HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .45 Cal, 185 grain, Lead Semi Wad Cutter Review

First Impressions of HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .45 Cal, 185 grain, Lead Semi Wad Cutter

The HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .45 Cal, 185 grain, Lead Semi Wad Cutter promises a blend of classic design and consistent performance. As someone who’s spent years handloading and evaluating various bullet types, I was particularly interested in seeing how these lead semi-wadcutters performed, especially given HSM Ammunition’s reputation for quality control. Would they deliver the accuracy and clean hole punching I expect from a good LSWC?

I needed a reliable .45 caliber bullet for target practice and informal competition. I wanted a bullet that was easy to load, accurate, and consistent in its performance. Several other brands were considered, including those from Berry’s and Missouri Bullet Company, but the HSM Ammunition offering piqued my interest due to their perceived quality and positive feedback within certain shooting circles.

Upon receiving the box of HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .45 Cal, 185 grain, Lead Semi Wad Cutter, I was immediately struck by the uniformity of the bullets. The lead alloy appeared consistent, and the semi-wadcutter design looked precisely formed. The bullets are packaged simply, but securely, ready for reloading. My initial feeling was one of cautious optimism; these looked promising, and I was eager to see how they performed on the range.

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Real-World Testing: Putting HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .45 Cal, 185 grain, Lead Semi Wad Cutter to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test with the HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .45 Cal, 185 grain, Lead Semi Wad Cutter was at my local outdoor range. I loaded them into .45 ACP cases with a consistent powder charge and primer. Shooting from a rest at 25 yards, the bullets immediately displayed good accuracy, producing tight groupings.

The weather was dry and slightly breezy, ideal conditions for accurate shooting. These bullets were extremely easy to seat and crimp during the reloading process. There were no issues with inconsistent seating depths or deformation of the bullet during the reloading.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .45 Cal, 185 grain, Lead Semi Wad Cutter have proven to be remarkably consistent and reliable. They load easily into my .45 ACP cases using my Dillon Precision reloading press, and the final rounds consistently chamber smoothly in my 1911 pistol. Cleaning my firearm after using these bullets requires a bit more effort than jacketed bullets due to the lead fouling. However, the accuracy and consistent performance make the extra cleaning time worthwhile.

I’ve noticed minimal signs of wear and tear on my reloading dies, which speaks to the consistent dimensions and hardness of these bullets. Compared to other lead bullets I’ve used, the HSM Ammunition offering exhibits less leading in my barrel, a testament to the quality of the lead alloy and proper bullet sizing. They have consistently outperformed cheaper, mass-produced lead bullets in terms of accuracy and clean burning.

Breaking Down the Features of HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .45 Cal, 185 grain, Lead Semi Wad Cutter

Specifications

• Caliber: .45 Caliber. This is a classic pistol caliber known for its stopping power and inherent accuracy.
• Bullet Weight: 185 grain. This lighter weight compared to the traditional 230 grain .45 ACP allows for higher velocities and potentially flatter trajectories.
• Bullet Type: Lead Semi Wadcutter (LSWC). The LSWC design is known for its excellent accuracy and ability to cut clean, easy-to-score holes in paper targets.
• Quantity: 250 Bullets. A decent quantity for target practice or competition reloading.
• Number of Rounds: 250. Matches the bullet quantity, assuming one bullet per round.
• Manufacturer: HSM Ammunition. They have a solid reputation for producing quality ammunition components.

These specifications are critical because they directly impact the performance and practicality of the reloaded ammunition. The 185-grain weight balances recoil and velocity, while the LSWC design ensures accurate and easily scored hits. The quality associated with HSM Ammunition provides confidence in the bullet’s consistency.

Performance & Functionality

The HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .45 Cal, 185 grain, Lead Semi Wad Cutter excels in its primary function: delivering accurate and consistent performance. They provide excellent accuracy at typical pistol ranges (7-25 yards), consistently grouping within a 2-3 inch diameter from a rested position. The semi-wadcutter design punches clean holes in paper targets, making scoring easy and unambiguous.

The bullets exhibit consistent velocity and recoil, contributing to a comfortable shooting experience. One weakness is the inherent characteristic of lead bullets: they tend to produce more smoke and fouling than jacketed bullets. Despite this, the overall performance meets and even exceeds my expectations, especially considering the price point.

Design & Ergonomics

These bullets feature a classic lead semi-wadcutter design. The build quality is excellent, with consistent dimensions and a smooth finish. The weight is appropriate for the caliber, providing a good balance between recoil and velocity.

The design allows for easy seating and crimping during the reloading process, making them user-friendly even for novice reloaders. There is no learning curve associated with using these bullets; they behave predictably and consistently.

Durability & Maintenance

As components, the durability concern lies more in the loading process than the bullet’s lifespan. The lead alloy used appears to be of good quality, resisting deformation during seating and crimping. Proper lubrication and cleaning of the reloading dies are essential to minimize wear and tear. Regular cleaning of the firearm after using these bullets is necessary to remove lead fouling and maintain optimal performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

These are bullets, not complete ammunition, so they are meant to be components of a larger reloading process. They are compatible with any standard .45 ACP reloading dies and cases. The bullet’s performance can be further optimized by selecting appropriate powder charges and primers to achieve desired velocity and accuracy. While there aren’t specific “accessories,” choosing the right components to build the complete round allows for a degree of customization to suit individual shooting preferences.

Pros and Cons of HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .45 Cal, 185 grain, Lead Semi Wad Cutter