First Impressions of Federal Champion 380 Auto 95 Grain Full Metal Jacket Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition C38095A $1.70 Off
The Federal Champion 380 Auto 95 Grain Full Metal Jacket Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition C38095A $1.70 Off promises to deliver consistent, target-grade performance at an affordable price point. As a seasoned shooter and tactical gear specialist, I’m always on the lookout for reliable ammunition that won’t break the bank, especially for calibers like .380 ACP that can sometimes be expensive to train with. Let’s see if this offering from Federal lives up to the Champion name.
For years I’d been reloading my own .380 ammo to save money, but time constraints led me to search for a reliable, budget-friendly factory load for practice. I needed something consistent and clean-burning for regular range sessions with my compact carry pistol. The Federal Champion line often gets mentioned in shooting circles as a good compromise between cost and quality.
The packaging is standard Federal, a simple cardboard box containing 50 rounds. Upon opening, the brass casings looked clean and well-maintained. The Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets appeared uniform and properly seated.
Compared to other budget .380 options like Winchester White Box or Remington UMC, the Federal Champion seemed to have a slightly cleaner finish. I ultimately chose the Federal Champion due to its reputation for consistent performance in various .380 pistols and its attractive price after the discount. Initial impressions were positive, suggesting a solid, no-frills training round.
I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve had mixed experiences with budget ammunition in the past, but Federal has a solid reputation, and I hoped the Champion line would live up to it.
Real-World Testing: Putting Federal Champion 380 Auto 95 Grain Full Metal Jacket Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition C38095A $1.70 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Federal Champion 380 Auto 95 Grain FMJ at my local outdoor shooting range on a clear, sunny day. I used a Glock 42, a popular and reliable .380 pistol known for its compact size and moderate recoil. I also brought a Walther PPK/S for a classic steel-framed experience.
The ammunition performed reliably in both pistols. I experienced no failures to feed, fire, or eject across approximately 200 rounds fired. The recoil was manageable, similar to other standard pressure .380 loads I’ve used.
Accuracy was acceptable for a practice round. At 15 yards, I was able to consistently maintain groupings of around 3-4 inches with the Glock 42 and slightly tighter, around 2.5-3 inches, with the heavier Walther PPK/S. There were no immediate issues or surprises during the initial testing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Federal Champion 380 Auto continues to perform reliably. I’ve fired approximately 1000 rounds of this ammunition through various .380 pistols. I’ve only experienced one failure to feed, likely attributable to the magazine rather than the ammunition itself.
There are no signs of excessive wear and tear on my firearms from using this ammunition. Cleaning is straightforward; the Federal Champion leaves a moderate amount of residue, similar to other brass-cased ammunition. Compared to my previous experience with handloads, the Federal Champion offers comparable accuracy and reliability with the convenience of factory ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of Federal Champion 380 Auto 95 Grain Full Metal Jacket Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition C38095A $1.70 Off
Specifications
The Federal Champion 380 Auto 95 Grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition C38095A $1.70 Off features a 95-grain FMJ bullet, brass casing, and standard primers. It is chambered in .380 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol). The ammunition is packaged in boxes of 50 rounds.
The specifications are fairly standard for .380 ACP ammunition. The 95-grain bullet weight is typical, and the Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) design is ideal for range practice due to its consistent feeding and reduced expansion. The brass casing allows for reloading, adding value for those who reload their own ammunition. The advertised muzzle velocity is 980 feet per second, providing adequate energy for target shooting and self-defense practice.
Performance & Functionality
The Federal Champion 380 Auto performs its job adequately as a practice round. The ammunition is generally accurate and reliable, with consistent cycling in various .380 pistols. The recoil is manageable and comfortable for extended shooting sessions.
The strengths of this ammunition lie in its reliability and affordability. The consistent performance minimizes malfunctions and allows for uninterrupted training. The weakness is that it’s not specifically designed for self-defense. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly practice ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Federal Champion 380 Auto is simple and functional. The brass casing is clean and well-formed. The FMJ bullet is consistent in shape and weight.
The ammunition is easy to load into magazines. The standard .380 ACP cartridge dimensions ensure compatibility with a wide range of pistols.
Durability & Maintenance
The brass casing of the Federal Champion 380 Auto is durable and reloadable. The ammunition is designed for single use, but the reloadable brass extends its value. Regular cleaning of the firearm after use is recommended to prevent excessive residue buildup.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Federal Champion 380 Auto does not come with any specific accessories. Its performance can be enhanced by using it in conjunction with upgraded pistol components like improved sights or triggers. The ammunition is compatible with most .380 pistols chambered for standard pressure loads.
Pros and Cons of Federal Champion 380 Auto 95 Grain Full Metal Jacket Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition C38095A $1.70 Off
Pros
- Reliable feeding and extraction in various .380 pistols.
- Affordable price point makes it ideal for high-volume training.
- Brass-cased and reloadable, offering added value for reloaders.
- Consistent performance and manageable recoil.
- Clean burning compared to some other budget ammunition options.
Cons
- Not designed for self-defense; FMJ bullets offer limited expansion.
- Leaves a moderate amount of residue, requiring regular cleaning.
Who Should Buy Federal Champion 380 Auto 95 Grain Full Metal Jacket Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition C38095A $1.70 Off?
The Federal Champion 380 Auto 95 Grain FMJ is perfect for recreational shooters and those who frequently practice with their .380 pistols. It’s also a good option for individuals who reload their own ammunition and are looking for a reliable source of brass casings. This is an ideal round for those who need to practice with their concealed carry weapon without breaking the bank.
Individuals seeking ammunition specifically designed for self-defense should skip this product and opt for hollow-point rounds. There are no must-have accessories, but a good cleaning kit is recommended to maintain the firearm after use.
Conclusion on Federal Champion 380 Auto 95 Grain Full Metal Jacket Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition C38095A $1.70 Off
Overall, the Federal Champion 380 Auto 95 Grain Full Metal Jacket Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition C38095A $1.70 Off is a solid choice for budget-conscious shooters seeking reliable practice ammunition. The reduced price, especially with the $1.70 off, makes this round worth serious consideration. It consistently cycles in various .380 pistols and offers adequate accuracy for training purposes.
The price is justified given the reliability and consistency. It’s not a premium self-defense round, but it excels as an affordable training tool. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a cost-effective way to practice with their .380 pistol.
So, if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable .380 Auto ammunition for practice, the Federal Champion is definitely worth considering. Grab a box (or several) and hit the range!