First Impressions of Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets .40 cal .400in 180 gr FP
The Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets .40 cal .400in 180 gr FP promise accuracy without the premium price tag. Accura Bullets claims to use certified lead and copper, employing precise manufacturing techniques and constant inspection, delivering match-grade quality at a fraction of the cost. As someone who has reloaded ammunition for over a decade, and experimented with countless projectiles, I was eager to see if these bullets lived up to the hype.
My search for a consistent and accurate .40 caliber bullet for my Glock 22 led me to these. Factory ammunition prices are soaring, and consistency can be hit or miss. I needed a reliable component for reloading that would deliver tight groups without breaking the bank.
Upon receiving the 500-count box, I was immediately impressed by the uniform appearance of the bullets. They were clean, well-formed, and the copper plating appeared consistent across the batch. Picking one up, the weight felt right at 180 grains, and the flat point design looked promising for clean, easily visible holes on paper targets.
Compared to Hornady XTPs, a popular .40 caliber bullet, the Accura Bullets are noticeably less expensive. Berry’s plated bullets are a similar price point, but they are not advertised as being match-grade quality. I chose the Accura Bullets hoping for match-grade performance at a more affordable price.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The bullets looked well-made, and the price was right, but the real test would be at the range. I was excited to load them up and see how they performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets .40 cal .400in 180 gr FP to the Test
First Use Experience
I initially tested the Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets .40 cal .400in 180 gr FP at my local indoor shooting range. The controlled environment allowed me to focus solely on the bullet’s performance, eliminating variables like wind. I loaded up 100 rounds with a consistent powder charge and primer, focusing on achieving a reliable reload.
The bullets loaded easily and consistently into my cases, which is crucial for reliable feeding. Shooting from a rest at 25 yards, I immediately noticed a significant improvement in accuracy compared to the generic FMJ bullets I typically use for practice. There were no malfunctions or issues with feeding in my Glock 22.
The flat point design of the Accura Bullets punched clean, easily visible holes in the paper target. This made scoring much easier and more precise. After the initial range session, I felt confident that these bullets were a step up from standard range ammo.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and approximately 1,000 rounds reloaded with the Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets .40 cal .400in 180 gr FP, I’ve been consistently impressed. The accuracy has remained excellent, and I haven’t experienced any issues with bullet separation or leading in my barrel. They are now my go-to bullet for practice and informal target shooting.
The copper plating has held up well, even with consistent use. I haven’t noticed any significant wear or damage to the bullets. Cleaning my Glock 22 after shooting these bullets is no different than cleaning after shooting factory ammunition.
These Accura Bullets have outperformed my previous experiences with budget-friendly plated bullets. I was initially skeptical of the “match grade” claim, but the consistent accuracy and reliable performance have won me over. They have become a staple component for my .40 caliber reloading.
Breaking Down the Features of Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets .40 cal .400in 180 gr FP
Specifications
The Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets .40 cal .400in 180 gr FP boast several key specifications. They are .400 Caliber in diameter, weighing 180 grains each, and feature a Flat Point Bullet Type. The bullets are constructed from Copper plated lead and are sold in quantities of 500 Bullets.
These specifications are critical for several reasons. The .400 caliber ensures proper fit and function in .40 S&W firearms. The 180-grain weight offers a good balance between recoil and energy transfer, making it suitable for both target shooting and self-defense (although these are not designed for expansion).
Performance & Functionality
The Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets .40 cal .400in 180 gr FP excel at delivering consistent accuracy. In my Glock 22, I’ve consistently achieved groupings of around 2-3 inches at 25 yards. This is a significant improvement over generic FMJ bullets.
The flat point design enhances the bullet’s ability to punch clean holes in paper targets. This makes scoring easier and provides clear feedback on shot placement. A minor weakness is that the flat point design may not be ideal for feeding in all firearms, although I have had no issues in my Glock.
The Accura Bullets have exceeded my expectations for a bullet in this price range. They offer consistent accuracy, reliable performance, and clean target penetration. The claimed “match grade” performance is definitely noticeable compared to standard range ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets .40 cal .400in 180 gr FP feature a simple, functional design. The copper plating is uniform and consistent, providing a smooth surface for reliable feeding. The weight is well-balanced, contributing to a stable and predictable trajectory.
These bullets are user-friendly for reloaders. The consistent dimensions and uniform shape make them easy to seat and crimp. There is no real learning curve associated with using these bullets.
Durability & Maintenance
The copper plating on the Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets .40 cal .400in 180 gr FP appears to be quite durable. After reloading and firing over 1,000 rounds, I have not observed any significant wear or damage. With proper reloading practices, these bullets should provide a long service life.
Maintaining firearms that have been used with these bullets is no different than maintaining firearms used with other copper-plated bullets. Standard cleaning procedures are sufficient to remove any residue or fouling. The Accura Bullets should last through countless reloading cycles if proper loading techniques are followed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets .40 cal .400in 180 gr FP are primarily components for reloading and do not come with any specific accessories. Reloaders can experiment with different powder charges, primers, and seating depths to fine-tune their loads for optimal accuracy. These bullets are compatible with standard reloading dies and equipment.
The consistent dimensions of these bullets make them suitable for use with a variety of .40 S&W firearms. While there are no specific customization options for the bullets themselves, reloaders have considerable latitude in creating custom loads tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets .40 cal .400in 180 gr FP
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: Consistently delivers tight groupings, rivaling more expensive match-grade bullets.
- Affordable Price: Provides excellent performance at a fraction of the cost of premium bullets.
- Clean Target Penetration: The flat point design punches clean, easily visible holes in paper targets.
- Reloading Friendly: Consistent dimensions and uniform shape make them easy to seat and crimp.
- Consistent Quality: Uniform copper plating and weight distribution ensure reliable performance.
Cons
- Not Designed for Expansion: The flat point design is not optimized for self-defense applications requiring expansion.
- Potential Feeding Issues: The flat point design may not feed reliably in all .40 S&W firearms (although I had no problems in my Glock 22).
Who Should Buy Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets .40 cal .400in 180 gr FP?
These bullets are perfect for reloaders looking for an affordable and accurate .40 caliber projectile for target shooting and practice. They are also ideal for competitive shooters who need consistent performance without breaking the bank.
Anyone looking for a dedicated self-defense round designed for expansion should skip this product. It is also not suitable for those who do not reload their own ammunition.
A must-have accessory for these bullets is a good set of reloading dies specifically for .40 S&W. A quality reloading press and powder scale are also essential for achieving consistent and accurate reloads.
Conclusion on Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets .40 cal .400in 180 gr FP
The Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets .40 cal .400in 180 gr FP offer an outstanding value proposition for reloaders seeking accuracy and consistency. They deliver match-grade performance at a price that is hard to beat. They are a fantastic option for high-volume target shooters.
The price is definitely justified by the performance. The consistency of the Accura Bullets and the resulting accuracy on the range more than make up for the slightly higher cost compared to some generic FMJ bullets.
I would absolutely recommend these bullets to fellow reloaders. If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate .40 caliber bullet for target shooting, the Accura Bullets Premium Powerbond Bullets .40 cal .400in 180 gr FP are an excellent choice. Upgrade your reloads today and experience the difference!