First Impressions of HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .38-40 Cal, 180 grain, Lead Round Nose Flat Point
The allure of loading your own ammunition is a powerful one for any serious shooter. It offers unparalleled control over accuracy, power, and overall performance. The HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .38-40 Cal, 180 grain, Lead Round Nose Flat Point promises to deliver that control in a classic caliber, bridging the gap between cowboy action shooting and practical pistol applications.
I’ve been reloading for over a decade, primarily focusing on bottleneck rifle cartridges. My interest in the HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .38-40 Cal, 180 grain, Lead Round Nose Flat Point stemmed from a desire to find a consistent and reliable projectile for my antique Winchester 1873 chambered in .38-40. I was looking for something that would feed smoothly, provide decent accuracy at moderate ranges, and not lead the barrel excessively.
Upon receiving the box of 250 bullets, I was immediately struck by the uniformity of the projectiles. They were cleanly cast, with minimal flash and a consistent weight. The Lead Round Nose Flat Point (LRNFP) design looked promising for reliable feeding in my lever action.
I considered other options, including casting my own bullets from lead ingots, but time constraints and the desire for consistent results led me to choose the HSM Ammunition offering. Compared to other commercially available .38-40 bullets, the price point was competitive, and the reviews I found online suggested good quality control. My first impression was one of cautious optimism. These looked like they had potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .38-40 Cal, 180 grain, Lead Round Nose Flat Point to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor shooting range on a mild autumn afternoon. I loaded up 50 rounds using a moderate charge of Hodgdon Universal Clays powder, aiming for a velocity of around 1100 fps. The cases were once-fired Starline brass, and I used standard large pistol primers.
The first few rounds cycled through my Winchester 1873 flawlessly. There were no feeding issues whatsoever. The recoil was manageable, and the report was satisfying. The .38-40, when loaded appropriately, is a surprisingly pleasant cartridge to shoot.
After the first 50 rounds, I noticed a small amount of lead fouling in the barrel, but nothing excessive. This is typical for lead bullets, and I anticipated needing to clean the bore after a few hundred rounds. Overall, I was pleased with the initial performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next few months, I fired approximately 500 rounds of ammunition loaded with the HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .38-40 Cal, 180 grain, Lead Round Nose Flat Point. I varied the powder charge slightly, experimenting with different loads to find the optimal balance of accuracy and cleanliness. I also tested them in a Ruger Blackhawk chambered in .38-40.
The bullets continued to feed reliably in both firearms. I did not experience any jams or malfunctions related to the projectiles. The LRNFP design proved to be very forgiving in terms of feeding.
After each range session, I thoroughly cleaned my firearms. I found that the lead fouling was manageable and relatively easy to remove with a good bore solvent and copper brush. There was no sign of excessive wear or damage to the barrels. I would consider the durability good.
Breaking Down the Features of HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .38-40 Cal, 180 grain, Lead Round Nose Flat Point
Specifications
The HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .38-40 Cal, 180 grain, Lead Round Nose Flat Point boast the following specifications:
- Caliber: .38-40 (.400 inch)
- Bullet Weight: 180 grain
- Bullet Type: Lead Round Nose Flat Point (LRNFP)
- Quantity: 250 bullets per box
These specifications are important for several reasons. The .38-40 caliber is a classic cartridge with a rich history, particularly in lever-action rifles and revolvers. The 180-grain weight is a good compromise between velocity and sectional density, providing adequate penetration for target shooting and small game hunting.
The Lead Round Nose Flat Point (LRNFP) design is crucial for reliable feeding in lever-action rifles. The round nose helps guide the bullet into the chamber, while the flat point provides a larger surface area for the hammer to strike, improving ignition reliability. These bullets from HSM Ammunition are designed to function optimally in firearms chambered for this round.
Performance & Functionality
The HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .38-40 Cal, 180 grain, Lead Round Nose Flat Point performed admirably in my testing. The bullets consistently produced accurate groups at 50 yards, with most groups measuring between 2 and 3 inches. The accuracy was more than sufficient for my intended purposes: casual target shooting and plinking.
The main strength of these bullets is their reliability. They fed flawlessly in both my Winchester 1873 and my Ruger Blackhawk. A weakness is the need for regular cleaning due to the lead. These bullets met my expectations for reliable and reasonably accurate plinking rounds.
Design & Ergonomics
The LRNFP design of the HSM Ammunition bullets is simple and effective. The bullets are cleanly cast with minimal imperfections. The weight is consistent, and the overall shape is conducive to reliable feeding.
The soft lead construction allows the bullet to obturate (expand) upon firing, creating a good seal in the bore. This helps to prevent gas blow-by and improve accuracy. This design makes them easy to load with standard reloading equipment, so there is essentially no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
As lead bullets, the HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .38-40 Cal, 180 grain, Lead Round Nose Flat Point themselves don’t really wear out until they’re fired. The lifespan of your firearm depends on proper cleaning, but the soft lead can cause wear if not addressed. The bullets themselves are very cost effective so longevity of the individual projectile is not a concern.
Maintaining a clean bore is essential when shooting lead bullets. Regular cleaning with a good bore solvent and copper brush will help to prevent excessive lead fouling and maintain accuracy. Overall, with proper care, they will likely last for years.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .38-40 Cal, 180 grain, Lead Round Nose Flat Point do not come with any accessories. However, they can be used in conjunction with a variety of reloading components, such as different powders, primers, and cases.
There are no specific customization options for these bullets, beyond adjusting the powder charge to achieve desired velocity and accuracy. They are compatible with standard .400 inch bullet sizing dies and reloading presses.
Pros and Cons of HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .38-40 Cal, 180 grain, Lead Round Nose Flat Point
Pros
- Reliable feeding in lever-action rifles and revolvers.
- Good accuracy for casual target shooting and plinking.
- Cost-effective compared to jacketed bullets.
- Easy to load with standard reloading equipment.
- Consistent weight and shape.
Cons
- Requires regular cleaning to prevent lead fouling.
- Not suitable for high-velocity loads.
Who Should Buy HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .38-40 Cal, 180 grain, Lead Round Nose Flat Point?
The HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .38-40 Cal, 180 grain, Lead Round Nose Flat Point are perfect for:
- Reloaders seeking a reliable and accurate bullet for their .38-40 firearms.
- Cowboy action shooters who need a consistent projectile for their lever-action rifles and revolvers.
- Plinkers and target shooters who enjoy shooting classic cartridges.
Those who prefer jacketed bullets or who are looking for maximum velocity and penetration should skip this product.
A must-have accessory is a good-quality bore solvent and copper brush for cleaning lead fouling. A bullet sizing die may also be necessary to ensure proper bullet diameter for your specific firearm.
Conclusion on HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .38-40 Cal, 180 grain, Lead Round Nose Flat Point
The HSM Ammunition Pistol Bullets, .38-40 Cal, 180 grain, Lead Round Nose Flat Point are a solid choice for reloaders seeking a reliable and accurate bullet for their .38-40 firearms. They offer good performance at a reasonable price. While the lead can be a pain, cleaning is part of the reloading process.
The price is justified by the consistent quality and reliable performance. Given my positive experiences, I would definitely recommend these bullets to anyone looking to load their own .38-40 ammunition, particularly for lever action rifles. Get yourself a box and load up some fun!