First Impressions of X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point
For those who reload their own ammunition, the search for reliable and consistent components is a never-ending quest. The .38 Special, a classic cartridge known for its versatility and manageable recoil, is a favorite among target shooters and those who prefer a softer-shooting defensive round. That’s why I was eager to try out the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point, hoping they would provide both accuracy and consistent expansion for my .38 Special revolvers.
I had been searching for a good hollow point projectile for reloading .38 Special for personal defense rounds. My primary requirement was a consistent and reliable hollow point design that would expand at .38 Special velocities, something not always easy to find.
The X-Treme Bullets arrived well-packaged, the bullets neatly arranged and seemingly uniform in appearance. The copper plating looked clean and consistent, a promising sign of quality control. Comparing them to other plated bullets I’ve used, like Berry’s, the X-Treme Bullets had a smoother, almost polished look. I chose these over other brands due to the positive reviews regarding their consistent weight and diameter, crucial for accurate reloading.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The bullets looked well-made, and I was eager to see how they performed at the range. Hopefully, these will prove to be a reliable and affordable option for my .38 Special reloading needs.
Real-World Testing: Putting X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point was at an indoor shooting range, primarily focusing on accuracy and function in my Smith & Wesson Model 64. I loaded them to a moderate charge, aiming for a comfortable, controllable recoil for quicker follow-up shots. The range conditions were typical, with consistent lighting and temperature.
The bullets fed smoothly during the reloading process and fired reliably from the revolver. I did not experience any noticeable leading in the barrel after the first few rounds. The initial results were promising; recoil was as expected and accuracy at 15 yards was adequate for a self-defense round.
There were no immediate issues. However, I did notice a slightly stronger copper fouling after shooting about 50 rounds compared to FMJ bullets, which required more frequent cleaning.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use and approximately 500 rounds reloaded with the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point, I have a better understanding of their reliability. The bullets have maintained consistent weight and diameter, leading to more predictable performance. The copper plating has held up well, showing minimal signs of peeling or separation.
Durability has been good; there’s been no excessive wear and tear on my reloading dies and no problems with the bullets deforming during the seating process. Cleaning the revolver after using these bullets does require a little more effort to remove copper fouling, but it’s nothing excessive. Compared to my previous experiences with lead bullets, these are significantly cleaner to use.
Overall, I’m satisfied with the reliability and performance of these bullets for their intended purpose as a practice and self-defense projectile. These have met, and in some areas, slightly exceeded expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point
Specifications
The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point are designed for reloading .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. Each bullet weighs 125 grains, a common weight for .38 Special rounds, offering a good balance of recoil and energy. The diameter is .357 inches, standard for .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges, ensuring proper fit and function in compatible firearms.
The bullet is constructed with a lead core and a copper plating. The copper plating is designed to reduce leading in the barrel and improve feeding reliability in semi-automatic pistols, though this bullet is intended primarily for revolvers. The hollow point design is intended to promote expansion upon impact, increasing the bullet’s stopping power.
These specifications matter because they dictate the bullet’s performance characteristics. The weight, diameter, and hollow point design all contribute to the bullet’s accuracy, recoil, and terminal ballistics. Proper diameter ensures that the bullet will engage the rifling of the barrel effectively, promoting accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point perform admirably in their intended role. Accuracy is good, especially when using consistent reloading practices. Recoil is manageable in .38 Special loads, making them suitable for extended range sessions.
The hollow point design is effective, although expansion depends on the velocity of the round. At lower .38 Special velocities, expansion may be limited, while higher-pressure .38 Special +P loads will likely produce more reliable expansion. The main weakness is that the plating can cause some copper fouling. Overall, the bullets meet expectations for practice and self-defense use.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point is satisfactory. The bullets are uniform in shape and weight, and the copper plating is consistent. They are easy to handle during the reloading process, with no sharp edges or burrs.
The bullets are user-friendly and do not require any special tools or techniques to reload. There is no learning curve associated with using these bullets, making them suitable for reloaders of all skill levels.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and storage, the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point should last indefinitely. The copper plating protects the lead core from oxidation, extending the bullet’s shelf life. Cleaning the firearm after use may require more frequent attention to copper fouling in the barrel.
These bullets are relatively simple to maintain, requiring only proper storage in a dry environment. There are no repair procedures required for bullets.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no specific accessories that come with the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point. However, reloaders can customize their loads by varying powder charges and selecting different primers.
The bullets are compatible with standard .38 Special and .357 Magnum reloading dies and equipment. There are no specific modifications required to use these bullets. You may customize the load data depending on if you need a standard pressure or +P load.
Pros and Cons of X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point
Pros
- Good accuracy for practice and self-defense purposes.
- Consistent weight and diameter, leading to reliable performance.
- Copper plating reduces leading in the barrel compared to traditional lead bullets.
- Hollow point design intended to promote expansion upon impact.
- Affordable compared to some other hollow point bullet options.
Cons
- Copper plating can cause some copper fouling, requiring more frequent cleaning.
- Expansion may be limited at lower .38 Special velocities.
Who Should Buy X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point?
The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point are perfect for reloaders seeking an affordable and reliable hollow point option for .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. They are well-suited for both practice and self-defense loads, offering good accuracy and consistent performance. These are also a great option for those that want to reduce lead exposure.
Those seeking maximum expansion at lower velocities may want to consider other bullet designs, such as lead hollow points specifically designed for lower-pressure loads. Someone looking for exceptionally high accuracy may also want to consider premium jacketed hollow points, but at a significantly higher cost.
The only must-have accessories are standard .38 Special/.357 Magnum reloading dies and components (powder, primers, cases).
Conclusion on X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point
Overall, the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point offer a good balance of performance, reliability, and affordability. While they may not be the absolute best choice for maximum expansion at lower velocities, they are a solid option for reloaders looking to create their own practice and self-defense rounds.
The price is certainly justified, given the bullet’s consistent quality and performance. I would personally recommend these bullets to reloaders seeking a versatile and budget-friendly hollow point option for their .38 Special and .357 Magnum firearms.
If you’re a reloader seeking a reliable and affordable hollow point bullet for your .38 Special or .357 Magnum, give the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Hollow Point a try. You might just find your new go-to bullet for a variety of applications.