First Impressions of Federal Premium 40 S&W 180 Grain FMJ Champion Loose Pack Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition C40180A400 $12.70 Off
The Federal Premium 40 S&W 180 Grain FMJ Champion Loose Pack Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition C40180A400 $12.70 Off promises reliable performance for high-volume shooting, especially for range training. Federal is a trusted name, and this ammunition is designed to deliver consistent results without breaking the bank. I was curious to see if this “Champion” offering lived up to the hype, especially considering the loose pack design.
For years, I’ve been searching for a reliable, yet economical, ammunition source for my .40 S&W pistols. I needed something that could handle the demands of frequent range visits without sacrificing accuracy or cleanliness. My primary concern was finding a round that minimized fouling and provided consistent cycling in my various handguns.
Upon receiving the Federal Premium 40 S&W 180 Grain FMJ Champion Loose Pack, I immediately noticed the absence of traditional packaging. The rounds were, as advertised, loosely packed in a larger container. The brass casings appeared clean and well-finished, suggesting good quality control.
Compared to CCI Blazer Brass or Winchester White Box, the Federal offering stood out due to its seemingly better attention to detail. I chose this ammunition primarily for Federal’s reputation for quality and consistency, hoping to minimize malfunctions and improve my overall shooting experience. My initial expectation was a dependable, no-frills training round.
I was cautiously optimistic. The loose packaging was a bit unconventional, but the Federal name gave me confidence. If it performed as advertised, I would be ecstatic; if it proved unreliable, it would be a disappointment.
Real-World Testing: Putting Federal Premium 40 S&W 180 Grain FMJ Champion Loose Pack Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition C40180A400 $12.70 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Federal Premium 40 S&W 180 Grain FMJ Champion Loose Pack at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was slightly overcast, but conditions were otherwise ideal for shooting. I ran the ammunition through my Glock 22, Smith & Wesson M&P 40, and Springfield XDm 40.
The Federal ammunition performed admirably across all three platforms. It cycled reliably with no failures to feed or eject. The recoil felt manageable and consistent, and the report was standard for .40 S&W rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Federal Premium 40 S&W 180 Grain FMJ Champion Loose Pack has proven to be a reliable choice. I have fired over 1000 rounds, and I have experienced only one malfunction, which was likely due to a magazine issue rather than the ammunition itself. The rounds have shown minimal signs of wear and tear during storage.
Cleaning my firearms after using this ammunition is relatively easy. Fouling is moderate and easily removed with standard cleaning solvents. Compared to some cheaper brands I’ve used, the Federal ammunition definitely produces less residue.
Breaking Down the Features of Federal Premium 40 S&W 180 Grain FMJ Champion Loose Pack Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition C40180A400 $12.70 Off
Specifications
The Federal Premium 40 S&W 180 Grain FMJ Champion Loose Pack Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition boasts several key specifications. It is chambered in .40 S&W, a popular choice for law enforcement and civilian self-defense. The bullet weight is 180 grain, providing a good balance of velocity and stopping power.
The ammunition comes in a 400-round loose pack, making it ideal for high-volume shooters. The bullet type is a Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail (FMJBT), designed for accurate target shooting and reliable feeding. The brass casings are reloadable, adding value for those who reload their ammunition. Its primary application is target shooting.
These specifications translate to reliable performance and affordability. The FMJBT design ensures consistent accuracy on the range. The reloadable brass casings allow for cost savings over time.
Performance & Functionality
The Federal Premium 40 S&W 180 Grain FMJ Champion Loose Pack performs exceptionally well for its intended purpose. Accuracy is consistent at typical handgun ranges (7-25 yards). Reliability is excellent, with minimal malfunctions experienced.
The ammunition’s strengths lie in its consistent performance and affordability. The primary weakness is the loose packaging, which may not be ideal for all storage situations. It definitely meets my expectations as a reliable training round.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition’s design is straightforward: a standard FMJBT bullet in a brass casing. The loose packaging reduces waste and lowers the overall cost. The weight of the rounds is standard for .40 S&W ammunition.
The design is user-friendly; no special handling is required. There is no learning curve associated with using this ammunition.
Durability & Maintenance
The brass casings are durable and reloadable, extending the lifespan of the ammunition. Minimal maintenance is required, aside from proper storage in a cool, dry place.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come directly with the ammunition itself. However, the reloadable brass casings open up customization options for handloaders. The ammunition is compatible with any firearm chambered in .40 S&W that is designed for standard FMJ ammunition.
Pros and Cons of Federal Premium 40 S&W 180 Grain FMJ Champion Loose Pack Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition C40180A400 $12.70 Off
Pros
- Reliable performance in various .40 S&W firearms.
- Consistent accuracy ideal for target shooting and training.
- Affordable price point, especially in the loose pack format.
- Reloadable brass casings for cost savings.
- Cleaner burning than some cheaper alternatives, reducing firearm fouling.
Cons
- Loose packaging may not be ideal for all storage preferences.
- Not optimized for self-defense; FMJ bullets lack expansion.
Who Should Buy Federal Premium 40 S&W 180 Grain FMJ Champion Loose Pack Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition C40180A400 $12.70 Off?
The Federal Premium 40 S&W 180 Grain FMJ Champion Loose Pack is perfect for high-volume shooters, range enthusiasts, and those who reload their ammunition. It is also well-suited for law enforcement agencies and security personnel who need a reliable and affordable training round.
This ammunition is not ideal for those seeking self-defense rounds due to the FMJ bullet design. It is also not the best choice for those who prefer ammunition in traditional boxed packaging.
A must-have accessory would be a sturdy ammunition can or container to store the loose pack rounds. A reloading setup would be beneficial for those looking to maximize the value of the reloadable brass.
Conclusion on Federal Premium 40 S&W 180 Grain FMJ Champion Loose Pack Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition C40180A400 $12.70 Off
The Federal Premium 40 S&W 180 Grain FMJ Champion Loose Pack Brass Centerfire Pistol Ammunition offers excellent value for its price. The reliability and consistent accuracy make it a solid choice for training and range use. The loose pack design may not appeal to everyone, but it effectively lowers the cost per round.
The price is definitely justified, especially considering the Federal brand reputation and the reloadable brass casings. I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a dependable and affordable .40 S&W training round.
If you need a high-volume, reliable, and economical option for your .40 S&W pistol, give the Federal Premium 40 S&W 180 Grain FMJ Champion Loose Pack a try. You won’t be disappointed!