First Impressions of Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .404 cal .423 400 gr
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .404 cal .423 400 gr are designed for serious hunters tackling dangerous game. These bullets promise controlled expansion and deep penetration, a critical combination when facing thick-skinned animals. Their reputation for reliability and weight retention made them a must-try for my upcoming safari.
My search for the “perfect” bullet for my .404 Jeffery rifle has been a long one. I needed something that could reliably take down a Cape Buffalo, offering both stopping power and the ability to penetrate thick hide and bone. The Swift A-Frame bullets stood out due to their bonded core and heavy construction.
Upon receiving the box of Swift A-Frame bullets, my initial impression was one of solid construction and quality. The bullets had a consistent shape and weight, reflecting Swift Bullet Company’s commitment to precision. The semi-Spitzer design looked aggressive, hinting at the potential for devastating terminal performance.
Compared to other premium hunting bullets like Barnes TSX or Nosler Partition, the Swift A-Frame has a distinct advantage in its bonded core design. While the Barnes TSX is a solid copper bullet known for penetration, the A-Frame’s bonded core promises controlled expansion while maintaining weight. The Nosler Partition is a classic, but I wanted something with a bit more controlled expansion in this caliber for dangerous game.
My initial excitement was high. These bullets looked like they could deliver on their promise of controlled expansion and deep penetration. I was eager to get them to the range and eventually test them on a hunt.
Real-World Testing: Putting Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .404 cal .423 400 gr to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .404 cal .423 400 gr at my local shooting range. The range offers 100-yard and 200-yard targets, perfect for initial load development and accuracy testing. It was a relatively dry day, with temperatures in the mid-60s.
The bullets loaded smoothly into my .404 Jeffery, and I began working up a load with Hodgdon H4350 powder. I was immediately impressed by the consistent velocities I was getting over the chronograph. After settling on an optimal load, I started shooting for groups.
My first three-shot group at 100 yards measured just under an inch. I was genuinely surprised by the accuracy of these heavy bullets. There were no immediate issues or surprises, just consistent and reliable performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of testing different loads and shooting at various distances, the Swift A-Frame bullets continued to impress me. The bullets exhibited consistent accuracy and reliable feeding. I experienced no malfunctions related to the bullets themselves.
I noticed minimal signs of wear and tear on the bullets during the loading process. Their robust construction ensured that they held up well to repeated handling. Cleaning my rifle after shooting these bullets was no different than cleaning after shooting other jacketed bullets.
These bullets significantly outperformed other .404 bullets I’ve tried in the past, particularly in terms of consistent accuracy. Some older bullets had inconsistent jacket separations and wider groupings. The Swift A-Frame offered a superior level of reliability and precision that I hadn’t experienced before with this caliber.
Breaking Down the Features of Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .404 cal .423 400 gr
Specifications
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .404 cal .423 400 gr boast several key specifications that contribute to their exceptional performance. These specifications are tailored for large, dangerous game hunting.
- Caliber: .404 (.423 diameter)
- Weight: 400 grains
- Bullet Type: Spitzer
- Jacket Material: Copper
- Quantity: 50 bullets per box
The .404 caliber with a .423 diameter is specifically designed for rifles chambered in .404 Jeffery. The 400-grain weight provides substantial momentum for deep penetration. This combination ensures that the bullet can reach vital organs even after encountering heavy bone and muscle. The Spitzer bullet type offers a relatively flat trajectory for improved long-range accuracy. The copper jacket ensures reliable expansion and helps to prevent bullet fragmentation.
Performance & Functionality
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .404 cal .423 400 gr are designed to deliver controlled expansion and deep penetration on large game. They perform exceptionally well in this role, demonstrating consistent accuracy and devastating terminal performance.
One of the key strengths is the bullet’s ability to expand reliably while retaining a high percentage of its original weight. This ensures that the bullet continues to penetrate deeply even after expanding. A potential weakness could be the price, as premium bullets are generally more expensive. Overall, these bullets exceeded my expectations in terms of accuracy, penetration, and weight retention.
Design & Ergonomics
The Swift A-Frame bullet features a robust design with a bonded core and a thick copper jacket. The materials used in construction are of high quality, reflecting Swift Bullet Company’s commitment to durability and performance. The bullet is easy to handle and load, with no sharp edges or imperfections.
The bullet’s weight and shape contribute to its stability in flight. The design minimizes drag, improving ballistic coefficient and long-range accuracy. The ergonomic design makes these bullets easy to work with for reloading.
Durability & Maintenance
The Swift A-Frame bullets are built to withstand the rigors of high-powered rifle cartridges and the impact forces of large game animals. Their robust construction ensures a long shelf life, assuming they are stored properly. The copper jacket is resistant to corrosion and degradation.
These bullets require no special maintenance. Simply load them according to established reloading procedures and store them in a cool, dry place. Their durable construction ensures they will perform reliably for years to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .404 cal .423 400 gr are primarily intended for use in handloaded ammunition. This allows for a high degree of customization in terms of powder selection, primer choice, and overall cartridge length.
While no specific accessories are required for these bullets, a good quality reloading press, dies, and powder scale are essential for creating accurate and reliable ammunition. The bullets are compatible with a wide range of reloading components from various brands. Reloading allows fine-tuning performance to your rifle’s specific needs.
Pros and Cons of Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .404 cal .423 400 gr
Pros
- Exceptional penetration on large game due to bonded core and heavy weight.
- Consistent accuracy and reliable performance.
- Controlled expansion for maximum energy transfer.
- High weight retention, ensuring deep penetration after expansion.
- Robust construction and high-quality materials.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to standard hunting bullets.
- May require careful load development to achieve optimal accuracy in some rifles.
Who Should Buy Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .404 cal .423 400 gr?
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .404 cal .423 400 gr are perfect for hunters targeting large, dangerous game such as African buffalo, elephant, and rhino. They are also well-suited for hunters pursuing large North American game like moose and brown bear in thick cover. These bullets are ideal for situations where deep penetration and reliable expansion are critical.
Hunters primarily targeting smaller or medium-sized game, such as deer or antelope, may find these bullets to be overkill. The price point may also deter casual shooters who are not pursuing large or dangerous game. A high-quality reloading setup is a must-have accessory to get the most out of these bullets.
Conclusion on Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .404 cal .423 400 gr
In summary, the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .404 cal .423 400 gr are a top-tier choice for serious hunters seeking maximum penetration and reliable expansion on large, dangerous game. Their consistent accuracy, high weight retention, and robust construction make them a worthwhile investment for those who demand the best.
The price is justified by the superior performance and reliability these bullets offer, especially when facing potentially life-threatening situations. I would wholeheartedly recommend these bullets to any hunter planning a dangerous game hunt. If you need a bullet that can perform when it matters most, the Swift A-Frame is an excellent choice. Don’t compromise; get yours today and prepare for your next adventure.