Let’s Talk About Hornady Frontier Lead Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Lead Round Nose
The Hornady Frontier Lead Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Lead Round Nose offer a classic design for .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers. These swaged lead bullets are designed for consistent performance and accuracy, appealing to both casual shooters and those participating in cowboy action shooting.
My search for these bullets stemmed from a desire to reload ammunition for my vintage Smith & Wesson Model 10. I wanted a reliable and affordable option for target practice, mimicking the classic lead round nose rounds of yesteryear.
Upon opening the box, I was immediately impressed with the uniformity of the bullets. They appeared clean and well-lubricated, exhibiting a consistent shape and size. The Hornady name instilled confidence.
Compared to some cast lead bullets I’ve used from other manufacturers, these appeared to be of higher quality with a more consistent finish. I considered using plated bullets for cleaner shooting, but the Hornady Frontier Lead Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Lead Round Nose offered a more authentic and cost-effective option for my intended purpose.
My first impression was definitely excitement. I was eager to load these rounds and test their accuracy and performance in my revolver, hoping they would live up to Hornady’s reputation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hornady Frontier Lead Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Lead Round Nose to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested these bullets at my local outdoor shooting range, using my Smith & Wesson Model 10 and a Ruger GP100. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal conditions for shooting.
The bullets loaded easily into the cartridge cases during the reloading process. They seated well and crimped without any issues. The rounds chambered smoothly in both revolvers.
Using a moderate load of Hodgdon Universal powder, I experienced consistent recoil and accurate shot placement at 25 yards. There were no signs of excessive leading in the barrel.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, I’ve reloaded and fired hundreds of these bullets. They have proven to be remarkably consistent.
The bullets have exhibited minimal leading, even after extended shooting sessions. Cleaning my revolvers after using these bullets is relatively easy. A good bore brush and solvent effectively remove any residue.
Compared to some cheaper cast lead bullets I’ve used in the past, the Hornady Frontier Lead Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Lead Round Nose offer superior accuracy and consistency. I feel confident using them in my revolvers for target practice and recreational shooting.
Breaking Down the Features of Hornady Frontier Lead Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Lead Round Nose
Specifications
The Hornady Frontier Lead Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Lead Round Nose are designed for use in .38 Special and .357 Magnum firearms. These bullets have a .357-inch diameter.
The 158-grain weight is a classic choice for these calibers, providing a good balance of recoil and accuracy. The Lead Round Nose (LRN) bullet type is a traditional design that feeds reliably and is easy to load.
These bullets have a sectional density of 0.176. This measurement contributes to the bullet’s penetration capabilities. Each box contains 300 bullets.
The bullets are manufactured by Hornady, a well-respected name in the ammunition and reloading industry. They are swaged rather than cast. This ensures uniformity. They are also pre-lubricated with a wax coating. This helps reduce leading in the barrel.
Performance & Functionality
These bullets perform admirably in both .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers. Their accuracy is excellent, especially at typical handgun ranges.
The lead round nose design ensures smooth feeding in revolvers. They don’t typically experience any issues with loading or extraction.
A minor drawback is the potential for leading in the barrel, which is inherent to lead bullets. However, with proper lubrication and cleaning, this can be minimized. Overall, they meet and exceed my expectations for a lead round nose bullet intended for target practice and recreational shooting.
Design & Ergonomics
The bullets’ design is simple and classic. The Lead Round Nose shape is a proven design.
The swaged lead construction ensures consistent weight and dimensions, leading to better accuracy. They are comfortable to handle during the reloading process.
Durability & Maintenance
The bullets themselves don’t experience wear and tear in the traditional sense. Their durability is more about how well they hold up during firing and how much leading they leave behind.
With proper care and cleaning of the firearm after use, these bullets should last for a long time. Regular cleaning helps prevent any long-term damage from lead residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
These are bullets intended for reloading, so there are no accessories that come directly with the product. However, they can be paired with various cartridge cases, primers, and powders to create custom handloads.
They are compatible with any standard .38 Special or .357 Magnum reloading dies. There are no specific customization options for the bullets themselves. But, the handloader has complete control over the final cartridge configuration.
Pros and Cons of Hornady Frontier Lead Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Lead Round Nose
Pros
- Consistent weight and dimensions ensure excellent accuracy.
- Swaged lead construction minimizes leading compared to some cast bullets.
- Pre-lubricated with wax coating for smooth bore passage.
- Reliable feeding in .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers.
- Affordable option for target practice and recreational shooting.
Cons
- Potential for leading in the barrel, requiring regular cleaning.
- Not suitable for high-velocity loads due to the lead construction.
Who Should Buy Hornady Frontier Lead Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Lead Round Nose?
These bullets are perfect for reloaders seeking an accurate and affordable option for target practice and recreational shooting with .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers. They are also well-suited for cowboy action shooting.
Those seeking maximum velocity or using ported barrels might want to consider plated or jacketed bullets to minimize leading. Also, those who are new to reloading might want to start with jacketed bullets before venturing into lead bullets.
A good reloading manual, quality reloading dies, and proper safety equipment are must-have accessories for using these bullets. A lead removal cloth or cleaning solvent is also recommended for easy cleanup.
Conclusion on Hornady Frontier Lead Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Lead Round Nose
The Hornady Frontier Lead Pistol Bullets, 38 Caliber, .357, 158 Grain, Lead Round Nose are an excellent choice for reloaders seeking a reliable and accurate lead bullet. Their consistent performance, smooth feeding, and affordable price make them a great value.
The price is certainly justified for the quality and consistency you receive. Hornady provides excellent bullets for handloading.
I would definitely recommend these bullets to anyone looking for a traditional lead round nose option for their .38 Special or .357 Magnum revolver. If you are a reloader seeking consistent and accurate lead bullets, give these a try – you won’t be disappointed!