Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off Review

First Impressions of Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off

The world of self-defense ammunition is a crowded marketplace, but the Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off immediately stands out. Lehigh Defense has built a solid reputation for innovative projectile designs, and this particular round promises impressive stopping power in a manageable package. I was eager to see if this ammunition lived up to the hype, offering both effective terminal performance and reliable function in my revolvers.

I was searching for a .357 Magnum load that offered a balance between manageable recoil and significant stopping power. Many heavier .357 Magnum loads can be punishing to shoot, especially in lighter revolvers, making accurate follow-up shots challenging. This offering from Lehigh Defense, with its lighter 120-grain bullet, seemed like a good compromise, potentially delivering the necessary energy without excessive recoil.

Upon receiving the ammunition, the first thing I noticed was the quality of the brass casings. They were clean, polished, and showed no signs of imperfections. The Lehigh Defense Xtreme Defense bullet itself is a unique design, with its three-petal configuration immediately hinting at its intended terminal performance. My initial thought was that it appeared both technologically advanced and purposeful, a stark contrast to traditional hollow-point designs.

I considered several other .357 Magnum options, including some popular jacketed hollow-point rounds from Federal and Speer. However, the unique, non-hollow-point design of the Lehigh Defense round intrigued me. I was looking for something that would reliably penetrate and create a significant wound cavity without relying on expansion, which can sometimes be unreliable in self-defense situations.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off looked and felt like a premium product, and I was excited to see how it performed on the range and in controlled penetration tests. If it lived up to its promise, it could become my go-to self-defense round for my .357 Magnum revolvers.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off took place at my local outdoor shooting range. I used two different revolvers: a Smith & Wesson Model 686 (4-inch barrel) and a Ruger SP101 (2.25-inch barrel) to assess performance across different barrel lengths. The weather was typical for early spring – slightly cool and damp, but with good visibility.

The ammunition performed flawlessly in both revolvers. I experienced no failures to feed, fire, or eject. The recoil was noticeably lighter than with heavier 158-grain .357 Magnum loads, making it easier to maintain a solid grip and get back on target quickly.

The initial accuracy tests at 15 yards were impressive. With the Model 686, I was consistently achieving tight groupings, approximately 2-2.5 inches. The Ruger SP101, with its shorter barrel, produced slightly wider groupings, but still respectable for a snub-nosed revolver, at around 3-3.5 inches. There were no unexpected pressure signs or any other indications of overpressure.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of continued use, the Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off has proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve fired approximately 200 rounds through each revolver, and I haven’t experienced a single malfunction. The ammunition consistently delivers consistent velocity and accuracy.

The brass casings show no signs of excessive wear and tear, even after repeated firing. Cleaning my revolvers after shooting this ammunition is straightforward, with minimal powder residue compared to some other brands. I have also noticed that the solid copper bullets don’t lead the barrels as much as traditional lead bullets, further simplifying the cleaning process.

Compared to my previous experiences with other self-defense rounds, the Lehigh Defense ammunition stands out for its consistent performance and manageable recoil. I used to carry heavier 158-grain hollow points, but found the recoil excessive for rapid follow-up shots. The Lehigh Defense offering provides a significant improvement in controllability without sacrificing terminal effectiveness, based on gel testing I reviewed from reputable sources.

Breaking Down the Features of Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off

Specifications

• Caliber: .357 Magnum. This is a classic and powerful handgun cartridge, known for its versatility and stopping power.
• Bullet Weight: 120 grain. This relatively light bullet weight contributes to reduced recoil and potentially higher velocity.
• Bullet Type: Extreme Defense. This is Lehigh Defense’s proprietary solid copper bullet design optimized for penetration and wound cavity creation.
• Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass is a standard material for handgun ammunition casings, known for its reloadability and reliable expansion and contraction.
• Muzzle Velocity: 1400 ft/s. This high muzzle velocity contributes to the bullet’s flat trajectory and terminal performance.
• Muzzle Energy: 522 ft-lbs. This is a significant amount of energy for a handgun round, indicating substantial stopping power.
• Number of Rounds: 20. The ammunition is typically sold in boxes of 20 rounds.
• Application: Self Defense. This ammunition is specifically designed for personal protection.
• Manufacturer: Lehigh Defense. Lehigh Defense is known for its innovative bullet designs focused on controlled penetration and consistent terminal performance.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the ammunition’s performance in self-defense scenarios. The lighter bullet weight and high velocity translate to flatter trajectories and reduced recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately and quickly. The unique bullet design ensures reliable penetration and creates a significant wound cavity, maximizing stopping power.

Performance & Functionality

The Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off excels in delivering consistent performance and reliable functionality. Accuracy is excellent, with tight groupings achievable even from shorter-barreled revolvers. The reduced recoil compared to heavier loads allows for faster follow-up shots, which is crucial in self-defense situations.

The ammunition’s primary strength lies in its terminal performance. The solid copper bullet design is engineered to penetrate deeply and create a wide wound channel without relying on expansion. This ensures consistent performance, even when encountering barriers like clothing.

One minor potential weakness could be the lack of expansion in the traditional sense. Some shooters prefer hollow-point ammunition that expands dramatically upon impact. However, the Lehigh Defense design compensates for this by creating a wider and more consistent wound channel through its unique petal design.

Overall, the ammunition meets and even exceeds my expectations for a self-defense round. It delivers a good balance of accuracy, manageable recoil, and reliable terminal performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off is centered around its unique bullet. The solid copper construction and three-petal design are both functional and visually distinctive. The quality of the brass casings is excellent, providing reliable feeding and extraction.

The ammunition is user-friendly, requiring no special handling or loading procedures. It is compatible with all standard .357 Magnum revolvers in good working order.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off is likely to have a long shelf life when stored properly. The solid copper bullets are resistant to corrosion, and the high-quality brass casings are durable. Cleaning the firearm after using this ammunition is simple, with minimal powder residue and reduced lead fouling.

Accessories and Customization Options

This ammunition is designed to function optimally in standard .357 Magnum revolvers without the need for any specific accessories or modifications. While some shooters might prefer to customize their revolvers with aftermarket grips or sights, these modifications are not required to use the Lehigh Defense ammunition effectively. The ammunition is compatible with all standard .357 Magnum speed loaders and speed strips.

Pros and Cons of Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off

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Who Should Buy Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off?

The Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off is perfect for individuals who prioritize reliable terminal performance and manageable recoil in their self-defense ammunition. It is particularly well-suited for those who carry .357 Magnum revolvers for personal protection, especially those who find heavier loads uncomfortable or difficult to control. It is also an excellent choice for those seeking ammunition that performs consistently even when encountering barriers.

Individuals who primarily prioritize low cost or prefer traditional expanding hollow-point ammunition might want to skip this product. Those on a tight budget may find cheaper alternatives that still offer adequate performance for range practice.

A must-have accessory is a reliable speed loader or speed strip to facilitate quick reloading in a self-defense situation. A high-quality holster is also essential for comfortable and safe concealed carry.

Conclusion on Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off

The Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off is a premium self-defense round that delivers on its promises. Its unique bullet design, combined with high-quality components, results in ammunition that is both accurate and effective. While the price point is higher than some alternatives, the enhanced performance and reliability justify the cost for those who prioritize personal protection.

I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone seeking a top-tier self-defense load for their .357 Magnum revolver. It offers a winning combination of manageable recoil, consistent penetration, and impressive stopping power.

If you’re serious about self-defense and demand the best performance from your .357 Magnum, give the Lehigh Defense .357 Magnum 120 Grain Extreme Defense Brass Pistol Ammunition LA357-120-XD $3.56 Off a try. Your life could depend on it.