X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .45 ACP 230 Grain Round Nose Review

First Impressions of X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .45 ACP 230 Grain Round Nose

The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .45 ACP 230 Grain Round Nose are a reloaders’ staple, promising consistency and reliable performance at a reasonable price point. As someone who spends a considerable amount of time at the range, and having reloaded tens of thousands of rounds over the years, I’m always on the lookout for quality components that won’t break the bank. These bullets from X-Treme Bullets aim to fill that niche, offering a copper-plated option for those seeking to minimize lead exposure without the higher cost of jacketed bullets.

I was looking for a consistent and affordable bullet for high-volume practice. My primary goal was to find a bullet that would cycle reliably in my 1911 and Glock 21, deliver acceptable accuracy for training purposes, and reduce lead fouling compared to shooting bare lead bullets.

The first thing I noticed when I opened the box was the uniform appearance of the bullets. The copper plating looked clean and consistent, giving an initial impression of quality control. Compared to some other plated bullets I’ve used, like Rainier Ballistics or Berry’s Bullets, the X-Treme Bullets seemed to have a slightly thicker plating, which gave me hope for reduced leading in my barrels. I picked these over some cheaper, unplated lead options, hoping to balance cost with cleanliness.

Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. Plated bullets can sometimes be finicky with load data, and I was eager to see how they performed in my various .45 ACP pistols.

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Real-World Testing: Putting X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .45 ACP 230 Grain Round Nose to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .45 ACP 230 Grain Round Nose at my local outdoor shooting range. The range offered a variety of distances, allowing me to evaluate accuracy at 7, 15, and 25 yards.

I loaded the bullets with a moderate charge of Hodgdon Universal Clays, a powder I’ve found to be consistent and clean-burning in my .45 ACP loads. I tested the rounds in my Colt 1911 and Glock 21. The weather was sunny and dry, ideal conditions for shooting. The bullets fed and cycled reliably in both pistols.

I initially noticed a slight increase in smoke compared to jacketed bullets, but it was significantly less than with bare lead. After about 100 rounds, I started to see a bit of copper fouling in the Glock’s polygonal rifling, which required some extra attention during cleaning.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of using the X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .45 ACP 230 Grain Round Nose, I’ve put approximately 2,000 rounds downrange. They’ve held up surprisingly well.

The copper plating has proven to be reasonably durable, with minimal signs of significant wear or separation. I haven’t experienced any squibs or malfunctions directly attributable to the bullets themselves. Cleaning has been relatively straightforward, although I’ve found that using a copper solvent helps to remove the minor copper fouling that accumulates, particularly in the Glock. Compared to my experience with some jacketed hollow points I use for self-defense, these are considerably easier to clean, but they do require a bit more effort than bare lead.

Breaking Down the Features of X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .45 ACP 230 Grain Round Nose

Specifications

The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .45 ACP 230 Grain Round Nose boast the following specifications:

• Caliber: .45 ACP: This is a classic pistol caliber known for its stopping power.
• Bullet Weight: 230 grain: A standard weight for .45 ACP, offering a good balance of recoil and energy.
• Bullet Type: Round Nose (RN): The round nose profile facilitates smooth feeding in most .45 ACP pistols.
• Diameter: 0.452 in: This is the standard diameter for .45 ACP bullets, ensuring proper fit and function.
• Core Material: Lead: Provides the necessary weight and density for stable flight.
• Jacket Material: Copper: The copper plating reduces lead exposure and fouling.
• Projectile Caliber: .45 Caliber: Reinforces the compatibility with .45 ACP firearms.
• Bullet Quantity: 500 Bullet: Provides a sufficient quantity for reloading sessions.

These specifications are critical because they directly impact the bullet’s performance. The 230-grain weight provides significant recoil, which some shooters may find challenging, but it also delivers substantial energy on target. The round nose design is essential for reliable feeding in the 1911 platform, which can be sensitive to bullet profile. The copper plating offers a cleaner shooting experience compared to unplated lead, minimizing lead exposure and reducing barrel fouling.

Performance & Functionality

The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .45 ACP 230 Grain Round Nose perform admirably for their intended purpose: high-volume practice and training.

Accuracy is acceptable, with consistent groupings of around 3-4 inches at 25 yards from a rest. Reliability has been excellent; I’ve experienced no feeding or cycling issues in either my 1911 or Glock 21. Usability is straightforward. Load data is readily available from various reloading manuals and online resources. The bullets are easy to seat and crimp, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced reloaders. While not match-grade accurate, these bullets are perfect for honing skills and building proficiency at the range.

The primary strength is their consistent performance and reliable cycling. A minor weakness is the potential for copper fouling, particularly in polygonal barrels, which requires diligent cleaning. They meet my expectations for a mid-range plated bullet, offering a good balance of cost and performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .45 ACP 230 Grain Round Nose are simple in design, but effective.

The build quality is good, with a uniform copper plating over a lead core. The weight is consistent from bullet to bullet, contributing to consistent performance. The round nose profile is well-suited for the .45 ACP cartridge. There’s virtually no learning curve involved. If you know how to reload, you can use these bullets.

Durability & Maintenance

These bullets, being components of ammunition, don’t have a lifespan in the traditional sense. However, the copper plating contributes to the longevity of your firearm by reducing lead fouling.

Maintenance primarily involves thorough cleaning of your firearm after use. Using a copper solvent will help remove any accumulated copper fouling. Proper storage of the loaded ammunition is essential to prevent corrosion and degradation of the components.

Accessories and Customization Options

The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .45 ACP 230 Grain Round Nose don’t have accessories in the traditional sense, but they can be customized through reloading.

You can adjust the powder charge to achieve different velocities and recoil levels. Various primers and cases can be used to fine-tune your loads. The bullets are compatible with most .45 ACP reloading dies. While there are no “official” accessories, the ability to tailor your loads is a significant form of customization.

Pros and Cons of X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .45 ACP 230 Grain Round Nose

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Who Should Buy X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .45 ACP 230 Grain Round Nose?

Perfect for: Range shooters who want to minimize lead exposure without the high cost of jacketed bullets, reloaders looking for a consistent and reliable bullet for practice and training, and anyone who shoots a lot of .45 ACP and wants to keep costs down.

Who should skip this product? Competitive shooters who require the utmost accuracy and those who are extremely sensitive to barrel fouling.

Must-have accessories or modifications? High-quality .45 ACP reloading dies, a reliable reloading press, and a good supply of copper solvent for cleaning your firearm.

Conclusion on X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .45 ACP 230 Grain Round Nose

The X-Treme Bullets Pistol Bullets .45 ACP 230 Grain Round Nose are a solid choice for reloaders seeking a balance of performance, affordability, and reduced lead exposure. Their consistent weight and dimensions contribute to reliable feeding and acceptable accuracy for practice and training.

The price is definitely justified. You get a good quality bullet for a fraction of the price of jacketed bullets.

I would definitely recommend these bullets to anyone looking to reload .45 ACP for practice. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable option to feed your .45 ACP pistol, give X-Treme Bullets a try!