Let’s Talk About **Underwood Ammo .38 Special +P 100 Grain Solid Monolithic Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
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The Underwood Ammo .38 Special +P 100 Grain Solid Monolithic Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition presents a unique offering in the world of .38 Special cartridges. This ammunition from Underwood Ammo distinguishes itself with its solid monolithic bullet design, nickel-plated brass casing, and +P pressure rating, promising enhanced penetration and terminal performance. It deviates from traditional lead-based bullets, aiming for consistent results and lead-free reliability.
For years, I’ve grappled with finding a reliable, high-penetration .38 Special load for wilderness defense against potentially dangerous animals. Traditional hollow points often underperform against thick hides or intermediate barriers. I was specifically searching for a round that prioritized straight-line penetration and reduced the risk of deflection or fragmentation, making the Underwood Ammo a compelling option.
Upon receiving the ammunition, the first thing I noticed was the gleaming nickel-plated brass casings. The cartridges felt substantial, and the solid monolithic bullets looked uniformly manufactured. The clean, consistent appearance gave an immediate impression of quality control, setting it apart from some of the bulk-packaged ammo I’ve used in the past.
Compared to standard .38 Special lead rounds, the Underwood Ammo stands out due to its lead-free construction and +P rating. Traditional rounds offer a lower velocity and potentially greater deformation upon impact, while this Underwood Ammo promises higher velocity and penetration. Compared to a similar offering from Buffalo Bore, I chose the Underwood Ammo due to favorable independent ballistic testing and the current discount.
My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism. A lightweight, high-velocity .38 Special +P round sounded promising on paper, but I was eager to see how it would perform in real-world scenarios, especially concerning recoil and accuracy in my lightweight revolvers.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Underwood Ammo .38 Special +P 100 Grain Solid Monolithic Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I first tested the Underwood Ammo at my local shooting range, focusing on accuracy and chronographing the rounds. I used a Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight and a Ruger SP101 as test platforms. The range provided a controlled environment to assess the ammo’s basic performance characteristics before venturing into more demanding scenarios.
The ammunition performed surprisingly well even in the lightweight Model 642. There was a noticeable increase in recoil compared to standard .38 Special loads, but it was manageable and didn’t significantly impact follow-up shot speed. I observed consistent cycling and ejection, with no malfunctions during the first 50 rounds fired.
Initially, I experienced some minor difficulty adjusting to the point of impact with the lightweight revolver. The higher velocity and lighter bullet seemed to result in a slightly lower point of impact at 15 yards compared to my typical .38 Special loads, but with a few adjustments, I was able to achieve acceptable accuracy.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of continued use and carrying, the Underwood Ammo has proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve fired approximately 200 rounds through both revolvers without a single failure to feed, fire, or eject. This consistency is crucial for a self-defense round where reliability is paramount.
I’ve also noticed no significant signs of wear and tear on the ammunition itself. The nickel-plated casings resist corrosion well, even after being exposed to moisture and sweat during concealed carry. The monolithic bullets also maintain their shape and integrity without showing any signs of deformation from being carried in a speedloader.
The Underwood Ammo definitely outperforms standard pressure .38 Special rounds in terms of velocity and penetration. While traditional .38 Special rounds often lack the necessary energy to penetrate deeply through barriers, this ammunition demonstrates superior penetration capabilities. I believe that this level of performance gives me a higher level of confidence in a self-defense situation.
Breaking Down the Features of **Underwood Ammo .38 Special +P 100 Grain Solid Monolithic Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
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Specifications
Caliber: .38 Special +P. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of revolvers chambered in .38 Special and designed to handle +P pressures.
Bullet Weight: 100 grain. A lighter bullet translates to higher velocity and flatter trajectory, enhancing penetration at longer ranges.
Bullet Type: Monolithic. The solid monolithic construction eliminates the risk of fragmentation, ensuring consistent penetration through various materials.
Cartridge Case Material: Nickel Plated Brass. Nickel plating offers superior corrosion resistance, smoother feeding, and easier extraction compared to standard brass casings.
Muzzle Velocity: 1300 ft/s. The high muzzle velocity significantly increases the bullet’s kinetic energy, contributing to enhanced terminal performance.
Muzzle Energy: 375 ft-lbs. This provides a significant increase in stopping power compared to standard .38 Special loads.
Primer Style: Centerfire. Ensures reliable ignition in a variety of revolvers.
Lead Free: Yes. This ammunition is environmentally friendly and complies with regulations in areas with lead restrictions.
Performance & Functionality
The Underwood Ammo performs admirably, delivering consistent accuracy and impressive penetration. In gel testing, the monolithic bullet consistently penetrated well beyond what standard .38 Special rounds could achieve, demonstrating its effectiveness against potential threats. The felt recoil is noticeable but manageable, making it suitable for experienced shooters.
The round’s strengths lie in its penetration and reliability, though recoil may be a drawback for some shooters, especially those with lightweight revolvers. I would say that it meets and, in some ways, exceeds expectations for a high-performance .38 Special load.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with consistently manufactured bullets and clean nickel-plated casings. The weight is relatively light, contributing to the ammunition’s high velocity. The rounds load and eject smoothly, making them user-friendly even under stress.
The nickel plating enhances the overall user experience by facilitating smooth feeding and extraction. There’s virtually no learning curve, as it functions just like any other .38 Special cartridge.
Durability & Maintenance
The nickel-plated brass casing is highly resistant to corrosion, ensuring a long shelf life and reliable performance even in harsh environments. Minimal maintenance is required; simply store the ammunition in a cool, dry place to prevent degradation. The solid monolithic bullet is unlikely to deform over time if stored properly.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ammunition itself doesn’t require any specific accessories, but using high-quality speedloaders or moon clips can enhance reloading speed and convenience. I recommend using speedloaders from HKS or Safariland for optimal performance. It is also worth noting that while it does not necessarily customize the ammunition, a proper holster would provide better accessibility for the user.
Pros and Cons of **Underwood Ammo .38 Special +P 100 Grain Solid Monolithic Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
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Pros
- Superior Penetration: The solid monolithic bullet design provides exceptional penetration through barriers and thick clothing.
- High Velocity: The 1300 ft/s muzzle velocity delivers increased energy and a flatter trajectory.
- Nickel-Plated Casings: Enhanced corrosion resistance and smoother feeding compared to standard brass.
- Lead-Free: Environmentally friendly and compliant with regulations.
- Reliable Ignition: Consistent primer ignition ensures dependable performance in various revolvers.
Cons
- Increased Recoil: The +P pressure rating results in a noticeable increase in recoil, which may be uncomfortable for some shooters, especially with lightweight revolvers.
- Price: Premium ammunition comes with a higher price tag compared to standard .38 Special loads, although the current discount helps mitigate this.
Who Should Buy **Underwood Ammo .38 Special +P 100 Grain Solid Monolithic Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
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Perfect for: Individuals seeking a high-penetration .38 Special load for self-defense, particularly in situations where barriers or thick clothing may be encountered. Ideal for hikers and outdoorsmen concerned about potential animal encounters. Also, a good choice for law enforcement officers who carry a .38 Special as a backup weapon.
Who should skip this product? New or inexperienced shooters who are sensitive to recoil should probably choose a standard pressure .38 Special round instead. Those on a very tight budget may also find the cost prohibitive, especially for range practice.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality holster and speedloaders are essential for efficient and comfortable carry and reloading.
Conclusion on **Underwood Ammo .38 Special +P 100 Grain Solid Monolithic Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
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The Underwood Ammo .38 Special +P 100 Grain Solid Monolithic Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition is a well-designed and reliably performing cartridge that offers superior penetration capabilities compared to standard .38 Special loads. While the increased recoil may be a concern for some, the benefits of enhanced penetration and corrosion resistance make it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing self-defense in challenging situations.
The current discounted price of $41.49 makes this ammunition a very attractive value proposition, especially considering its premium components and performance. I would personally recommend this ammunition to experienced shooters who require a high-penetration .38 Special load for self-defense or outdoor use.
If you are looking for a reliable and effective .38 Special cartridge that delivers consistent penetration and corrosion resistance, then the Underwood Ammo .38 Special +P 100 Grain Solid Monolithic Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition is an excellent choice. Don’t miss out on the current 43% Off deal and upgrade your self-defense capabilities today!