First Impressions of **Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 255 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
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The .45 Colt, a cartridge steeped in the history of the American West, deserves ammunition that honors its legacy while delivering modern performance. Underwood Ammo steps up to the plate with their 255 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased offering, promising a potent blend of traditional power and contemporary manufacturing. Is this the load that will bring the legendary .45 Colt into the 21st century?
I needed a reliable, high-penetration round for my .45 Colt revolver, primarily for wilderness defense against large predators while hiking and camping in bear country. Existing factory loads felt anemic, and I wanted something with a proven track record for stopping power without resorting to expensive custom loads. The allure of a hard cast bullet with a gas check, combined with the reputation of Underwood Ammo for pushing the envelope, drew me in.
Upon unboxing, the first thing that strikes you is the quality of the components. The nickel-plated brass cases gleam, and the coated hard cast bullets look like they mean business. The rounds felt substantial, and the consistency in bullet seating depth suggested meticulous attention to detail.
I considered Buffalo Bore’s heavy .45 Colt loads and Garrett Cartridges’ +P offerings but opted for Underwood due to their claimed velocity and the promise of reduced leading thanks to the Hi-Tek coating. The 25% off sale also sweetened the deal considerably. I wanted a balance of manageable recoil and deep penetration, and Underwood’s advertised specifications seemed to hit the sweet spot.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. These rounds looked the part of a serious defensive load, but the proof would be in the shooting. I was eager to see if the advertised velocity was accurate and whether the recoil was manageable in my Ruger Blackhawk.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 255 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
725 25% Off** to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Underwood Ammo at my local outdoor shooting range, under clear and sunny conditions. I fired from a rest at 25 yards to assess accuracy and then moved to off-hand shooting at various distances to gauge recoil and handling. I also set up water jugs as a rudimentary penetration test.
The ammunition performed impressively. The recoil was stout but manageable, far less than some of the +P loads I’ve tested in the past. The rounds cycled flawlessly through my revolver, and accuracy was excellent, with consistent groupings around 2-3 inches at 25 yards. The water jug test revealed impressive penetration, easily surpassing standard lead rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and approximately 200 rounds fired, the Underwood Ammo has proven to be remarkably consistent and reliable. There were no malfunctions of any kind. The nickel-plated cases extracted smoothly, even after being fired in a slightly dirty chamber.
The Hi-Tek coating on the bullets significantly reduced leading compared to shooting un-coated lead bullets in the same gun. Cleaning was much easier. I’ve noticed no signs of excessive wear and tear on my revolver, even after repeated use with these hotter loads.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard .45 Colt ammunition, the Underwood load offers a significant increase in power and penetration without excessive recoil. It instilled confidence in the .45 Colt as a viable defensive cartridge.
Breaking Down the Features of **Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 255 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
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Specifications
- Caliber: .45 Colt. The classic big-bore revolver cartridge.
- Bullet Weight: 255 grain. A heavy-for-caliber bullet designed for deep penetration.
- Bullet Type: Flat Nose Gas Check. The flat nose enhances energy transfer on impact, and the gas check prevents gas cutting and leading in the barrel.
- Cartridge Case Material: Nickel Plated Brass. Nickel plating improves corrosion resistance and aids in smooth extraction.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1000 ft/s. This is a crucial spec, indicating a significant power increase over standard .45 Colt loads.
- Muzzle Energy: 566 ft-lbs. A measure of the kinetic energy delivered by the bullet.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Standard and reliable ignition.
- Package Type: Box. Practical and easy to store.
- Number of Rounds: 20. A good quantity for practice and carry.
- Sectional Density: 0.18. Contributes to enhanced penetration.
- Lead Free: No. This is a traditional lead bullet design.
These specifications are important because they indicate a well-thought-out design intended for maximum effectiveness. The heavy bullet, combined with the increased velocity, delivers significant energy on target. The nickel-plated cases ensure smooth operation in a variety of conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Underwood Ammo performs exceptionally well. It offers excellent accuracy, reliable feeding, and manageable recoil for a high-powered load. It met my expectations for penetration and exceeded them in terms of reduced leading.
The primary strength lies in its balance of power and shootability. It delivers a significant boost in performance over standard .45 Colt loads without becoming punishing to shoot. A minor weakness might be the cost, but the performance justifies the price.
The Underwood Ammo definitely exceeded my expectations. It transforms the .45 Colt from a pleasant plinker into a serious defensive tool.
Design & Ergonomics
The rounds are well-designed and meticulously assembled. The nickel-plated cases are visually appealing and functional. The bullet seating depth is consistent, and the overall impression is one of high quality.
The ammunition is user-friendly; it cycles smoothly in my revolver and is easy to load and unload. There is no learning curve associated with its use.
Durability & Maintenance
The use of high-quality components suggests good long-term durability. The nickel-plated cases should resist corrosion even under less-than-ideal storage conditions. The Hi-Tek coating on the bullets significantly reduces leading, making cleaning and maintenance much easier.
With proper storage, this ammunition should last for many years. The reduced leading also minimizes wear and tear on the firearm.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ammunition itself doesn’t require accessories, but its performance can be enhanced by using a high-quality .45 Colt revolver with adjustable sights. A comfortable grip is also essential for managing recoil.
The Underwood Ammo is compatible with any .45 Colt firearm chambered for standard pressure loads. It is not a +P load and should be safe to use in most modern .45 Colt revolvers.
Pros and Cons of **Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 255 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
725 25% Off**
Pros
- Exceptional Penetration: The hard cast bullet design and increased velocity deliver deep penetration, making it suitable for defense against large predators.
- Reduced Leading: The Hi-Tek coating significantly reduces leading in the barrel, simplifying cleaning and maintenance.
- Reliable Performance: The ammunition cycles flawlessly and consistently, ensuring reliable operation in critical situations.
- Manageable Recoil: Despite the increased power, the recoil is manageable in a full-sized .45 Colt revolver.
- High-Quality Components: The nickel-plated brass cases and hard cast bullets indicate a commitment to quality and performance.
Cons
- Cost: The Underwood Ammo is more expensive than standard .45 Colt ammunition.
- Not for All Firearms: Must verify if your firearm is rated to handle ammunition of this caliber.
Who Should Buy **Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 255 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
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This ammunition is perfect for hunters seeking a powerful and reliable load for harvesting medium-sized game, or for backpackers, hikers, and outdoorsmen venturing into bear country who need a potent defensive round. It’s also great for anyone who wants to maximize the potential of their .45 Colt revolver for self-defense.
Those who should skip this product include owners of older or weaker .45 Colt firearms that are not rated for higher-pressure loads, or those who are recoil-sensitive. This ammunition is best suited for experienced shooters who can handle the increased recoil and appreciate the enhanced performance.
Must-have accessories include a high-quality .45 Colt revolver in good condition. A comfortable grip and adjustable sights can also enhance the shooting experience.
Conclusion on **Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 255 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
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The Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 255 Grain Coated Hard Cast Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition
725 25% Off is a top-tier offering that breathes new life into the classic .45 Colt cartridge. It delivers impressive power, reliable performance, and reduced leading, making it a worthwhile investment for those who demand the best.
The price is justified by the significant performance gains over standard .45 Colt ammunition. I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a potent and reliable defensive or hunting load for their .45 Colt revolver.
If you’re ready to unlock the full potential of your .45 Colt, head over and grab a box of Underwood Ammo today! You won’t be disappointed.