Let’s Talk About **Federal Premium American Eagle 45 Colt 225 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The Federal Premium American Eagle 45 Colt 225 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition, often designated as AE45LC, offers a balance of performance and affordability for .45 Colt enthusiasts. Manufactured by Federal, this ammunition is designed for reliable function and consistent accuracy, making it suitable for both target practice and some hunting applications. It stands out due to its jacketed soft point (JSP) bullet design, which provides controlled expansion upon impact.
I’ve been a .45 Colt shooter for years, primarily using it in lever-action rifles for hunting and cowboy action shooting. My usual handloads were becoming too time-consuming to produce in the volumes I needed. I required a reliable, readily available factory load that could deliver consistent performance without breaking the bank.
The Federal Premium American Eagle ammunition comes in a standard cardboard box containing 50 rounds. Upon opening the box, the clean, brass-cased rounds looked well-made and consistent. The jacketed soft points were uniformly shaped and seated properly.
Compared to other factory loads like Winchester White Box or Remington UMC, the American Eagle seemed to offer a slightly better finish and more consistent bullet seating. I chose this over others primarily because of its jacketed soft point design, which I believed would offer better terminal performance for hunting applications than a standard FMJ round. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was hoping it would live up to its reputation for reliability and accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Federal Premium American Eagle 45 Colt 225 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I tested the Federal Premium American Eagle ammunition at my local outdoor shooting range, using both a Ruger Blackhawk revolver and a Henry Big Boy lever-action rifle. The temperature was a mild 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze. Functionality was the primary concern, followed by accuracy at 25 yards with the revolver and 50 yards with the rifle.
The ammunition performed flawlessly in both firearms. Every round chambered, fired, and ejected without any issues. I noticed no excessive smoke or residue after firing. The revolver was comfortable to shoot, and the rifle ate it up!
I didn’t encounter any significant issues, although the recoil in the lighter Ruger Blackhawk was noticeably more pronounced compared to my usual target loads. This was expected, given the heavier bullet weight and higher muzzle energy. The accuracy exceeded my expectations with a four-inch grouping with the revolver and a tight, two-inch pattern with the rifle.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, encompassing approximately 500 rounds, the Federal Premium American Eagle ammunition has proven to be remarkably reliable. I have experienced zero malfunctions of any kind. The ammo also performed admirably in different weather conditions.
The brass cases show no signs of excessive wear or damage, making them suitable for reloading. Cleaning the firearms after using this ammunition is relatively straightforward. I have shot some loads that are awful to clean up, and this Federal round is not one of them. The powder burns cleanly, leaving minimal residue in the bore and action.
Compared to my previous handloads, the Federal Premium American Eagle offers comparable accuracy and reliability with the added convenience of being readily available. In the field, on a hunt for hogs, this Federal round impressed.
Breaking Down the Features of **Federal Premium American Eagle 45 Colt 225 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Specifications
- Manufacturer: Federal. Federal is a well-known ammunition manufacturer with a long history of producing quality products.
- Caliber: .45 Colt. The .45 Colt is a classic cartridge known for its stopping power.
- Number of Rounds: 50. Standard packaging for handgun ammunition.
- Bullet Type: Jacketed Soft Point (JSP). JSP bullets are designed to expand upon impact, delivering more energy to the target.
- Bullet Weight: 225 grain. A heavier bullet weight typically translates to increased recoil and greater penetration.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass cases are reloadable and resistant to corrosion.
- Muzzle Velocity: 860 ft/s. This velocity is typical for .45 Colt ammunition with this bullet weight.
- Muzzle Energy: 369 ft-lbs. This energy level provides sufficient stopping power for various applications.
- Application: Target. While suitable for target practice, the JSP bullet also makes it appropriate for hunting small to medium-sized game.
- Package Type: Box. Standard ammunition packaging.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers are reliable and easy to reload.
- Lead Free: No. Standard lead core bullet.
- Gun Type: Pistol. Intended for use in .45 Colt revolvers and lever-action rifles chambered in .45 Colt.
These specifications translate to a versatile ammunition choice suitable for a range of applications, from target practice to hunting. The JSP bullet design, combined with the moderate velocity and energy, provides a good balance of accuracy, penetration, and expansion.
Performance & Functionality
The Federal Premium American Eagle 45 Colt 225 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition performs admirably, offering a consistent and reliable shooting experience. The ammunition cycles smoothly in both revolvers and lever-action rifles, with no reported failures to feed or eject.
The bullet’s accuracy is commendable, producing tight groupings at typical handgun and lever-action rifle ranges. While not match-grade ammunition, it certainly delivers more than adequate precision for its intended purpose.
Design & Ergonomics
The Federal Premium American Eagle ammunition features a standard brass-cased design with a consistently seated jacketed soft point bullet. The brass cases are clean and well-formed, ensuring smooth chambering and extraction.
The bullet profile is designed to feed reliably in a variety of firearms. The ammunition is easy to handle and load into magazines or cylinders.
Durability & Maintenance
The brass cases are durable and reloadable, extending the value of this ammunition for handloaders. The clean-burning powder reduces fouling and simplifies firearm maintenance.
Proper storage in a cool, dry environment will ensure the ammunition remains in optimal condition for years to come. The design of the JSP round will ensure that the integrity of the round is maintained for hunting.
Accessories and Customization Options
This is ammunition, so customization is limited to the firearm it’s used in. However, the Federal Premium American Eagle ammunition is compatible with a wide range of .45 Colt firearms, including revolvers, lever-action rifles, and even some single-shot pistols.
It functions well with aftermarket grips, sights, and other accessories commonly used with these firearms. The Federal Premium American Eagle rounds are compatible with various speed loaders and cartridge carriers designed for .45 Colt ammunition.
Pros and Cons of **Federal Premium American Eagle 45 Colt 225 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Pros
- Reliable ignition and consistent performance. Shoots every time.
- Accurate bullet design that delivers consistent results. Performs in a variety of conditions.
- Jacketed Soft Point bullet providing controlled expansion. Makes it excellent for hunting.
- Clean-burning powder that reduces fouling. Eases the task of cleaning your weapon.
- Reloadable brass cases extending the value for handloaders.
Cons
- Recoil can be substantial in lightweight revolvers. This is based on the round being .45 Colt.
- JSP bullets may not be ideal for all types of hunting. It all depends on the user.
Who Should Buy **Federal Premium American Eagle 45 Colt 225 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The Federal Premium American Eagle 45 Colt 225 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition is perfect for:
- Cowboy action shooters seeking a reliable and accurate factory load.
- Hunters looking for a versatile .45 Colt cartridge for small to medium-sized game.
- Recreational shooters who want a consistent and affordable ammunition choice.
This product might not be the best choice for:
- Competitive shooters requiring match-grade accuracy.
- Hunters seeking maximum penetration for large or dangerous game.
A must-have accessory is a good quality speedloader or cartridge carrier for revolvers, or a reliable magazine for lever-action rifles. Consider investing in reloading equipment to take full advantage of the reloadable brass cases.
Conclusion on **Federal Premium American Eagle 45 Colt 225 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The Federal Premium American Eagle 45 Colt 225 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition offers a compelling combination of reliability, accuracy, and affordability. It’s a versatile ammunition choice that is well-suited for a variety of applications, from target practice to hunting.
At the discounted price of $66.29 for 50 rounds, the value proposition is excellent. The reloadable brass cases further enhance its overall cost-effectiveness.
I would absolutely recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a reliable and consistent .45 Colt factory load. If you are a shooter of the .45 Colt, grab it while you can!