Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 255 gr SWCBB Review

First Impressions of Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 255 gr SWCBB

As someone deeply immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality components, especially when it comes to reloading. Magnus Bullets, while not always the first name that springs to mind for many reloaders, promises a compelling combination of performance and value. The Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 255 gr SWCBB is designed for the .45 Colt cartridge, and what immediately caught my attention was the promise of a hard-cast bullet capable of handling relatively high velocities without excessive leading.

My interest in this particular bullet stems from a growing need for a reliable and accurate projectile for my lever-action .45 Colt rifle and my trusty single-action revolver. I needed a bullet that could perform well for both target shooting and potentially for hunting medium-sized game. The semi-wadcutter design is known for its clean hole punching on paper targets, and the beveled base should aid in easy loading.

Upon receiving the package, the first thing I noticed was the quantity: 400 bullets. That’s a substantial amount, suggesting Magnus is aiming at the high-volume shooter. The bullets themselves appeared cleanly cast, with a consistent shape and a good surface finish. They felt substantial in hand, a testament to the 255-grain weight.

Compared to other cast bullets I’ve used, like those from Missouri Bullet Company or perhaps some of the offerings from Hornady, the Magnus Bullets seemed to strike a good balance between hardness and malleability. I was looking for something harder than pure lead but not so hard as to cause excessive bore wear. My initial excitement was tempered by a healthy dose of skepticism; I’ve learned over the years that appearances can be deceiving, and the real test is always on the range.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 255 gr SWCBB to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 255 gr SWCBB was my local outdoor shooting range. I loaded up a batch of .45 Colt cartridges using a moderate charge of Hodgdon HS-6, aiming for a velocity of around 900 fps from my revolver and 1200 fps from my rifle. I wanted to see how they performed at both ends of the spectrum.

The conditions were mild, with a slight breeze and temperatures in the mid-60s. Loading the cartridges with the beveled base bullets was remarkably easy, a welcome change from some of the more finicky lead projectiles I’ve encountered. Accuracy was surprisingly good right off the bat. My initial five-shot groups from the revolver at 25 yards were clustering around 2.5 inches, and the rifle managed a respectable 2 inches at 50 yards.

One initial observation was the relatively minimal amount of leading in the revolver, even at the higher end of the velocity range. There were no immediate issues, but I knew that the real test would come with extended use and varying conditions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and hundreds of rounds fired, the Magnus Bullets have proven to be remarkably consistent and reliable. I’ve subjected them to a variety of conditions, from hot summer days to cooler, damper afternoons. The bullets have consistently performed well, exhibiting good accuracy and minimal leading across the board.

Durability has been excellent, with no signs of deformation or excessive wear, even after repeated firings in both my rifle and revolver. Cleaning has been straightforward; a good bore brush and solvent are all that’s needed to remove the small amount of lead residue.

Compared to some of the softer lead bullets I’ve used in the past, the Magnus Bullets definitely outperform in terms of leading and overall consistency. They’re not quite as accurate as some of the premium jacketed bullets, but they are significantly more affordable and perfectly adequate for most target shooting and plinking purposes. They exceeded my expectations in terms of value and performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 255 gr SWCBB

Specifications

The Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 255 gr SWCBB offers a straightforward set of specifications. It’s designed to deliver consistent performance.

• Caliber: .452 Caliber – The standard diameter for .45 Colt cartridges, ensuring compatibility with most firearms chambered in this caliber.
• Weight: 255 grains – A traditional weight for .45 Colt bullets, offering a good balance of recoil and energy.
• Bullet Type: Semi Wadcutter Bevel Base (SWCBB) – The semi-wadcutter design is known for clean hole punching and good accuracy. The beveled base aids in easy loading.
• Material: 91% lead, 4% tin, and 5% antimony – This alloy provides a good balance of hardness and malleability, reducing leading while still allowing for good expansion on impact.
• Quantity: 400 Bullets – A generous quantity for reloaders.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the bullet’s performance in terms of accuracy, recoil, and leading. The specific alloy used by Magnus is a key factor in its ability to perform at higher velocities without excessive fouling.

Performance & Functionality

The Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 255 gr SWCBB performs its job admirably. Accuracy is very good for a cast bullet, easily capable of producing sub-3-inch groups at 25 yards from a handgun and sub-2-inch groups at 50 yards from a rifle. Reliability is excellent; I’ve experienced no feeding or chambering issues.

The bullet’s strengths lie in its consistent casting, easy loading, and minimal leading. The relatively hard alloy allows for higher velocities without significant fouling. One minor weakness is that it might not expand as readily as softer lead bullets at lower velocities, making it potentially less effective for hunting at very long ranges. These bullets met my expectations in terms of accuracy and fouling.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Magnus Bullets is simple and functional. The semi-wadcutter shape is well-suited for target shooting, while the beveled base makes loading a breeze.

The bullets are cleanly cast with a consistent shape and weight. The weight is substantial, giving it a feeling of high quality. There is no learning curve involved; they are easy to load and use.

Durability & Maintenance

Given that these are cast lead bullets, durability isn’t a primary concern in the traditional sense. However, the hard-cast alloy ensures that they hold their shape well during loading and firing.

Maintenance is minimal; a thorough cleaning of the barrel after shooting is all that’s required to remove any lead residue. These bullets should last for years if stored properly.

Accessories and Customization Options

As bullets, the Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 255 gr SWCBB don’t come with accessories in the typical sense. However, they are compatible with a wide range of reloading dies, powders, and primers.

Reloaders can customize their loads to achieve different velocities and performance characteristics. The bullets also work well with aftermarket crimp dies for added bullet security.

Pros and Cons of Magnus Bullets .45 Colt .452in 255 gr SWCBB