First Impressions of X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point
As someone who’s spent over a decade immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, I’ve seen trends come and go. However, the fundamentals of reliable ammunition remain crucial, no matter the shooting discipline. When I first encountered the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point, I was intrigued by their claim of enhanced uniformity and smooth finish due to the restriking process. The promise of improved accuracy and consistent performance piqued my interest, as those are qualities I prioritize in any bullet I use.
My search for consistent and accurate .38 caliber bullets led me to the X-Treme Bullets. I needed a reliable projectile for both target practice and potential self-defense scenarios with my .38 Special revolver. Upon receiving the package, the first thing I noticed was the neat and organized packaging. The bullets themselves appeared uniform, with a consistent copper plating.
I’ve used other plated bullets before, notably from Berry’s Manufacturing and Rainier Ballistics. I chose the X-Treme Bullets because I was specifically looking for a flat point design in .38 caliber, which wasn’t readily available from the other brands I typically use. Plus, the stated restriking process from X-Treme Bullets sounded like a potentially significant advantage in consistency. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism.
I was eager to get to the range and see how these bullets performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point was my local indoor shooting range. I wanted a controlled environment to assess their accuracy and consistency. I loaded up several rounds using a consistent powder charge and primer combination that I’ve used for years with other .38 caliber bullets.
The range was well-lit and dry, providing optimal conditions for testing. I fired the first few rounds at a distance of 15 yards. The recoil felt manageable, and the bullets seemed to group reasonably well.
However, I did notice slightly more smoke than I typically observe with jacketed bullets.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial range session, I continued to use the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point over several months for weekly practice. I also loaded some rounds for a friend who uses a .38 Special for personal defense, and he provided feedback as well. Over time, these bullets have proven to be relatively consistent.
I’ve put approximately 500 rounds downrange with minimal issues. The copper plating has held up well, showing no signs of separation during loading or firing.
Cleaning my revolver after each range session was straightforward, with no excessive fouling compared to other lead or plated bullets.
Breaking Down the Features of X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point
Specifications
The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point are designed for reloading .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. They feature a nominal diameter of .357 inches. The 125-grain weight is a common choice for both target shooting and self-defense loads in these calibers.
The flat point design is intended to provide improved energy transfer and a larger wound channel compared to round nose bullets. The bullets are constructed with a lead core and a copper plating. The manufacturer, X-Treme Bullets, highlights their unique restriking process, which they claim results in more uniform dimensions and a smoother finish.
Performance & Functionality
The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point perform admirably for their intended purpose. Accuracy is generally good, producing consistent groupings at typical handgun distances (7-25 yards). Reliability has been excellent, with no malfunctions or feeding issues in my revolvers.
The flat point design does seem to offer a slight improvement in felt recoil compared to similar weight round nose bullets. However, the increased smoke noted earlier remains a minor drawback. Overall, these bullets meet my expectations for practice ammunition and are suitable for self-defense loads, especially given the flat point design.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point is straightforward and functional. The copper plating is smooth and consistent, contributing to ease of loading. The flat point is well-defined and uniform across the batch of bullets I received.
The bullets load easily into cartridge cases with minimal effort. The overall weight and shape make them comfortable to handle during the reloading process.
Durability & Maintenance
The copper plating on the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point appears durable and resistant to flaking or separation. I anticipate these bullets will last for an extended period, provided they are stored properly in a dry environment. Regular cleaning of the firearm is necessary after use, as with any ammunition.
Minimal maintenance is required for the bullets themselves.
Accessories and Customization Options
These bullets are primarily designed for reloading, so there are no specific accessories that come directly with the product. Reloaders can adjust powder charges, primers, and cartridge cases to fine-tune performance to their specific needs. The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point are compatible with a wide range of .38 Special and .357 Magnum reloading dies and equipment from various manufacturers, such as Lee, Hornady, and RCBS. The flat point profile may require minor adjustments to seating depth during the reloading process, depending on the specific firearm and cartridge case being used.
Pros and Cons of X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point
Pros
- Good accuracy and consistency for target shooting and self-defense practice.
- Flat point design offers potentially improved energy transfer compared to round nose bullets.
- Durable copper plating helps prevent leading and ensures smooth feeding.
- Relatively affordable compared to jacketed bullets, making them a cost-effective option for high-volume shooting.
- Easy to load and work with during the reloading process.
Cons
- Produces slightly more smoke than jacketed bullets.
- Copper plating, while durable, is not as robust as a full metal jacket, limiting their suitability for high-velocity loads in .357 Magnum.
Who Should Buy X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point?
The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point are perfect for reloaders looking for a cost-effective and accurate option for .38 Special and .357 Magnum practice. They’re also suitable for individuals who want to load their own self-defense ammunition with a flat point design. These bullets are a great choice for recreational shooters and those who enjoy reloading as a hobby.
These bullets might not be the best choice for individuals who primarily shoot high-velocity .357 Magnum loads, as the copper plating may not be as robust as a full metal jacket in extreme conditions. They may also not be ideal for shooters who are highly sensitive to smoke or prefer the cleanest possible shooting experience. A must-have accessory for using these bullets is a reliable reloading press and dies.
Conclusion on X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point
The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point offer a compelling combination of affordability, accuracy, and reliable performance for reloaders. The flat point design adds a valuable element for those seeking enhanced energy transfer in self-defense scenarios. While they do produce slightly more smoke than jacketed bullets, the overall benefits outweigh this minor drawback for most applications.
At a price of $75.99, these bullets represent excellent value for the money. I would personally recommend them to anyone looking for a cost-effective and versatile option for reloading .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. If you’re ready to take your reloading to the next level with a reliable and accurate bullet, give the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .38 Caliber 125 Grain Flat Point a try.