First Impressions of X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .355 Caliber 135 Grain Hollow Point
As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve spent years evaluating gear, and I understand that ammunition is just as crucial as any high-end weapon system. When the opportunity to review X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .355 Caliber 135 Grain Hollow Point presented itself, I was eager to see how they stacked up against other popular brands. These bullets, manufactured by X-Treme Bullets, promise consistent performance, a smooth finish, and a precise diameter, all thanks to their unique restriking process.
My primary need was finding a reliable and accurate bullet for my 9mm handguns used in both target shooting and self-defense training scenarios. Hollow points are my preferred choice for self-defense rounds, and I wanted to explore the potential of using these for practice as well, provided they offered decent accuracy and value. The promise of uniform bullets and a smoother finish definitely caught my attention.
Upon receiving the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .355 Caliber 135 Grain Hollow Point, the first thing I noticed was the clean, consistent plating. They felt solid and well-made. Comparing them to my usual go-to, Hornady XTPs, and some bulk-packaged FMJs I use for practice, the X-Treme Bullets visually appeared to be a step up in terms of quality control compared to the FMJs but lacked the distinct, finished appearance of the XTPs.
I chose these bullets primarily due to the claims of precision and smoothness, hoping they’d offer a good balance of performance and affordability. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was eager to load them up and see how they performed downrange.
Real-World Testing: Putting X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .355 Caliber 135 Grain Hollow Point to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .355 Caliber 135 Grain Hollow Point at my local shooting range, using a Glock 19 and a Sig Sauer P320. The conditions were typical: a sunny afternoon with a slight breeze.
I found the loading process to be smooth and consistent, which is crucial for accurate reloading. There were no noticeable issues with seating depth or crimping.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using these bullets for practice, I’ve found them to be generally reliable. I have put approximately 500 rounds downrange.
There have been no malfunctions attributed to the bullets themselves. The plating seems to be holding up well, and there’s no excessive leading in my barrels. I haven’t noticed any significant signs of wear and tear on the bullets themselves during the reloading process. Overall, they seem to be a solid choice for high-volume shooting. They are easy to clean after shooting too, as the barrels don’t get nearly as dirty as they would with non-plated rounds.
Breaking Down the Features of X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .355 Caliber 135 Grain Hollow Point
Specifications
The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .355 Caliber 135 Grain Hollow Point boast several key specifications. They are .355 caliber, weighing 135 grains each, making them suitable for 9mm Luger and similar cartridges.
The hollow point design is intended to promote expansion upon impact, increasing stopping power. The copper plating is designed to reduce leading in the barrel and improve accuracy.
Performance & Functionality
The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .355 Caliber 135 Grain Hollow Point perform admirably for target shooting. I achieved consistent groupings at 15 yards, comparable to my practice FMJs.
The hollow point design, while not specifically tested in ballistic gelatin by me, should offer reliable expansion based on the design. They consistently fed and cycled without issue in both my Glock and Sig Sauer pistols.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is good, with a consistent weight and shape across the batch. The bullets are easy to handle and seat during the reloading process.
The smooth plating makes them less prone to causing jams or feeding issues. There is no noticeable learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
These bullets are designed to be durable and withstand the rigors of repeated firing. The copper plating helps to extend barrel life and reduces the need for frequent cleaning.
Maintenance is minimal, as the plating minimizes leading. No special tools or procedures are needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
These bullets are primarily intended for reloading, allowing for a high degree of customization in terms of powder charge and overall cartridge length. They are compatible with standard 9mm reloading dies and equipment.
While there are no specific accessories designed solely for these bullets, they can be used in conjunction with various bullet seating and crimping dies to achieve optimal performance. This enables handloaders to tailor their ammunition to specific firearms and shooting preferences.
Pros and Cons of X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .355 Caliber 135 Grain Hollow Point
Pros
- Affordable Price: A cost-effective option for high-volume shooting and practice.
- Consistent Quality: The restriking process ensures uniform dimensions and a smooth finish.
- Reduced Leading: Copper plating minimizes leading in the barrel.
- Reliable Feeding: The smooth plating reduces the risk of malfunctions.
- Hollow Point Design: Offers potential for expansion and increased stopping power compared to FMJ rounds.
Cons
- Not Ideal for Hunting: Hollow points designed for self-defense may not offer the penetration needed for hunting larger game.
- Limited Expansion Data: Lack of readily available ballistic gel testing data makes it hard to quantify expansion performance.
Who Should Buy X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .355 Caliber 135 Grain Hollow Point?
Perfect for: Handloaders seeking a cost-effective hollow point bullet for practice and self-defense training, competitive shooters who reload their ammunition, and anyone looking to reduce leading in their barrels.
Who should skip this product? Hunters needing deep penetration or those seeking pre-loaded, match-grade ammunition with verified ballistic data.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A quality reloading press, 9mm reloading dies, and a reliable powder scale are essential for handloading these bullets.
Conclusion on X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .355 Caliber 135 Grain Hollow Point
In summary, the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .355 Caliber 135 Grain Hollow Point are a solid choice for reloaders seeking a balance of performance and affordability. The consistent quality and reduced leading make them a worthwhile option for high-volume shooting and self-defense practice.
The price is definitely justified, especially considering the cost savings compared to premium, pre-loaded ammunition. I would personally recommend these bullets to fellow reloaders looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing reliability.
If you’re in the market for a cost-effective and reliable hollow point bullet for your 9mm handguns, give the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .355 Caliber 135 Grain Hollow Point a try. You might be pleasantly surprised!