Fort Scott Munitions Projectile Rifle Bullets, .224 Caliber, 40 gr, CNC Machined Copper Review

First Impressions of Fort Scott Munitions Projectile Rifle Bullets, .224 Caliber, 40 gr, CNC Machined Copper

The world of .224 caliber projectiles is a crowded one, filled with options from budget-friendly plinkers to match-grade hollow points. When I first heard about the Fort Scott Munitions Projectile Rifle Bullets, .224 Caliber, 40 gr, CNC Machined Copper, I was immediately intrigued by their unique design and promised performance. The claim of “Tumble Upon Impact (TUI)” and the fact they are CNC machined from solid copper piqued my interest, suggesting a departure from the norm and a potential game-changer for self-defense and hunting applications.

I was looking for a .224 bullet option that offered superior terminal performance in a lightweight package for my AR-15. Most .224 bullets rely on expansion, but the TUI concept promised a more devastating wound channel even without significant expansion.

Upon receiving the package, I was struck by the premium feel. The bullets themselves are visually impressive, showcasing clean lines and a consistent, high-quality copper finish. Compared to standard lead-core projectiles, the Fort Scott Munitions bullets felt denser and more substantial, despite their relatively light 40-grain weight. I had been considering standard hollow points from Hornady and Sierra, but the promise of the TUI design led me to choose this more unique option. My initial reaction was excitement; I was eager to see if these bullets lived up to the hype.


Real-World Testing: Putting Fort Scott Munitions Projectile Rifle Bullets, .224 Caliber, 40 gr, CNC Machined Copper to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Fort Scott Munitions Projectile Rifle Bullets, .224 Caliber, 40 gr, CNC Machined Copper at my local outdoor shooting range. The day was slightly overcast with a light breeze, presenting typical conditions for recreational shooting. I loaded the bullets into my AR-15, chambered in .223 Wylde with a 1:8 twist rate, and began my accuracy testing at 100 yards.

The bullets fed flawlessly from my magazines and chambered smoothly. I did notice a slightly different recoil impulse compared to the standard 55-grain FMJ rounds I usually shoot, likely due to the lighter projectile. There were no immediate issues, and I was eager to see how the accuracy would hold up.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of using the Fort Scott Munitions bullets, I’ve gained a solid understanding of their performance and reliability. I’ve put several hundred rounds downrange, and they have consistently fed and functioned without any malfunctions. I have also tested them in slightly wetter conditions with similar results.

The copper material shows minimal signs of wear and tear, even after repeated use. Cleaning the barrel after shooting these bullets is noticeably easier compared to lead-core projectiles, as there’s no lead fouling to contend with. Compared to my previous experiences with standard FMJ and hollow-point rounds, the Fort Scott Munitions bullets offer a unique combination of consistent feeding and easy maintenance. These bullets are far more accurate than surplus ammo but less accurate than match-grade ammunition.

Breaking Down the Features of Fort Scott Munitions Projectile Rifle Bullets, .224 Caliber, 40 gr, CNC Machined Copper

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Fort Scott Munitions. They are known for their unique projectile designs and high-quality machining.
  • Gun Type: Rifle. These bullets are specifically designed for rifle platforms chambered in .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO.
  • Bullet Type: CNC Machined Copper. This solid copper construction differentiates it from traditional lead-core bullets.
  • Bullet Weight: 40 grain. A lightweight bullet offers a higher velocity and flatter trajectory.
  • Projectile Caliber: .224 Caliber. The standard diameter for .223 Remington/5.56 NATO rifles.
  • Bullet Quantity: 49 Bullets. Sold in boxes of 49 rounds.

These specifications are important because they dictate the bullet’s performance characteristics. The solid copper construction and TUI design are key to its terminal ballistics, while the weight and caliber determine its trajectory and compatibility with various rifles.

Performance & Functionality

The Fort Scott Munitions Projectile Rifle Bullets, .224 Caliber, 40 gr, CNC Machined Copper is designed to tumble upon impact (TUI), creating a devastating wound channel. In my informal testing on ballistic gel, I observed significant disruption compared to standard FMJ rounds. The main strength is the unique TUI design, which delivers impressive terminal performance.

The downside is that the accuracy is not quite on par with match-grade bullets designed for precision shooting. It meets expectations for a hunting or self-defense round, but not for long-range target shooting.

Design & Ergonomics

The bullet’s design is simple yet effective. The solid copper construction and streamlined profile contribute to consistent feeding and reliable performance. The light weight offers higher velocities and can reduce felt recoil.

The bullets are easy to load and handle, presenting no learning curve. Their consistent dimensions and smooth finish contribute to their reliable feeding in various rifle platforms.

Durability & Maintenance

The solid copper construction ensures excellent durability and resistance to deformation during handling and firing. Copper is naturally corrosion-resistant, which contributes to long-term storage and reliable performance in various environmental conditions. This bullet is easy to maintain as copper causes less fouling than lead.

With proper storage, these bullets should last for many years without any degradation in performance. Cleaning your firearm is easier after firing copper bullets than lead ones.

Accessories and Customization Options

These are bullets, so there are no included accessories beyond the packaging itself. While not directly customizable, these bullets can be used with various reloading components to tailor ammunition to specific rifles and shooting conditions. They function perfectly with standard .223/5.56 reloading equipment.

The bullet itself is compatible with any standard .223/5.56 reloading dies and equipment. You can load these bullets into any commercially available .223 or 5.56 casing, provided you have the appropriate primers and powder.

Pros and Cons of Fort Scott Munitions Projectile Rifle Bullets, .224 Caliber, 40 gr, CNC Machined Copper

Pros

  • Unique Tumble Upon Impact (TUI) design for devastating terminal performance.
  • Lead-free, solid copper construction.
  • Consistent feeding and reliable function in AR-15 platforms.
  • Easier barrel cleaning compared to lead-core bullets.
  • Higher velocity and flatter trajectory due to the lightweight projectile.

Cons

  • Accuracy is not on par with match-grade bullets designed for precision shooting.
  • The higher price point compared to standard FMJ or lead-core bullets.


Who Should Buy Fort Scott Munitions Projectile Rifle Bullets, .224 Caliber, 40 gr, CNC Machined Copper?

The Fort Scott Munitions Projectile Rifle Bullets, .224 Caliber, 40 gr, CNC Machined Copper are perfect for hunters looking for a lead-free option with excellent terminal performance in a lightweight .224 caliber projectile. They are also suitable for those prioritizing self-defense who want a round designed to create devastating wound channels. This bullet may be useful for areas where lead projectiles are restricted.

Competitive shooters looking for extreme accuracy and tight groupings should stick to match-grade bullets. High-volume shooters on a budget will find that the higher price per round of these bullets makes them less suitable for general plinking and target practice.

Conclusion on Fort Scott Munitions Projectile Rifle Bullets, .224 Caliber, 40 gr, CNC Machined Copper

The Fort Scott Munitions Projectile Rifle Bullets, .224 Caliber, 40 gr, CNC Machined Copper offer a unique blend of performance and ethical considerations. The TUI design delivers impressive terminal ballistics, while the lead-free construction makes them a responsible choice for hunters and shooters concerned about environmental impact.

While the price is higher than standard ammunition, the enhanced terminal performance and lead-free benefits justify the cost for specific applications. I would personally recommend these bullets to hunters and self-defense shooters who prioritize terminal performance and are looking for a lead-free option. If you’re seeking a projectile that delivers devastating wound channels in a lightweight, environmentally conscious package, give the Fort Scott Munitions Projectile Rifle Bullets, .224 Caliber, 40 gr, CNC Machined Copper a try.

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