HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .380 Cal, 100 grain, Lead Round Nose Review

First Impressions of HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .380 Cal, 100 grain, Lead Round Nose

The .380 ACP round often gets a bad rap, overshadowed by its larger 9mm sibling. However, the smaller cartridge still maintains a dedicated following, especially among those prioritizing concealability and manageable recoil in compact pistols. This brings us to the HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .380 Cal, 100 grain, Lead Round Nose, a seemingly simple offering from HSM Ammunition that promises reliable performance for target practice and potentially self-defense.

I was looking for a cost-effective option for high-volume range sessions with my Walther PPK/S, a pistol known to be finicky with some ammunition types. While hollow points are my preferred carry round, the expense adds up quickly when spending an afternoon at the range. I needed something accurate enough to hone my skills and reliable enough to function consistently in my pistol.

Unboxing the box of 250 rounds, my initial impression was one of utilitarian simplicity. The lead round nose bullets looked clean and consistently cast, without any obvious deformities. Compared to some bargain-basement brands I’ve used in the past, the HSM bullets appeared to be a step above in terms of quality control.

I considered some other lead round nose options from brands like Fiocchi and Winchester, but ultimately chose the HSM Ammunition due to its slightly lower price point and the positive reputation HSM has for consistent loading. My first impression was cautiously optimistic – these appeared to be no-frills rounds that could potentially deliver solid performance. I was eager to get them to the range and see how they performed.

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Real-World Testing: Putting HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .380 Cal, 100 grain, Lead Round Nose to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .380 Cal, 100 grain, Lead Round Nose to my local outdoor range on a crisp fall morning. The temperature hovered around 50 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze – ideal conditions for a comfortable shooting session. I primarily tested the ammunition in my Walther PPK/S, but also put a few magazines through a Glock 42 for comparison.

The first few magazines were surprisingly pleasant. The HSM ammunition cycled reliably in both pistols, with no malfunctions or failures to feed. Recoil felt manageable, as expected from a .380 cartridge, and the report was consistent.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use and several hundred rounds fired, the HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .380 Cal, 100 grain, Lead Round Nose has proven to be remarkably consistent. I’ve experienced zero malfunctions across both pistols, a testament to the quality of the loading and the consistent bullet dimensions. There is some lead fouling in the barrel after extended shooting sessions, but it is easily removed with a standard cleaning kit.

Compared to some of the cheaper steel-cased ammunition I’ve used, the HSM Ammunition is a clear winner in terms of reliability and cleanliness. While not as accurate as premium hollow points, the HSM rounds are more than accurate enough for general practice and target shooting. I am particularly impressed with the consistency of the ammunition.

Breaking Down the Features of HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .380 Cal, 100 grain, Lead Round Nose

Specifications

• Caliber: .380 ACP. This is a common pistol cartridge known for its compact size and relatively low recoil.
• Bullet Weight: 100 grain. This is a standard weight for .380 ACP bullets, offering a balance between penetration and stopping power.
• Bullet Type: Lead Round Nose (LRN). A simple, cost-effective bullet design with a rounded profile for reliable feeding.
• Quantity: 250 rounds. Provides a sufficient quantity for multiple range sessions.
• Manufacturer: HSM Ammunition. HSM Ammunition is known for producing consistent and reliable ammunition.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the performance and suitability of the ammunition for different applications. The lead round nose design ensures reliable feeding in a variety of pistols. The 100-grain weight provides a reasonable balance of energy and recoil for a .380 ACP cartridge.

Performance & Functionality

The HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .380 Cal, 100 grain, Lead Round Nose performs admirably for its intended purpose: reliable and affordable target practice. Accuracy is acceptable for close-range shooting (7-10 yards). The ammunition consistently cycles in my pistols without any failures, which is crucial for a positive shooting experience.

The primary strength of this ammunition is its reliability. The main weakness is its limited stopping power compared to hollow-point designs. This is target practice ammunition; hollow points are recommended for self-defense.

Design & Ergonomics

The lead round nose bullet design is inherently simple and functional. The bullets are consistent in shape and weight, contributing to their reliable performance. The design is purely utilitarian; it does not offer any advanced features or coatings.

There is no learning curve associated with using this ammunition. Simply load and shoot.

Durability & Maintenance

The lead bullets are relatively soft, which can lead to some barrel fouling over time. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain optimal performance. The brass casings are reloadable, providing an opportunity to reduce costs for experienced reloaders.

With proper storage and maintenance, this ammunition should last for many years. Regular barrel cleaning is recommended.

Accessories and Customization Options

This is ammunition; no accessories are included. This ammunition is compatible with any pistol chambered in .380 ACP that is designed to handle lead bullets. It is important to check your firearm’s manual for specific recommendations.

There are no real customization options for ammunition other than hand-loading. Reloading can give you increased control over velocity and accuracy.

Pros and Cons of HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .380 Cal, 100 grain, Lead Round Nose

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Who Should Buy HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .380 Cal, 100 grain, Lead Round Nose?

The HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .380 Cal, 100 grain, Lead Round Nose is perfect for:

• Pistol owners looking for cost-effective target practice ammunition.
• Shooters who prioritize reliability and consistent performance.
• Individuals who reload their own ammunition and want quality brass casings.

This ammunition is not ideal for:

• Those seeking optimal stopping power for self-defense (hollow points are recommended).
• Shooters who want ammunition with advanced features or coatings.

Must-have accessories include a good cleaning kit and bore solvent to address lead fouling.

Conclusion on HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .380 Cal, 100 grain, Lead Round Nose

The HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .380 Cal, 100 grain, Lead Round Nose is a no-frills, reliable option for target practice and general range use. The affordable price point makes it an excellent choice for high-volume shooting, and the consistent performance inspires confidence. While it’s not the best choice for self-defense, it excels at its intended purpose.

The price is definitely justified, considering the consistent quality and reliability. I would personally recommend it to any .380 ACP pistol owner looking for a cost-effective practice round. If you’re looking for affordable and reliable range ammunition for your .380, give HSM Ammunition a try. You might just find your new go-to practice round.