First Impressions of HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter .45 Colt 300 Grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition HSM-45C-9-N $4.10 Off
The HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter .45 Colt 300 Grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) promises a potent blend of power and accuracy for handgun hunters. Marketed by HSM Ammunition as a reliable choice for taking down medium-sized game with a pistol, it begs the question: does it deliver on its promise? This review dives deep into my hands-on experience with this ammunition.
I was facing a specific problem: finding a reliable and accurate load for my .45 Colt revolver that could handle whitetail deer at close range. I needed something with enough stopping power to ensure a clean, ethical kill. Many factory loads for the .45 Colt are designed for cowboy action shooting, lacking the necessary punch for hunting.
Upon receiving the HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter, the first thing that struck me was the heft of the box. The cartridges themselves looked robust, with the Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) bullets presenting a promising profile for expansion. The brass casing appeared clean and well-made, suggesting a focus on quality control. Compared to lighter, cowboy-style loads I’ve used, these felt substantially more serious.
I considered other hunting-specific .45 Colt loads from companies like Buffalo Bore and Cor-Bon, but the HSM Ammunition offering seemed to strike a good balance between power and price. The promise of consistent expansion and good weight retention, thanks to the Sierra Power Jacket, swayed my decision. Initially, I was excited to see how this ammunition performed in my Ruger Blackhawk.
Real-World Testing: Putting HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter .45 Colt 300 Grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition HSM-45C-9-N $4.10 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter was at my local outdoor shooting range. I set up targets at 25 and 50 yards to assess accuracy and observe bullet performance. The day was mild with a slight breeze, providing decent conditions for shooting.
Recoil was definitely noticeable, significantly more so than standard pressure .45 Colt loads. However, it was manageable and didn’t hinder my ability to maintain accuracy. The rounds fed smoothly into the cylinder of my revolver, and ignition was consistent with no noticeable hang-fires or misfires. After the first cylinder, I was feeling confident about using them during a hunt.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of range testing and practice, I felt confident enough to take the HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter on a deer hunt. I carried my Ruger Blackhawk, loaded with these rounds, as a backup while bow hunting. While I didn’t get the opportunity to take a deer with the revolver, I continued to practice with the ammunition.
Over time, I noticed no significant degradation in performance. The ammunition remained reliable, and the brass casings showed no signs of corrosion or damage. Cleaning was straightforward; standard solvents removed powder residue easily. Compared to some cheaper ammunition I’ve used, the HSM Ammunition consistently delivered a cleaner burn, reducing fouling in my revolver.
Breaking Down the Features of HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter .45 Colt 300 Grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition HSM-45C-9-N $4.10 Off
Specifications
The HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter .45 Colt 300 Grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) boasts several key specifications tailored for hunting applications. It features a .45 Colt caliber, making it suitable for revolvers chambered in this classic cartridge. The 300-grain bullet weight is substantial, providing ample energy transfer on impact.
The Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) bullet type is designed for controlled expansion upon hitting the target, maximizing stopping power. The cartridge case is made of brass, a reliable and reloadable material. Its designed application is Hunting, and it comes in a box containing 50 rounds.
The ammunition uses a centerfire primer style, ensuring consistent ignition. It is not lead-free, retaining the traditional lead core for optimal performance. The brass casing has a brass color. These specifications combine to create a potent hunting load designed for ethical and effective game harvesting.
Performance & Functionality
The HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter .45 Colt 300 Grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) performs admirably in its intended role. Accuracy is excellent, consistently producing tight groupings at reasonable handgun hunting distances. The ammunition is reliable, with consistent ignition and smooth feeding in my revolver.
One of its strengths is the significant stopping power, achieved through the heavy bullet and controlled expansion. The recoil is substantial but manageable, allowing for accurate follow-up shots. One potential weakness is the relatively high cost per round, which could limit high-volume practice. Overall, it meets expectations for a hunting-specific handgun load.
Design & Ergonomics
The HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter focuses on functionality over aesthetics. The brass casing and JSP bullet are practical and purpose-driven. The ammunition’s weight contributes to the recoil but also enhances its ballistic performance. There is no learning curve associated with using this ammunition; it functions like any other centerfire cartridge.
Durability & Maintenance
The brass casings are durable and can be reloaded, extending the value of the ammunition for experienced handloaders. The ammunition itself, when stored properly, has a long shelf life. Maintaining the firearm used with this ammunition is standard practice, requiring regular cleaning to remove powder residue. With proper care, this ammunition will perform reliably for years to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter .45 Colt 300 Grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) doesn’t inherently require any specific accessories. However, pairing it with a quality holster and speed loaders can enhance the hunting experience. Reloading dies for the .45 Colt caliber are essential for those who wish to reload the spent brass. The ammunition is compatible with any .45 Colt revolver in good working condition.
Pros and Cons of HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter .45 Colt 300 Grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition HSM-45C-9-N $4.10 Off
Pros
- Excellent stopping power: The 300-grain bullet delivers significant energy transfer, ideal for ethical hunting.
- Consistent accuracy: Achieves tight groupings at reasonable handgun hunting distances.
- Reliable ignition: Centerfire primers ensure consistent and dependable performance.
- Reloadable brass casings: Offers added value for handloaders.
- Purpose-built for hunting: Designed specifically for taking down medium-sized game.
Cons
- Higher cost per round compared to standard .45 Colt ammunition.
- Substantial recoil, which may be uncomfortable for some shooters.
Who Should Buy HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter .45 Colt 300 Grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition HSM-45C-9-N $4.10 Off?
The HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter .45 Colt 300 Grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) is perfect for handgun hunters seeking a reliable and powerful load for taking down medium-sized game. It’s also a good choice for experienced shooters who appreciate the .45 Colt cartridge and want a load optimized for hunting performance. Those who reload their own ammunition will appreciate the reloadable brass casings.
This ammunition might not be ideal for novice shooters or those sensitive to recoil. It’s also not the best choice for high-volume target practice due to the higher cost per round. A must-have accessory is a quality holster designed for carrying a .45 Colt revolver in the field.
Conclusion on HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter .45 Colt 300 Grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition HSM-45C-9-N $4.10 Off
The HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter .45 Colt 300 Grain Jacketed Soft Point (JSP) delivers on its promise of providing a potent and accurate load for handgun hunting. The stopping power and consistent performance make it a reliable choice for ethical game harvesting. While the cost per round is higher than standard ammunition, the performance justifies the price for serious handgun hunters.
I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a dedicated .45 Colt hunting load. If you’re ready to step up your handgun hunting game, give the HSM Ammunition Pro Hunter a try – you won’t be disappointed!