First Impressions of Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets
The Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets promise exceptional penetration in a handgun platform. Manufactured by Cutting Edge Bullets, these monolithic copper projectiles are specifically designed for hunting big game, tackling dangerous game, and excelling in target applications. The allure of a solid copper bullet that claims to out-penetrate anything else on the market immediately grabbed my attention.
My quest for the ultimate .357 Magnum load began with the need for reliable penetration. I hunt feral hogs in dense brush, where shot placement isn’t always perfect, and maximum penetration is paramount. I was tired of lead-based bullets fragmenting or deflecting off bone, resulting in lost animals. The claim of unparalleled penetration made the Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets an immediate contender.
Upon receiving the bullets, I was immediately impressed by the clean, uniform machining of the solid copper. The weight was consistent across the 50 bullets in the box, a testament to quality control. Compared to traditional jacketed hollow points or lead semi-wadcutters, the Cutting Edge Bullets looked radically different; a sleek, solid copper cylinder designed for a singular purpose.
I considered several other options before choosing these bullets. Lead hard cast bullets are a common choice for penetration, but I wanted to avoid lead exposure and potential for deformation. Jacketed soft points offered some penetration, but at the expense of weight retention and potential for expansion. Ultimately, the promise of deep, straight-line penetration with the Cutting Edge Bullets won me over.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to test the penetration claims, but also slightly skeptical of the potential for over-penetration and the need for careful load development. However, the quality of the bullets themselves gave me confidence that they would perform as advertised.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets took place at a private shooting range. I set up a series of targets, including ballistic gelatin blocks, water jugs, and plywood barriers, to evaluate penetration and terminal performance. I was shooting from a Ruger GP100 with a 6-inch barrel.
The Cutting Edge Bullets performed remarkably well, even during initial tests. I experienced consistent, straight-line penetration through all the test media. The solid copper projectiles sailed through the ballistic gelatin and water jugs with minimal deflection, leaving a clean, consistent wound channel.
The bullets required meticulous load development. They are longer than most .357 Magnum bullets of similar weight, so I had to adjust my powder charge to achieve optimal velocity and avoid pressure signs. Once properly loaded, they fed and chambered reliably.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets have proven to be incredibly reliable. I have fired hundreds of rounds through my Ruger GP100 with no malfunctions attributable to the bullets themselves. The results have been impressive.
The copper projectiles have shown no signs of deformation or degradation, even after being stored in various conditions. I’ve exposed them to extreme temperatures and humidity, and they remain consistent in weight and dimensions. Their solid construction means no jacket separation and no lead exposure.
Compared to my previous experiences with lead bullets, the Cutting Edge Bullets have been a game-changer. They offer significantly better penetration, consistent accuracy, and a cleaner shooting experience. While load development can be more involved, the performance benefits are well worth the effort. They exceeded my expectations, and have become my preferred .357 Magnum load for hunting and defense.
Breaking Down the Features of Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets
Specifications
The Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets feature a monolithic construction of solid copper. The caliber is .357 Magnum, making them compatible with any firearm chambered for this popular cartridge. The bullet weight is 165 grains, a heavier option for .357 Magnum, optimized for penetration.
The bullet type is described as a “Monolithic,” referring to the single-piece construction of the bullet. The diameter of the bullet is 0.375 inches. The core material is pure copper, ensuring consistent weight and density. It is important to note that this bullet is lead-free, making it environmentally friendly.
These specifications are critical for understanding the bullet’s performance characteristics. The heavy weight and solid copper construction contribute to exceptional penetration, while the .357 Magnum caliber provides ample stopping power. The lack of lead is a significant advantage for those concerned about environmental impact or lead exposure.
Performance & Functionality
The Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets are designed to deliver maximum penetration and consistent performance. The bullets are incredibly accurate when properly loaded, producing tight groups at various distances. Their performance stands out.
The primary strength of these bullets is their ability to penetrate deeply and consistently, even through tough barriers. A potential weakness is their lack of expansion, which can reduce their terminal effect on soft targets. It is important to select your target with this factor in mind.
These bullets have exceeded my expectations in terms of penetration and accuracy. However, I would like to see Cutting Edge Bullets develop a version with a slight hollow point or other feature to promote some expansion. Such a development could be helpful in expanding the bullets range of use.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets is exceptional. The bullets are precision-machined from solid copper, resulting in a uniform and consistent product. The materials used are of the highest quality.
The bullets are easy to handle and load, though as noted above, you will need to develop a customized load, as they are longer than many other .357 magnum bullets. There is no learning curve associated with handling them.
Durability & Maintenance
Given their solid copper construction, the Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets are expected to last indefinitely when stored properly. The copper is resistant to corrosion and degradation, ensuring long-term reliability. No maintenance is required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets do not come with any specific accessories. However, they can be used with a wide range of .357 Magnum firearms and reloading equipment. It is important to note that these bullets require careful load development to achieve optimal performance.
The bullets are compatible with most .357 Magnum reloading dies and components. There are no accessories associated with this product.
Pros and Cons of Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets
Pros
- Unmatched Penetration: The solid copper construction provides exceptional penetration through tough barriers and thick-skinned game.
- Consistent Accuracy: Precision machining ensures consistent weight and dimensions, resulting in excellent accuracy.
- Lead-Free: Environmentally friendly and reduces lead exposure.
- High-Quality Materials: Solid copper construction ensures durability and long-term reliability.
- Reliable Performance: Consistently performs as expected, even in demanding conditions.
Cons
- Lack of expansion can limit terminal effect on soft targets.
- Load development is required to achieve optimal performance.
Who Should Buy Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets?
The Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets are perfect for hunters pursuing big game, especially in areas where deep penetration is essential. They are also well-suited for individuals concerned about lead exposure or environmental impact. These are the perfect fit for this purpose.
Individuals primarily focused on self-defense against human targets may find expanding bullets more suitable. The limited expansion of the Cutting Edge Bullets may reduce their effectiveness in such scenarios.
Must-have accessories include a reliable reloading press, .357 Magnum reloading dies, and a chronograph for load development.
Conclusion on Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets
The Cutting Edge Bullets Solid .357 Caliber 165 Grain Solid Copper Handgun Solid Pistol Bullets are a specialized projectile designed for maximum penetration and consistent accuracy. While they require careful load development and lack the expansion of some other bullet designs, their performance is undeniable.
At $35.88 for 50 bullets, the price is justified for those who prioritize penetration and reliability in their .357 Magnum loads. For those who need reliable results, the price is well worth it.
I would personally recommend these bullets to hunters and shooters seeking the ultimate in penetration from their .357 Magnum handguns. They are a game-changer for those who value consistent performance and lead-free ammunition. If you need penetration, you need these bullets!