Hornady FMJ Handgun Bullets .45 cal .451in 230 gr FMJRN Review

First Impressions of Hornady FMJ Handgun Bullets .45 cal .451in 230 gr FMJRN

The world of .45 ACP ammunition is a vast landscape, filled with options ranging from premium self-defense hollow points to economical target rounds. Among these, the Hornady FMJ Handgun Bullets .45 cal .451in 230 gr FMJRN stand out as a reliable and consistent choice for reloaders seeking quality components. Hornady has a long-standing reputation for precision and performance, and these bullets aim to deliver on that promise for high-volume shooting, training, and general plinking. Their Full Metal Jacket Round Nose (FMJRN) design should ensure smooth feeding in most .45 ACP firearms, and the consistent weight is crucial for handloading accuracy.

As an experienced handloader with over a decade in the field, I’m always on the lookout for components that offer both quality and value. My primary need is consistent performance in my 1911s for range practice and training drills, without breaking the bank. I was hoping these Hornady bullets would give me that.

The bullets come packaged in Hornady’s standard, sturdy cardboard box, clearly labeled with all pertinent information. Upon opening the box, the bullets were neatly arranged and free from any visible defects, such as dents, scratches, or excessive lubricant. They appeared well-manufactured. Compared to some bulk-packaged FMJ bullets I’ve used in the past, these looked much cleaner and more consistent in their dimensions.

I was considering other brands like Remington or Winchester FMJ bullets, which are often available at similar price points. Ultimately, Hornady’s reputation for tighter tolerances and more consistent weights swayed my decision. My first impression was positive – these seemed to be well-made projectiles suitable for my handloading needs, and I was eager to put them through their paces. I was excited and ready to spend some time loading and shooting.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady FMJ Handgun Bullets .45 cal .451in 230 gr FMJRN to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local outdoor shooting range, under relatively ideal conditions: clear skies, mild temperature, and minimal wind. I loaded 100 rounds of .45 ACP using these Hornady 230 grain FMJRN bullets, over a consistent charge of Hodgdon’s Universal powder. I was using my trusty Colt 1911 Gold Cup and a Springfield Armory TRP as test platforms.

Right off the bat, I noticed the consistent feeding and cycling in both pistols. The round nose profile lived up to its promise of smooth chambering. I experienced zero malfunctions related to bullet shape or seating depth. Accuracy at 25 yards was also encouraging, with consistent groupings of around 3-4 inches from a rest.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use and several thousand rounds loaded, the Hornady FMJ Handgun Bullets .45 cal .451in 230 gr FMJRN have proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve run them through multiple .45 ACP pistols, including 1911s, Glocks, and even a Hi-Point carbine with a .45 ACP conversion. Feeding has been consistently smooth.

I’ve observed no signs of excessive fouling or leading in my barrels, indicating a good jacket-to-core bond. The bullets have held up well to the rigors of repeated firing and reloading. Cleaning has been straightforward. Compared to some cheaper bullets that leave behind a lot of residue, these Hornady bullets burn cleaner. I was very pleased that these have continued to perform well.

Breaking Down the Features of Hornady FMJ Handgun Bullets .45 cal .451in 230 gr FMJRN

Specifications

• Caliber: .451 inch: This is the standard diameter for .45 ACP ammunition, ensuring proper fit and function in all firearms chambered for this cartridge. Using the correct diameter is critical for accuracy and safety.
• Weight: 230 grains: This is the most common bullet weight for .45 ACP, offering a good balance of recoil, penetration, and energy transfer. The 230-grain weight is ideal for replicating the original military load, making it suitable for both practice and self-defense.
• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): The FMJ design encases the lead core in a copper alloy jacket, which prevents deformation during feeding and improves penetration. This is especially important for reliable cycling in semi-automatic pistols.
• Bullet Profile: Round Nose (RN): The round nose profile facilitates smooth feeding in a wide variety of firearms, reducing the likelihood of jams. It’s a proven design for reliability.
• Quantity: 100, 500, 1000, and 6000 bullet options: Allows you to purchase based on your needs.
• Boat Tail Design: Hornady indicates this feature provides a flatter trajectory and better long range performance due to an increased ballistic coefficient.

Performance & Functionality

The Hornady FMJ Handgun Bullets .45 cal .451in 230 gr FMJRN perform their job admirably, providing reliable and consistent results for target shooting and general range practice. Accuracy is more than acceptable for typical handgun distances, with groupings that rival or exceed those achieved with other similar FMJ bullets. Functionally, they are exceptionally reliable in feeding and cycling.

While not match-grade competition bullets, they offer a level of consistency that cheaper, bulk-packaged options often lack. The one improvement I would suggest is offering these with a cannelure for a more secure crimp. These Hornady bullets meet and slightly exceed my expectations for a reliable and affordable target projectile.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is classic and functional, with the FMJ and round nose profile contributing to the reliability of feeding. The build quality is excellent, with consistent dimensions and a smooth jacket finish. The weight is as advertised and extremely uniform.

These are easy to handle during the reloading process, with no sharp edges or imperfections to cause discomfort. There is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The FMJ jacket provides excellent durability, preventing deformation and reducing lead fouling in the barrel. These bullets should last indefinitely when stored properly, and they hold up well during repeated reloading cycles. Maintenance is minimal, as they burn relatively clean and do not leave behind excessive residue.

Accessories and Customization Options

These bullets are primarily designed for reloading and do not require any specific accessories. They are compatible with standard .45 ACP reloading dies and equipment. While there are no specific customization options for the bullets themselves, reloaders can experiment with different powder charges, primers, and seating depths to fine-tune their loads for optimal performance in their specific firearms. The Hornady website has a lot of load data available to assist with this.

Pros and Cons of Hornady FMJ Handgun Bullets .45 cal .451in 230 gr FMJRN

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Who Should Buy Hornady FMJ Handgun Bullets .45 cal .451in 230 gr FMJRN?

These bullets are perfect for reloaders seeking a reliable and affordable projectile for target shooting, practice, and general range use. They are also well-suited for high-volume shooters who want consistent performance without breaking the bank. Anyone who reloads and owns a .45 ACP firearm will find these to be a good value.

Those seeking match-grade accuracy for competitive shooting or hunting should consider more specialized bullet designs. Anyone who doesn’t reload will obviously need to purchase factory-loaded ammunition instead. A good set of reloading dies are a must-have for using these.

Conclusion on Hornady FMJ Handgun Bullets .45 cal .451in 230 gr FMJRN

The Hornady FMJ Handgun Bullets .45 cal .451in 230 gr FMJRN are a solid choice for reloaders looking for reliable and consistent performance at a reasonable price. The value proposition is excellent, as they offer a level of quality that surpasses many cheaper alternatives without costing a fortune. I would absolutely recommend these to fellow reloaders who need a dependable projectile for high-volume shooting or general practice.

If you are a .45 ACP reloader who values quality and consistency, these bullets are well worth the investment. Buy a box today and experience the Hornady difference!