Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC Review

First Impressions of Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC

Handloading is a passion, a pursuit of precision, and a constant quest for the perfect load. And at the heart of every great cartridge is a quality bullet. I’ve spent years tweaking recipes for my .45 ACP, always searching for that magical combination of accuracy, consistent performance, and clean burning.

My quest for reliable and affordable bullets that won’t break the bank led me to the Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC. I needed a bullet that offered good accuracy for target practice, yet still performed reliably in my 1911 pistols without excessive leading. These bullets caught my eye due to Magnus‘s reputation for quality cast bullets at a reasonable price.

The Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets arrived in a sturdy cardboard box, containing 500 bullets neatly arranged. My initial impression was positive, with the bullets appearing uniform in shape and size, coated in what looks to be a dry lubricant of some kind. The lead alloy looked consistent, and the semi-wadcutter design was exactly what I needed for reliable feeding in my 1911s.

Compared to other lead bullets I’ve used, like those from Missouri Bullet Company, the Magnus offering seemed slightly harder, while others had the tendency to be soft. I was also considering Berry’s plated bullets, but I wanted the classic feel and performance of lead without the higher cost of jacketed rounds. Ultimately, the price point and design of the Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets won me over.

I was cautiously optimistic, hoping they would live up to their promise of minimal leading and consistent accuracy. These Magnus bullets seemed promising and are a great value for what you get. If these perform as expected, they’ll become a staple in my reloading bench.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets was at my local outdoor range, under fairly typical conditions – sunny, with a slight breeze. I loaded up a batch using a moderate charge of Hodgdon Titegroup, a powder I’ve had good luck with in the past. My goal was to evaluate accuracy at 25 yards and assess the amount of leading in my 1911’s barrel.

The first few magazines were surprisingly smooth. The Magnus bullets fed flawlessly, even in my notoriously finicky Colt Government model. Recoil felt manageable, and the accuracy was immediately apparent.

After about 50 rounds, I noticed a slight buildup of lead in the barrel, but nothing excessive. This minor leading was easily removed with a quick cleaning. All-in-all it was a good first run with these bullets.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, putting roughly 1000 rounds of the Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets through my 1911s, I can confidently say they hold up well. They show very little signs of causing major leading issues in my pistols, that being said, I still give the barrels a good scrub after each use. The bullets remain consistent and the accuracy remains good.

The Magnus bullets have proven to be quite durable. They haven’t deformed during the reloading process, which is a common issue with softer lead bullets. The dry lubricant seems to be doing its job.

Cleaning is straightforward. A bore brush and some solvent are all it takes to remove the minimal lead fouling. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper lead bullets, the Magnus offering requires far less cleaning, saving me both time and effort. The Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets definitely outperform my expectations for a budget-friendly option.

Breaking Down the Features of Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC

Specifications

The Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC are specifically designed for handloaders seeking a reliable and accurate projectile for their .45 ACP pistols. Magnus manufactures these bullets using a lead alloy consisting of 91% lead, 4% tin, and 5% antimony. The bullet type is Semi Wadcutter Bevel Base (SWCBB), and the projectile caliber is .452 Caliber, with a bullet quantity of 500 per box.

This alloy composition strikes a balance between hardness and malleability. It ensures the bullet doesn’t shatter on steel targets, yet is soft enough to expand upon impact in soft tissue. The 200-grain weight is a popular choice for .45 ACP, offering a good balance of recoil and ballistic performance. The .452-inch diameter is standard for .45 ACP, ensuring proper fit and function in most firearms chambered for this cartridge.

Performance & Functionality

The Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC perform admirably in their intended role. Accuracy is very good, providing consistent groupings at 25 yards when paired with a suitable powder charge and firearm. Reliability is excellent, with the semi-wadcutter design promoting smooth feeding in a wide range of 1911 pistols.

The primary strength of these bullets is their consistency and affordability. They offer a great value for target shooting and practice, without sacrificing accuracy or reliability. The main weakness is the potential for leading, which is inherent to all lead bullets, but this is easily mitigated with proper cleaning. Overall, these bullets meet and exceed my expectations for a swaged lead projectile.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid. The bullets are consistently sized and shaped. The lead alloy appears uniform throughout, and the dry lubricant is evenly applied. The 200 grain SWC profile makes loading easy and seating depth is easy to maintain when reloading.

The Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets have a proven design that is easy to handle and reload. There’s no real learning curve involved. Any experienced handloader will be immediately familiar with their use.

Durability & Maintenance

Assuming proper loading practices, these bullets will last indefinitely prior to loading. Once loaded, the lifespan is limited only by the shelf life of the powder and primer. I have a strong belief that these bullets will perform reliably even after years of storage.

Maintenance primarily involves cleaning the firearm after use to remove any lead fouling. Regular cleaning will prevent excessive buildup and maintain optimal accuracy. No special tools or procedures are required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC are compatible with standard .45 ACP reloading dies and equipment. No special accessories are required. Handloaders can experiment with different powder charges and seating depths to fine-tune their loads for optimal performance in their specific firearms.

These bullets can be paired with a wide range of aftermarket grips, sights, and other accessories commonly used with 1911 pistols. The bullets themselves do not require any specific modifications, making them a versatile choice for various shooting applications.

Pros and Cons of Magnus Swaged Lead Bullets .45 cal .452in 200 gr SWC