Let’s Talk About **CCI Ammunition Blazer .38 Special +P 158 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The CCI Ammunition Blazer .38 Special +P 158 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
3519 35% Off represents a budget-friendly option for .38 Special shooters. Manufactured by CCI Ammunition, this ammunition aims to provide reliable performance for target practice and general range use without breaking the bank. It stands out due to its use of aluminum cases, differentiating it from more traditional brass-cased ammunition.
As a seasoned firearms enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for cost-effective practice ammunition that doesn’t compromise on reliability. My primary need was to find a consistent and reasonably accurate round for honing my skills with my classic Smith & Wesson Model 10. The allure of saving some money while still getting decent performance drew me to the CCI Ammunition Blazer line.
Upon receiving the ammunition, the first thing I noticed was the lightweight feel of the box due to the aluminum casings. The rounds appeared clean and well-assembled, and the full metal jacket bullets looked uniform. I’ve primarily used brass-cased ammo in the past, so the aluminum casings were definitely a departure.
Compared to Federal American Eagle or Winchester White Box, both common brass-cased .38 Special rounds, the CCI Ammunition Blazer promised a lower price point. I chose CCI Ammunition Blazer to reduce my cost per round without sacrificing too much quality for high-volume practice sessions. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic – excited about the potential savings, but slightly apprehensive about how the aluminum cases would perform in my revolver.
Real-World Testing: Putting **CCI Ammunition Blazer .38 Special +P 158 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I tested the CCI Ammunition Blazer .38 Special +P at my local shooting range, firing from a distance of 15 yards. I primarily used my Smith & Wesson Model 10 and a Ruger SP101 for this test. The weather was clear and mild, typical for an early spring day.
The ammunition performed reasonably well. I did experience a slightly snappier recoil compared to standard pressure .38 Special rounds due to the +P designation. Extraction was mostly smooth, although I noticed a slight stickiness with the aluminum casings in the Smith & Wesson compared to the Ruger.
The biggest surprise was the noticeable amount of soot and residue left on the cylinder face and forcing cone of both revolvers. It was more than I typically observe with brass-cased ammo.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions totaling around 500 rounds of the CCI Ammunition Blazer .38 Special +P, I can say it’s generally reliable for range use. There were no failures to fire, but the extraction issues persisted, especially in the older Smith & Wesson. This wasn’t a constant problem, but happened often enough to notice.
The aluminum cases showed no signs of significant wear, although I wouldn’t consider them reloadable, which is a given. Cleaning required a bit more effort than usual due to the increased carbon fouling. Compared to my experiences with Federal and Winchester brass-cased ammo, the CCI Ammunition Blazer requires more frequent cleaning to maintain smooth operation, especially in revolvers with tighter tolerances.
Breaking Down the Features of **CCI Ammunition Blazer .38 Special +P 158 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Specifications
The CCI Ammunition Blazer .38 Special +P 158 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Centerfire Pistol Ammunition features the following specifications:
- Caliber: .38 Special +P: This indicates the ammunition is designed for firearms chambered in .38 Special and is loaded to a higher pressure than standard .38 Special rounds. The +P designation provides increased velocity and energy.
- Number of Rounds: 50: Each box contains 50 rounds of ammunition.
- Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): The bullet is encased in a copper alloy jacket, which aids in feeding reliability and reduces lead exposure. FMJ bullets are primarily used for target shooting and practice.
- Bullet Weight: 158 grain: The bullet weighs 158 grains, a common weight for .38 Special ammunition. Heavier bullets tend to offer better penetration and recoil management.
- Cartridge Case Material: Aluminum: The cartridge case is made of heat-treated, aircraft-grade aluminum, offering a lighter and more cost-effective alternative to brass. This can affect extraction and reloadability.
- Muzzle Velocity: 850 ft/s: The bullet exits the barrel at a velocity of 850 feet per second. This is important for determining the bullet’s trajectory and energy.
- Muzzle Energy: 253 ft-lbs: The bullet delivers 253 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. This indicates the stopping power of the round.
- Application: Target: This ammunition is primarily intended for target shooting and practice.
- Package Type: Box: The ammunition is packaged in a standard cardboard box.
- Primer Style: Centerfire: This indicates that the primer is located in the center of the cartridge base. Centerfire primers are highly reliable.
- Lead Free: No: The bullet contains lead.
- Gun Type: Handgun: The ammunition is designed for use in handguns chambered in .38 Special.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the ammunition’s performance. The +P rating provides increased power, while the aluminum casing offers cost savings. However, aluminum casings may lead to stickier extraction and cannot be reloaded.
Performance & Functionality
The CCI Ammunition Blazer .38 Special +P 158 Grain FMJ is functional and generally reliable for its intended purpose: target practice. The accuracy is acceptable for typical range distances, producing consistent groupings within a reasonable spread. I experienced no failures to fire, although the extraction could be sticky in some revolvers.
The strengths include its affordability and consistent ignition. Weaknesses include the increased fouling and potential extraction issues related to the aluminum cases. It mostly meets my expectations for budget-friendly range ammunition, but the extraction issue is a noticeable drawback.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward and functional. The aluminum cases are lightweight, but the overall build quality appears decent. There’s no learning curve involved, as it performs like any other .38 Special round.
Durability & Maintenance
While the components themselves seem durable enough for their single use, aluminum cases aren’t reloadable. The increased fouling necessitates more frequent cleaning of the firearm to prevent malfunctions. Overall, its longevity is limited to a single firing.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no specific accessories that come with the ammunition itself. However, being a .38 Special round, it’s compatible with any firearm chambered in that caliber. There are no real customization options for ammunition other than choosing different bullet types or handloading, which isn’t applicable here due to the aluminum cases.
Pros and Cons of **CCI Ammunition Blazer .38 Special +P 158 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Pros
- Affordable price point, making it suitable for high-volume practice.
- Consistent ignition and reliable performance.
- Full Metal Jacket bullet ensures smooth feeding and reduces lead exposure.
- +P rating provides increased velocity and energy compared to standard .38 Special.
- Readily available at most sporting goods stores and online retailers.
Cons
- Aluminum cases are not reloadable.
- Increased carbon fouling compared to brass-cased ammunition.
- Potential for sticky extraction, especially in some revolvers.
Who Should Buy **CCI Ammunition Blazer .38 Special +P 158 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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This ammunition is perfect for budget-conscious target shooters and recreational shooters who need a reliable round for practice. It’s also suitable for individuals looking for a slightly hotter .38 Special load for self-defense training.
Individuals who reload their ammunition or require extremely clean-burning rounds should skip this product. People who own finicky revolvers that are sensitive to ammunition type might also want to avoid this, due to the potential for extraction issues. A must-have accessory would be a good quality bore brush and solvent to combat the increased fouling.
Conclusion on **CCI Ammunition Blazer .38 Special +P 158 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The CCI Ammunition Blazer .38 Special +P 158 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Centerfire Pistol Ammunition offers a compelling value proposition for shooters seeking affordable practice rounds. While the aluminum casings present some drawbacks, such as non-reloadability and increased fouling, the reliable ignition and consistent performance make it a viable option for high-volume shooting.
At the discounted price of $34.37, the value is certainly justified, especially for individuals prioritizing cost savings over reloadability. I would personally recommend this ammunition for range practice, with the caveat that you should be prepared for more frequent cleaning. If you’re looking to save some money and don’t mind a little extra cleaning, give CCI Ammunition Blazer a shot. You might just find it’s the perfect budget-friendly solution for your .38 Special needs.