Sierra Bullets Outdoor Master 40 S&W, 180 Grain, Jacketed Hollow Point/JHP, Brass Cased, Centerfire Pistol Ammunition A8460-28 33% Off Review

Let’s Talk About Sierra Bullets Outdoor Master 40 S&W, 180 Grain, Jacketed Hollow Point/JHP, Brass Cased, Centerfire Pistol Ammunition A8460-28 33% Off

The Sierra Bullets Outdoor Master 40 S&W, 180 Grain, Jacketed Hollow Point/JHP, Brass Cased, Centerfire Pistol Ammunition A8460-28 33% Off promises consistent performance and reliable expansion for hunting and personal defense. Manufactured by Sierra Bullets, a company renowned for its precision projectiles, this ammunition aims to deliver controlled expansion and deep penetration, making it a strong contender in the crowded .40 S&W market. The Outdoor Master line focuses on offering a balance of accuracy and stopping power for various applications.

My need for a reliable .40 S&W round stemmed from wanting a dedicated load for hog hunting in dense brush where quick, humane kills are paramount. I needed something with consistent expansion, ensuring maximum energy transfer. I was looking for a round that could penetrate thick hide and bone while still delivering a devastating wound channel.

The ammunition comes in a standard cardboard box containing 20 rounds, each nestled in individual compartments. Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the clean brass casing and the well-formed jacketed hollow point. The rounds felt substantial and consistent in weight, suggesting good quality control.

I have used Federal HST and Speer Gold Dot extensively, both of which set a high bar for .40 S&W performance. I chose to try the Sierra Bullets Outdoor Master because of Sierra’s reputation for accuracy and the promise of a boat tail design aiding in consistent flight. The price point, especially with the 33% discount, made it an appealing option to test.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The ammunition looked well-made, and Sierra’s name carries weight, but performance on target is the ultimate test. I was eager to see if it would live up to the claims.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Sierra Bullets Outdoor Master 40 S&W, 180 Grain, Jacketed Hollow Point/JHP, Brass Cased, Centerfire Pistol Ammunition A8460-28 33% Off to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing was conducted at an outdoor shooting range with distances ranging from 7 to 25 yards. The conditions were sunny and dry, providing an ideal environment for evaluating accuracy and function. I fired the Sierra Bullets Outdoor Master rounds through my Glock 22, a platform I’m intimately familiar with, to ensure consistent results.

Recoil felt manageable, similar to other 180-grain loads I’ve used. Accuracy, however, was a notable issue. At 25 yards, I struggled to maintain groupings tighter than 6 inches, which was disappointing compared to the 3-inch groups I typically achieve with my preferred Remington Golden Saber or Federal HST loads.

There were no immediate malfunctions or feeding issues. However, the wider groupings raised concerns about consistency and precision for my intended hunting application.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of sporadic use and approximately 200 rounds fired, my assessment of the Sierra Bullets Outdoor Master ammunition remains mixed. While I haven’t experienced any failures to feed or eject, the accuracy continues to be a sticking point. Groups at 25 yards remain inconsistent, often opening up to 5-7 inches.

There are no noticeable signs of excessive wear and tear on the brass casings after firing. Cleaning my Glock 22 after using this ammunition was no different than with other brass-cased loads. I do notice a bit more fouling than when using cleaner burning ammunition.

Compared to my experiences with Federal HST and Speer Gold Dot, the Sierra Bullets Outdoor Master falls short in accuracy and consistent expansion. It hasn’t outperformed my previous choices, and in fact, has left me wanting more precision.

Breaking Down the Features of Sierra Bullets Outdoor Master 40 S&W, 180 Grain, Jacketed Hollow Point/JHP, Brass Cased, Centerfire Pistol Ammunition A8460-28 33% Off

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Sierra Bullets is a well-known manufacturer specializing in high-quality projectiles and ammunition components. Their reputation is built on precision and consistency.
• Caliber: .40 S&W is a popular choice for law enforcement and personal defense due to its balance of power and controllability. This is a very popular caliber, still used by some law enforcement agencies to this day.
• Number of Rounds: 20 rounds per box is a standard offering for defensive ammunition. This allows for some practice at the range, before being dedicated to personal defense/hunting.
• Bullet Type: Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) is designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and maximizing stopping power. This is important for humane kills when hunting.
• Bullet Weight: 180 grain is a common weight for .40 S&W, offering a good balance of penetration and energy transfer. It allows for great energy transfer, and good penetration in self defense situations.
• Cartridge Case Material: Brass offers good reloadability and consistent performance. It is a popular choice for many due to its cost and reliability.
• Muzzle Velocity: 985 ft/s is a moderate velocity for a 180-grain .40 S&W round. This affects the trajectory and the energy delivered to the target.
• Muzzle Energy: 388 ft-lbs is a respectable energy level, sufficient for personal defense and medium-sized game. This is a moderate energy level, that is more than adequate for its intended purpose.
• Application: Hunting is a primary intended use, emphasizing controlled expansion and penetration for ethical kills. This is especially important when dispatching wounded game.
• Package Type: Box provides convenient storage and transportation. Standard packaging for most ammunition, to protect during transit and storage.
• Primer Style: Centerfire ensures reliable ignition and consistent performance. Centerfire is the industry standard for nearly all modern ammunition.

These specifications collectively contribute to the ammunition’s intended role as a reliable hunting and self-defense round. However, the actual performance, particularly accuracy, must align with these design goals.

Performance & Functionality

The Sierra Bullets Outdoor Master ammunition generally functions reliably in terms of feeding and firing. I have not experienced any malfunctions in my Glock 22, and primers ignite consistently.

The main weakness is its accuracy. As previously mentioned, I struggle to achieve tight groupings at distances beyond 15 yards. While the advertised “flash suppressed powder” is noticeable (less muzzle flash), the practical benefit is minimal for most applications. It only has a small impact on practical use.

The ammunition partially meets expectations. While reliable and offering acceptable energy, the accuracy issues detract significantly from its overall value.

Design & Ergonomics

The brass casing and JHP bullet design are standard and functional. The ammunition is easy to load into magazines and handle during loading.

There are no ergonomic concerns associated with this ammunition. It is a very standard design, with no major modifications.

Durability & Maintenance

The brass casings appear durable and reloadable, although I have not personally reloaded them. Cleaning my firearm after using this ammunition is no different than with any other brass-cased load, meaning that there is no special cleaning process required.

I anticipate that the ammunition will last for many years if stored properly in a cool, dry environment. This also depends on how much you shoot, and what you intend to do with the remaining rounds.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ammunition itself doesn’t require any specific accessories. However, its performance can be enhanced by pairing it with a firearm that exhibits good accuracy with 180-grain .40 S&W loads.

There are no customization options for the ammunition itself beyond reloading, which is a separate process involving specialized equipment. This allows for the user to change/modify to their specific needs.

Pros and Cons of Sierra Bullets Outdoor Master 40 S&W, 180 Grain, Jacketed Hollow Point/JHP, Brass Cased, Centerfire Pistol Ammunition A8460-28 33% Off

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Who Should Buy Sierra Bullets Outdoor Master 40 S&W, 180 Grain, Jacketed Hollow Point/JHP, Brass Cased, Centerfire Pistol Ammunition A8460-28 33% Off?

The Sierra Bullets Outdoor Master ammunition might be suitable for individuals seeking a reliable, general-purpose .40 S&W load for practice or plinking. The reduced muzzle flash could be appealing for low-light shooting scenarios.

Those prioritizing pinpoint accuracy, such as competitive shooters or hunters requiring precise shot placement at longer ranges, should likely skip this product. Individuals who prioritize accuracy would be best suited to skip this product.

A quality .40 S&W firearm known for its inherent accuracy is a must-have to maximize the potential of this ammunition. Handgun users should test with a variety of ammunition to see what the best results are.

Conclusion on Sierra Bullets Outdoor Master 40 S&W, 180 Grain, Jacketed Hollow Point/JHP, Brass Cased, Centerfire Pistol Ammunition A8460-28 33% Off

The Sierra Bullets Outdoor Master 40 S&W, 180 Grain, Jacketed Hollow Point/JHP, Brass Cased, Centerfire Pistol Ammunition A8460-28 33% Off offers reliable performance and acceptable muzzle energy but falls short in accuracy compared to other premium options. While the 33% discount makes it a more budget-friendly choice, the inconsistent groupings might not justify the price for those demanding precision.

I would cautiously recommend it for general-purpose shooting, but not for applications where pinpoint accuracy is crucial. It is a decent value proposition, but not the best of its kind.

If you’re on a tight budget and prioritize reliability over absolute precision, give it a try. Otherwise, consider investing in proven performers like Federal HST or Speer Gold Dot.