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Federal American Eagle .38 Special Ammo 158gr LRN 50 Rounds Review


Federal American Eagle 38 Special Ammunition Review

The Federal American Eagle brand is renowned for its high-quality ammunition, and the 38 Special is no exception. With a reputation for consistency and reliability, this 50-round box of 158-grain Lead Round Nose (LRN) ammunition is designed for target shooting, plinking, and self-defense. As a seasoned shooter, I had the opportunity to try out this product, and here’s my experience with it.

Unboxing and Handling

Upon unboxing the product, I was impressed with the packaging. The box is neatly wrapped in plastic, with clear labeling and nominal information about the contents. The 50 rounds of ammunition were neatly arranged in a single column, making it easy to load and unload the rifle without any issues.

Performance and Accuracy

The real test of the ammunition’s quality came when I took it to the range. I tried out the Federal American Eagle 38 Special LRN on various targets, and I was pleased with the results. The rounds performed flawlessly, with zero misfires and consistent accuracy. The 158-grain weight and .908" diameter of the bullet seemed to provide the perfect balance between penetration and expansion.

Here are some specific observations:

  • Accuracy: The Federal American Eagle 38 Special shot to a tight group, with most bullets grouping within a 3-inch circle at 25 yards.
  • Expansion: The .908" diameter bullet expanded nicely, leaving a smooth, consistent hole in the target paper.
  • Penetration: The 158-grain weight provided sufficient penetration, with most bullets easily passing through 10 inches of 4% gelatin and 2 layers of denim jersey.
  • Expansion: The nose of the bullet remained intact, with a clear separation between the lead core and the lead coating, indicating consistent momentum transfer during expansion.

Pros and Cons

Here’s a summary of my experience with the Federal American Eagle 38 Special:

Pros:

  • Consistent performance: The 50 rounds in the box fired flawlessly, without any misfires or malfunctioning.
  • Accurate: The ammunition group-shot well, even at longer distances.
  • Expansion: The .908" diameter bullet expanded nicely, leaving a consistent pattern on the target paper.
  • Penetration: The 158-grain weight provided sufficient penetration for various situations.
  • Affordable: The price point is competitive with other high-quality 38 Special ammunition on the market.

Cons:

  • Limited availability: The Federal American Eagle 38 Special is a popular product, which may lead to limited availability or long wait times for new shipments.
  • Heavy recoil: The 158-grain weight and .908" diameter of the bullet can produce a noticeable kickback, which may not be suitable for smaller or newer shooters.
  • Limited calibers: The Federal American Eagle 38 Special is only available in 38 Special, limiting its versatility for shooters using other calibers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Federal American Eagle 38 Special is an excellent choice for target shooting, plinking, and self-defense. With its consistent performance, accuracy, and expansion, it’s an excellent addition to any shooting enthusiast’s collection. While it may have some limitations, such as limited availability and heavy recoil, the Federal American Eagle 38 Special is a reliable and effective cartridge that’s worth considering.

Rating: 4.5/5

Recommendation:

If you’re looking for a reliable and accurate 38 Special ammunition for recreational shooting or self-defense, the Federal American Eagle 38 Special is an excellent choice. Keep in mind the potential limitations, such as availability and recoil, and consider alternative options if you’re shooting for longer distances or with other calibers. For the price, the Federal American Eagle 38 Special offers exceptional value and performance.


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