First Impressions of Accura Bullets Precision-Bond Handgun Bullets .38 cal .357in 125 gr HP
Handloading ammunition is a crucial skill for any serious shooter, allowing for customization and cost savings. That’s why I was eager to try the Accura Bullets Precision-Bond Handgun Bullets .38 cal .357in 125 gr HP, hoping to find a reliable and accurate component for my .357 Magnum and .38 Special handloads. These bullets promise precision and controlled expansion, qualities highly sought after in both target shooting and personal defense rounds.
I’ve been struggling to find consistent .38/.357 projectiles that deliver both tight groupings and reliable expansion on impact. My older cast lead bullets, while economical, tend to lead the barrel and lack the stopping power I prefer for my defensive loads. I was particularly intrigued by Accura Bullets’ bonded construction, which should minimize jacket separation and maximize energy transfer.
Upon receiving the 500-count box, I was impressed by the uniform appearance of the Accura Bullets. Each bullet was clean, precisely formed, and free from obvious defects. The hollow point cavity appeared consistent across the entire batch, suggesting good quality control.
Compared to Berry’s plated bullets, which are good for plinking, these Accura Bullets felt more robust, hinting at superior performance at higher velocities. I also considered Hornady XTPs, known for their excellent reputation, but the Accura Bullets came in at a slightly lower price point, making them an attractive option for bulk loading. The price point of $79.99 is excellent for 500 projectiles.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The Accura Bullets Precision-Bond Handgun Bullets .38 cal .357in 125 gr HP looked promising, and I was excited to test them at the range and see if they lived up to their claims. I suspected these might be a great alternative to some of the more expensive projectiles on the market.
Real-World Testing: Putting Accura Bullets Precision-Bond Handgun Bullets .38 cal .357in 125 gr HP to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Accura Bullets at my local shooting range, loading them into .357 Magnum cases with a moderate charge of Hodgdon H110. I used my Smith & Wesson Model 686 with a 6-inch barrel for the test. The goal was to assess accuracy and velocity consistency.
I experienced no feeding issues during the loading process. The bullets seated cleanly and crimped nicely in the case. Recoil was manageable, and the muzzle flash was consistent with my standard .357 Magnum loads.
However, I noticed slightly larger groupings than with my preferred Hornady XTP rounds; roughly 2.5 inches at 25 yards compared to the XTP’s consistent 1.5-inch groups. There were no keyholing issues. Despite this slight grouping difference, the Accura Bullets performed reliably and showed potential for improvement with further load development.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, I’ve put several hundred rounds of the Accura Bullets through various handguns, including a .38 Special revolver and a .357 Magnum carbine. They have consistently performed well for practice loads.
The bullets have proven durable, showing no signs of jacket separation or deformation, even when pushed to near-maximum velocities. Cleaning my firearms after use revealed minimal leading. This confirmed the effectiveness of the bonded construction.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper, unjacketed lead bullets, the Accura Bullets are a significant improvement in terms of cleanliness and consistency. While they might not be quite as accurate as premium brands like Sierra, they offer an excellent balance of performance and affordability for high-volume shooting and training scenarios. These are great projectiles for practice and competition if dialed in properly.
Breaking Down the Features of Accura Bullets Precision-Bond Handgun Bullets .38 cal .357in 125 gr HP
Specifications
The Accura Bullets Precision-Bond Handgun Bullets .38 cal .357in 125 gr HP are designed for handloading .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. These hollow point bullets have a .357-inch diameter.
Each bullet weighs 125 grains, a common weight for .38/.357 projectiles, offering a good balance between velocity and energy. The hollow point design is intended to promote rapid expansion upon impact. The maximum recommended velocity is 1300 fps, allowing for a wide range of loading options.
The bonded construction is a key feature, ensuring that the lead core remains attached to the copper jacket during and after impact, maximizing penetration and minimizing fragmentation. The cannelure provides a secure point for crimping the bullet into the case. A 500-count box provides a generous quantity for reloading sessions.
These specifications are important because they dictate the bullet’s performance characteristics. The 125-grain weight provides a good balance of speed and stopping power. The hollow point design aims to deliver significant wound trauma. The bonded construction ensures reliable terminal performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Accura Bullets Precision-Bond Handgun Bullets .38 cal .357in 125 gr HP perform admirably for their intended purpose. They offer good accuracy, acceptable reliability, and consistent expansion, making them suitable for both target practice and self-defense applications.
While not match-grade accurate, they consistently produce acceptable groupings at typical handgun ranges. I found that they worked best with medium to high powder charges. The only improvement would be slightly better accuracy at longer ranges.
These bullets meet my expectations for a reliable and affordable .38/.357 projectile. The bonding process clearly contributes to their consistent performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The Accura Bullets exhibit a traditional hollow point design with a clean, uniform appearance. The bullets are well-formed and easy to handle during the loading process.
The weight is consistent from bullet to bullet. The smooth copper jacket facilitates smooth feeding in semi-automatic firearms chambered in .357 SIG or .38 Super, if appropriately sized.
There’s nothing particularly revolutionary about the design, but it’s functional and effective. The bullets are easy to work with.
Durability & Maintenance
The bonded construction of the Accura Bullets suggests excellent durability. I have not observed any jacket separation or core shedding during testing.
Regular cleaning of the firearm is still necessary after shooting lead-core bullets, but the bonded jacket helps minimize lead fouling in the barrel. Proper maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity of any firearm, regardless of the type of ammunition used.
With proper care and loading practices, these bullets should perform reliably for the foreseeable future. The bonded construction will certainly contribute to the overall lifespan of the projectile.
Accessories and Customization Options
As bullets intended for handloading, the Accura Bullets Precision-Bond Handgun Bullets .38 cal .357in 125 gr HP are inherently customizable. Load data is readily available from various sources.
These projectiles are compatible with a wide range of .38 Special and .357 Magnum cases, powders, and primers. They can be used in revolvers, carbines, and even certain semi-automatic pistols (with proper sizing). The cannelure allows for secure crimping.
While Accura Bullets doesn’t offer specific accessories for these bullets, the handloading process itself provides a multitude of customization options for tailoring the ammunition to specific needs and preferences. Using different powder loads and bullet seating depths can dramatically change the performance.
Pros and Cons of Accura Bullets Precision-Bond Handgun Bullets .38 cal .357in 125 gr HP
Pros
- Reliable bonded construction minimizes jacket separation and ensures deeper penetration.
- Consistent weight and dimensions for accurate reloading and reliable performance.
- Hollow point design promotes rapid expansion for increased stopping power.
- Affordable price makes them an excellent choice for high-volume shooting and practice.
- Versatile, suitable for both .38 Special and .357 Magnum handloads.
Cons
- Slightly less accurate than premium-brand projectiles like Sierra or Hornady XTP.
- Load development may be required to achieve optimal performance in specific firearms.
Who Should Buy Accura Bullets Precision-Bond Handgun Bullets .38 cal .357in 125 gr HP?
The Accura Bullets Precision-Bond Handgun Bullets .38 cal .357in 125 gr HP are perfect for handloaders looking for a reliable and affordable option for .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition. These are great for target shooters, recreational plinkers, and self-defense enthusiasts seeking a balance of performance and cost.
Those seeking match-grade accuracy or using competition-grade firearms might prefer premium projectiles. Beginners to handloading may want to start with simpler, unjacketed bullets.
A quality reloading press, powder measure, and bullet seating die are must-have accessories for handloading these bullets. Accurate scales are also important for precise powder measurements.
Conclusion on Accura Bullets Precision-Bond Handgun Bullets .38 cal .357in 125 gr HP
The Accura Bullets Precision-Bond Handgun Bullets .38 cal .357in 125 gr HP offer an excellent value proposition for handloaders seeking a reliable and affordable .38/.357 projectile. While they may not be the most accurate bullets on the market, their consistent performance, bonded construction, and reasonable price make them an attractive option for high-volume shooting, practice, and even self-defense applications.
For $79.99, the price is definitely justified. This product provides a good balance between performance, reliability and affordability.
I would absolutely recommend these bullets to anyone looking to save money on .38/.357 handloads without sacrificing too much performance. If you are looking for a projectile to load and practice with regularly, these will get the job done. Give them a try and see for yourself!