Federal American Eagle 40 S&W Ammunition – 180gr FMJ, 50 Rounds Review
As a firearms enthusiast, I’m always excited to test out new ammunition, especially from reputable brands like Federal. In this review, I’ll be sharing my experience with the Federal American Eagle 40 S&W ammunition, specifically the 180gr Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) variant in a 50-round box. In this article, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of this product, exploring its performance, accuracy, and overall value.
Unpacking and First Impressions
When I opened the package, I was pleased to see that it was shipped promptly and securely. The box was sturdy and had a tab to keep the rounds organized, which is always a plus. The packaging is excellent, and I appreciated the attention to detail.
Performance and Accuracy
I decided to test the Federal American Eagle 40 S&W ammunition in my Česká Zbrojovka (CZ) 40 S&W semi-automatic pistol, which has been a reliable and accurate sidearm for me. I was eager to see how this new ammo would perform.
Here were my findings:
- Accuracy: I was impressed with the accuracy of this ammunition. At 10 yards, I was consistently hitting targets with ease, with most shots grouping tightly around the center.
- Expansion: The 180gr FMJ bullets expanded well, with most expanding to around .43-.45 inches in diameter, which is within the expected range.
- Penetration: The bullets penetrated deep, with all rounds reaching 12-14 inches in the human-target (gelatin) block.
- Initiated Activation: Most rounds (>95%) expanded within the first 1-2 inches of penetration, demonstrating effective penetration.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons I experienced with the Federal American Eagle 40 S&W ammunition:
Pros:
- Accurate and reliable: This ammo consistently produced tight groups and performed well in various scenarios.
- Affordable: The price-point for this 50-round box is competitive, making it an excellent value for the performance and quality.
- Good expansion and penetration: The 180gr FMJ bullets exhibited excellent expansion and penetration, making them suitable for various self-defense scenarios.
- Excellent packaging: The box and packaging are sturdy, secure, and easy to transport.
Cons:
- Price not terribly competitive: While affordable, the price of this ammo is not the lowest on the market.
- No remarkable velocity: The muzzle velocity of 1,150 ft/s (355 m/s) is average for this caliber, which may be a drawback for some shooters seeking increased velocity.
- Limited selection of calibers: Federal only offers this specific caliber in the 40 S&W, which may limit options for shooters who prefer other calibers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I’m pleased with my experience with the Federal American Eagle 40 S&W ammunition. Its accuracy, expansion, and penetration make it an excellent choice for defensive shooting. While it may not be the absolute best value on the market, it’s a solid, reliable, and affordable option. I’d highly recommend it for anyone seeking a good all-around 40 S&W ammunition.
