First Impressions of X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .40 S&W 180 Grain Round Nose Flat Point
The ammunition market is awash with options, from budget-friendly reloads to premium self-defense rounds. The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .40 S&W 180 Grain Round Nose Flat Point aims to offer a balance between cost-effectiveness and reliable performance for reloaders. Are they a good choice for high-volume practice or even competition?
My shooting habits lean heavily towards practical pistol shooting and frequent range trips, so consistent, reliable ammunition is essential. I was searching for a reasonably priced bullet option to reduce the overall cost of reloading my .40 S&W cartridges. I wanted something that wouldn’t break the bank but also wouldn’t lead to constant malfunctions or poor accuracy.
The package arrived, containing 500 X-Treme Bullets neatly packed. The bullets were clean and uniform, and the copper plating looked even and well-applied. They seemed well-made, and their weight felt consistent.
I’ve reloaded with Berry’s Bullets and RMR (Rocky Mountain Reloading) in the past. Berry’s are generally a bit cheaper, but I’ve found X-Treme Bullets plating to be more durable. RMR bullets are excellent, but pricier, so X-Treme Bullets seemed like a good compromise for my purposes. My initial impression was positive. The promise of quality at a decent price was certainly appealing.
I was cautiously optimistic. The price was right, and the initial visual inspection suggested a decent product. I was eager to get to the range and see how they performed.
Real-World Testing: Putting X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .40 S&W 180 Grain Round Nose Flat Point to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the reloaded X-Treme Bullets was at my local outdoor range. I loaded up several magazines for my Glock 22 and my Smith & Wesson M&P 40. I wanted to test them across different platforms to see if any issues arose.
The weather was typical for a late summer afternoon: warm and humid. I fired about 200 rounds through each pistol, focusing on accuracy at 10 and 15 yards. The X-Treme Bullets fed reliably in both guns, with no failures to feed or extract. I did notice some slight leading in the Glock barrel after prolonged shooting; I contribute this to me pushing the velocities a little too hot.
I didn’t need much time to adjust my reloading process for these bullets. I used my standard load data for 180-grain bullets, adjusting slightly based on the X-Treme Bullets recommendations. No major surprises; they seated easily and crimped well.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and thousands of rounds reloaded with X-Treme Bullets, I have a solid understanding of their performance. They’ve held up well for practice and informal target shooting. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them in a local competition.
There’s minimal wear and tear on the plating. The copper plating has remained intact, even with hotter loads. Cleaning my barrels after shooting X-Treme Bullets is straightforward.
They performed better than some of the cheaper cast lead bullets I have used in the past, which can leave significant lead deposits in the barrel. They are a good choice for reloaders looking to save money without sacrificing quality. These are certainly not match-grade bullets, but they are adequate for most applications.
Breaking Down the Features of X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .40 S&W 180 Grain Round Nose Flat Point
Specifications
The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .40 S&W 180 Grain Round Nose Flat Point boasts several notable specifications:
- Caliber: .40 S&W. This makes them suitable for any firearm chambered in this popular cartridge.
- Bullet Weight: 180 grain. A common weight for .40 S&W, providing a good balance of recoil and stopping power.
- Bullet Type: Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP). The RNFP design aids in reliable feeding in semi-automatic pistols and offers decent accuracy for target shooting and plinking.
- Diameter: 0.4 inches. The standard diameter for .40 S&W bullets.
- Core Material: Lead. The lead core allows for good weight distribution and expansion upon impact (though these are not designed for expansion).
- Bullet Quantity: 500. Sold in quantities of 500, making it economical for reloaders.
These specifications are important because they directly affect the bullet’s performance. The RNFP design ensures smooth feeding in various pistols, reducing the likelihood of malfunctions. The 180-grain weight offers a good balance of recoil and accuracy, making it versatile for different shooting applications.
Performance & Functionality
The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .40 S&W 180 Grain Round Nose Flat Point perform admirably for their intended purpose: providing affordable and reliable ammunition for practice and recreational shooting. They exhibit decent accuracy at typical handgun ranges.
The bullets’ strength lies in their reliability. I experienced very few malfunctions when using these bullets, which is crucial for enjoyable and productive range sessions. One area for improvement is consistency. I noticed slight variations in weight, although this is to be expected at this price point.
Overall, the X-Treme Bullets meet my expectations for a budget-friendly reloading option. They are not match-grade, but they are more than adequate for general shooting purposes.
Design & Ergonomics
The X-Treme Bullets are designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. The Round Nose Flat Point design is classic and effective.
The build quality is good for the price. The copper plating is consistently applied and helps to reduce leading in the barrel. The bullets are easy to handle and seat properly in the case.
Durability & Maintenance
These bullets are designed for target shooting, not for extreme durability. The copper plating offers some protection, but these are not meant to withstand harsh conditions.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply cleaning your barrel after shooting will help to prevent lead buildup.
Accessories and Customization Options
The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .40 S&W 180 Grain Round Nose Flat Point are primarily components for reloading. Therefore, customization focuses on load data and cartridge assembly.
These bullets are compatible with a wide range of reloading dies and equipment. You can adjust your powder charge and crimp to optimize performance for your specific firearm. These bullets are not designed to be paired with any specific aftermarket accessory, but are intended to be used as a component in a reloaded cartridge.
Pros and Cons of X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .40 S&W 180 Grain Round Nose Flat Point
Pros
- Cost-effective. Significantly cheaper than factory ammunition or premium bullets.
- Reliable feeding. The RNFP design ensures smooth feeding in most .40 S&W pistols.
- Decent accuracy. Suitable for practice, training, and recreational shooting.
- Clean shooting. The copper plating reduces leading in the barrel compared to cast lead bullets.
- Easy to reload. Consistent dimensions make them easy to work with using standard reloading equipment.
Cons
- Slight weight variations.
- Not suitable for self-defense or hunting.
Who Should Buy X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .40 S&W 180 Grain Round Nose Flat Point?
The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .40 S&W 180 Grain Round Nose Flat Point are perfect for high-volume shooters and reloaders looking to save money without sacrificing reliability. They are also suitable for casual target shooters who want a consistent and affordable option for practice.
These bullets may not be ideal for those seeking match-grade accuracy or self-defense rounds. If you require pinpoint precision or reliable expansion, you should consider a premium bullet option. A good set of reloading dies and a reliable reloading press are must-have accessories.
Conclusion on X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .40 S&W 180 Grain Round Nose Flat Point
The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .40 S&W 180 Grain Round Nose Flat Point offer excellent value for reloaders on a budget. They provide reliable performance and decent accuracy at a fraction of the cost of factory ammunition or premium bullets.
At $75.99 for 500 bullets, the price is definitely justified. For anyone looking to reduce their ammunition costs without sacrificing reliability, these bullets are an excellent choice.
I would definitely recommend X-Treme Bullets to fellow reloaders seeking a cost-effective and reliable option. Give them a try and see how they perform in your firearm!