Let’s Dive into Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet
The Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet is a classic choice for reloaders seeking reliable performance in large-bore rifles. Made by Speer, a trusted name in ammunition components, this bullet is designed for the .458 caliber, a favorite for cartridges like the .45-70 Government, and promises controlled expansion and deep penetration. It’s a bullet with a reputation, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype after a decade of using various projectiles in my own .45-70.
I was searching for a bullet that could reliably take down large game at moderate ranges without excessive meat damage; a delicate balance to achieve. I needed something accurate, consistent, and capable of ethical kills on deer, hogs, and potentially black bear if the situation arose. After countless hours of research and reading online forums, the Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet kept appearing as a top contender, praised for its accuracy and terminal performance.
My first impression upon unboxing the Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet was one of solid quality. The bullets were uniformly shaped, with a clean, consistent soft point and a well-formed copper jacket. The weight felt substantial, hinting at the power these projectiles could deliver.
I considered other bullets like the Hornady InterLock RN and the Barnes TSX, but ultimately chose the Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet for its balance of price, performance, and proven track record. The InterLock’s round nose didn’t inspire the same confidence for close-range brush hunting, and the Barnes TSX, while offering excellent penetration, can sometimes be too hard for reliable expansion on smaller game. The Speer seemed to offer the best of both worlds.
My initial reaction was excitement mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. I had heard good things, but reloading is a personal journey, and every rifle has its preferences. I was eager to see if the Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet would perform as well in my rifle as it did for others.
Real-World Testing: Putting Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet at my local shooting range, using my Marlin 1895 Guide Gun chambered in .45-70 Government. I worked up a load using Hodgdon H4198 powder, a common choice for this cartridge, and carefully measured each charge for consistency. The range offered both 50 and 100-yard targets, allowing me to assess accuracy at typical hunting distances.
The weather was slightly overcast with a light breeze, providing fairly consistent shooting conditions. I paid careful attention to my technique, ensuring a solid rest and consistent trigger pull.
The Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet proved remarkably easy to load and produced consistent velocities. My first three-shot group at 100 yards measured just under 1.5 inches, a testament to both the bullet’s accuracy and the consistency of my handloads. There were no malfunctions or issues encountered during the initial testing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including numerous range sessions and a hog hunt, the Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet has consistently delivered impressive performance. There have been no signs of degradation in accuracy or reliability.
The bullets themselves show no signs of excessive wear or deformation during the reloading process. Cleaning my rifle after shooting these bullets has been straightforward, with minimal copper fouling.
Compared to my previous experiences with other .458 caliber bullets, the Speer consistently outperforms them in terms of accuracy and terminal performance on game. Its controlled expansion ensures ethical kills without excessive meat damage.
Breaking Down the Features of Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet
Specifications
- Bullet Type: Soft Point Flat Nose (SPFN). The flat nose increases the bullet’s impact and energy transfer on the target.
- Bullet Weight: 400 grain. This is a popular weight for the .45-70, offering a good balance of velocity and penetration.
- Projectile Caliber: .458 Caliber. Designed specifically for rifles chambered in .458 caliber, like the .45-70 Government.
- Sectional Density: 0.272. This indicates the bullet’s ability to penetrate, with a higher number generally indicating better penetration.
- Bullet Quantity: 50 Bullet. Each box contains 50 bullets, a standard quantity for reloading components.
- Bullet Tip Material: Lead. The exposed lead tip allows for rapid expansion upon impact.
- Fabric/Material: Copper. The copper jacket provides structural integrity and prevents leading of the barrel.
These specifications contribute significantly to the Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet’s performance. The soft point design, coupled with the 400-grain weight and appropriate sectional density, ensures adequate penetration and expansion for effectively taking down medium to large game. The copper jacket aids in maintaining bullet integrity and prevents excessive fouling in the rifle barrel.
Performance & Functionality
The Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet excels in its primary role: delivering accurate, controlled expansion and deep penetration on game. Its consistent performance makes it a reliable choice for hunters and reloaders alike.
Its strengths include its consistent accuracy, reliable expansion, and deep penetration. A minor weakness could be its lack of a bonded core, which might limit penetration on extremely large or dangerous game in worst-case scenarios.
Overall, the Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet meets and exceeds expectations for its intended purpose. It provides a consistent and effective solution for reloading .458 caliber cartridges.
Design & Ergonomics
The Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet boasts a simple, yet effective design. The materials used are of high quality, and the bullet’s weight is well-suited for its intended purpose.
The design incorporates a soft lead tip encased in a copper jacket, which offers a balance of expansion and penetration. The bullets load smoothly into cartridge cases and exhibit uniformity throughout the box.
Durability & Maintenance
The Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet is inherently durable, thanks to its copper jacket and solid construction. With proper storage, these bullets should last indefinitely.
The copper jacket minimizes lead fouling in the barrel, making cleaning relatively easy. Regular cleaning of the rifle after shooting these bullets will help maintain optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet does not come with any accessories, as it is a reloading component. However, it is compatible with a wide range of reloading equipment and components, allowing for customization of the cartridge’s performance.
Reloaders can experiment with different powders, primers, and case types to fine-tune the cartridge’s velocity and accuracy. There are no specific accessories or modifications required to use these bullets effectively.
Pros and Cons of Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet
Pros
- Consistent accuracy for reliable shot placement.
- Reliable expansion for effective energy transfer.
- Deep penetration for ethical kills on medium to large game.
- Copper jacket minimizes lead fouling in the barrel.
- A trusted and proven design for .458 caliber cartridges.
Cons
- Non-bonded core may limit penetration on extremely large game.
- Availability can sometimes be spotty.
Who Should Buy Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet?
The Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet is perfect for hunters who reload their own ammunition and seek a reliable, accurate, and effective bullet for medium to large game. It’s ideal for those who primarily hunt deer, hogs, and similar-sized animals at moderate ranges.
This product may not be the best choice for those who frequently hunt extremely large or dangerous game, such as grizzly bears. For such applications, a bonded-core or solid-copper bullet might be a better option.
A reliable reloading press, powder scale, and case trimmer are must-have accessories for reloaders using the Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet.
Conclusion on Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet
Overall, the Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet is an excellent choice for reloaders seeking a consistent and effective projectile for their .458 caliber rifles. Its accuracy, reliable expansion, and deep penetration make it a worthy investment for hunters.
The price of $43.99 for a box of 50 bullets is justified, considering the quality and performance of this product. It offers a great balance of affordability and effectiveness.
I would personally recommend the Speer .458 400 Grain Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet to any reloader looking for a proven performer in their .45-70 or other .458 caliber rifle. Load them up, head to the range, and experience the satisfaction of a well-placed shot.