. This bullet type is designed for optimal target shooting performance, creating clean holes and potentially enhancing accuracy.
• Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass is a standard material for cartridge cases, known for its reloadability and consistent performance.
• Muzzle Velocity: 1000 ft/s. This velocity, measured from a 4.25-inch barrel, translates to a flat trajectory and sufficient energy for target shooting.
• Muzzle Energy: 271 ft-lbs. This energy level is sufficient for target shooting and training purposes.
• Number of Rounds: 100. The packaging comes with 100 rounds, ideal for range trips and extended training sessions.

These specifications contribute to a round designed for accuracy, reduced recoil, and cleaner shooting. The flat point design aids in precise target work, while the polymer coating minimizes lead fouling, leading to improved barrel life and shooting consistency.

Performance & Functionality

The Wilson Combat .38 Special 122 Grain Flat Point Brass Pistol Ammunition performs admirably in its intended role. The ammunition consistently delivers tight groupings at various distances. Accuracy is superb, easily allowing me to maintain sub-3-inch groups at 25 yards from a rest.

The reduced recoil makes it easier to stay on target during rapid-fire drills, and the flat point bullet punches clean, easy-to-score holes in paper targets. One minor weakness is that the lighter bullet may be slightly more susceptible to wind drift at longer ranges, but this is easily compensated for with minor adjustments. This ammunition exceeds expectations, delivering match-grade performance in a readily available, reasonably priced package.

Design & Ergonomics

The ammunition’s design is simple and functional, focusing on performance rather than aesthetics. The brass casings are clean and well-formed, and the flat point bullets are consistently shaped and sized. The ammunition feels well-made and reliable.

There’s virtually no learning curve associated with using this ammunition; it functions like any other .38 Special round. The consistent performance makes it comfortable to shoot, even during extended range sessions.

Durability & Maintenance

The brass casings are reloadable, extending the lifespan of the ammunition. The polymer coating on the bullets minimizes lead fouling, simplifying barrel cleaning and reducing wear. This ammunition promises to maintain its performance even after long periods of storage. It also simplifies cleaning, which is a huge bonus.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wilson Combat .38 Special 122 Grain Flat Point Brass Pistol Ammunition itself doesn’t have any accessories, but it is compatible with any .38 Special revolver or handgun. No modifications are necessary to use this ammunition. It is also compatible with aftermarket speed loaders designed for .38 Special rounds.

Pros and Cons of Wilson Combat .38 Special 122 Grain Flat Point Brass Pistol Ammunition A38SP-122-FP

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Who Should Buy Wilson Combat .38 Special 122 Grain Flat Point Brass Pistol Ammunition A38SP-122-FP?

The Wilson Combat .38 Special 122 Grain Flat Point Brass Pistol Ammunition is perfect for:

• Competitive shooters seeking an accurate and reliable round for practice and matches.
• Target enthusiasts who demand consistent performance and cleaner shooting.
• Reloaders looking for high-quality brass casings.
• Individuals seeking a reduced-recoil option for comfortable and controlled shooting.

This product is not ideal for individuals primarily concerned with self-defense, as the flat point bullet is designed for target shooting rather than optimal expansion in a defensive scenario. It is also not necessary for very casual shooters who are only interested in plinking at short distances. No must-have accessories or modifications are needed to use this ammunition effectively.

Conclusion on Wilson Combat .38 Special 122 Grain Flat Point Brass Pistol Ammunition A38SP-122-FP

The Wilson Combat .38 Special 122 Grain Flat Point Brass Pistol Ammunition A38SP-122-FP is a top-tier choice for serious shooters seeking accuracy, reliability, and cleaner shooting. While it may be slightly more expensive than generic range ammunition, the performance benefits justify the price. The reduced recoil, exceptional accuracy, and clean-burning properties make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to improve their .38 Special shooting experience.

I would definitely recommend this ammunition to competitive shooters, target enthusiasts, and reloaders. Its consistent performance and high-quality components make it a standout product in the .38 Special market. Upgrade your range experience today and discover the difference!