Let’s Dive into Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Pistol Bullet
The Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Pistol Bullet represents a classic projectile design, perfect for reloaders seeking versatility and affordability. Speer, a trusted name in ammunition components, offers these bullets in a convenient 500-count bulk pack, making them ideal for high-volume shooting and practice. These bullets combine a proven semi-wadcutter profile with a hollow point cavity, theoretically enhancing both accuracy and expansion.
My journey to these bullets started with a common need: a reliable and cost-effective option for reloading .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. I was specifically looking for a bullet that could serve multiple purposes, from target practice to small game hunting and even self-defense. I needed something accurate and with good terminal performance, without breaking the bank.
My first impression upon unboxing was the classic simplicity of lead bullets. They had a clean, uniform appearance, and the lube coating seemed evenly applied. The bullets felt solid and well-formed.
Compared to coated lead bullets like those from Missouri Bullet Company or plated bullets from Berry’s Manufacturing, the Speer bullets offered a more traditional approach to lead projectile reloading. I chose these over coated options to see if the classic design could provide excellent performance without some of the fuss that can come with coated bullets. My first impression was favorable, and I was eager to load them and head to the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Pistol Bullet to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Pistol Bullet took place at an outdoor shooting range. I loaded them into .38 Special cases with a moderate charge of powder, aiming for a comfortable and accurate target load. The weather was mild, and conditions were ideal for shooting.
They were fairly easy to load with my progressive press and I didn’t experience any squib loads. During live firing I did notice that the bullets grouped relatively tightly at 25 yards, which was very promising for their intended use. The semi-wadcutter design made clean holes in the paper targets, making scoring straightforward.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Pistol Bullet, I’ve found them to be remarkably consistent. These bullets have proven reliable for practice sessions. Durability-wise, the lead construction is susceptible to deformation if not handled carefully during reloading.
Cleaning the barrel after shooting these bullets is a must, as lead fouling is inevitable. Compared to jacketed bullets, the Speer lead bullets require more frequent cleaning to maintain accuracy. They outperform many other lead bullets because of the antimony content and lube that helps to prevent leading.
Breaking Down the Features of Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Pistol Bullet
Specifications
The Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Pistol Bullet boasts a .358 caliber, making it suitable for .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. Each bullet weighs 158 grains, a common weight for these calibers, offering a good balance of velocity and energy. The sectional density is 0.175.
These bullets feature a hollow point design for potentially enhanced expansion upon impact. The core material is solid lead with an antimony hardening agent, which contributes to the bullet’s overall weight and stability. This bullet features a special antimony base.
Performance & Functionality
The Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Pistol Bullet performs admirably for its intended purpose. The accuracy is more than adequate for target practice and plinking, and the hollow point design offers the potential for expansion, making it suitable for small game hunting and self-defense. The strength is good accuracy for a lead bullet.
One notable weakness is the potential for lead fouling in the barrel, requiring regular cleaning. These bullets do meet expectations given their intended use and price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Pistol Bullet features a traditional lead semi-wadcutter hollow point design. The lead material makes them relatively soft and easy to load. The bullets are fairly ergonomic for reloading, though care must be taken to avoid deformation.
These bullets require some experience to master reloading with, as lead bullets are softer than jacketed bullets. Over-crimping and improperly sized bullets can quickly lead to issues.
Durability & Maintenance
As lead bullets, the Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Pistol Bullet are not designed for extreme durability in terms of handling before firing. Once fired, their lifespan is, of course, finite. Maintenance primarily involves thorough cleaning of the firearm barrel after use to remove lead fouling.
With proper storage and handling, these bullets should last indefinitely before being loaded. Consistent cleaning practices are essential to prevent accuracy degradation and potential damage to the firearm.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Pistol Bullet doesn’t come with accessories, as it’s a reloading component. Reloaders can customize their loads by varying powder charges and selecting different cases and primers. These bullets are compatible with any standard .38 Special or .357 Magnum reloading dies.
Die selection, powder choice, and crimp strength all greatly influence the performance of these bullets. Experimentation with different load recipes is recommended to achieve optimal results for a specific firearm.
Pros and Cons of Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Pistol Bullet
Pros
- Excellent accuracy for target practice and plinking.
- Hollow point design offers potential for expansion, suitable for hunting and self-defense.
- Affordable, making them a cost-effective option for high-volume shooters.
- Easy to load with standard reloading equipment.
- The special antimony base helps to prevent leading.
Cons
- Lead fouling requires regular barrel cleaning.
- Soft lead construction can deform if not handled carefully during reloading.
Who Should Buy Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Pistol Bullet?
The Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Pistol Bullet is perfect for reloaders seeking an affordable and versatile option for .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. It’s also well-suited to target shooters, small game hunters, and those looking for a self-defense load. Anyone who reloads and has some experience with lead bullets would also benefit from using this product.
Those seeking maximum convenience and minimal cleaning might want to consider jacketed bullets. Those newer to reloading should get some experience before using lead bullets. You must have the correct sizing dies to ensure they are not too small to prevent leading and gas cutting.
Conclusion on Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Pistol Bullet
The Speer Lead Handgun Bullet .358 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Pistol Bullet offers a compelling value proposition for reloaders seeking a versatile and affordable projectile. The accuracy is sufficient for most applications, and the hollow point design adds potential for expansion. The price is justified for high-volume shooters and reloaders on a budget.
I would personally recommend these bullets to anyone looking for a cost-effective and reliable option for reloading .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. If you’re looking for a proven design that balances performance and affordability, give these Speer bullets a try.