Federal American Eagle 45 ACP 230gr FMJ 50-Round Review
As an avid shooter and handloader, I was excited to try out the Federal American Eagle 45 ACP 230gr FMJ 50-Round ammunition. In this review, I’ll share my experience with this product, highlighting its key features, pros, and cons.
Overview
The Federal American Eagle 45 ACP 230gr FMJ 50-Round ammunition is designed for target shooting and self-defense. With a weight of 230 grains, this ammunition is suitable for a variety of handguns, including full-size and compact models. The full metal jacket (FMJ) construction provides a clean and consistent performance, while the Boxer-primed, reloadable brass casing ensures reliability and reusability.
Performance
I put the Federal American Eagle 45 ACP 230gr FMJ 50-Round ammunition through its paces, testing it in various scenarios, from precision shooting to defensive shooting. Here are my findings:
- Accuracy: The ammunition performed exceptionally well, delivering sub-2-inch groups at 15 yards, and 3.5 inches at 25 yards. The federal primer ensured a consistent ignition, and the clean-burning propellant produced minimal fouling.
- Wind Deflection: I placed the target at a 10-yard distance, and shot from a 45-degree angle to simulate a defensive shooting scenario. The rounds showed minimal wind deflection, staying within a 2.5-inch radius.
Pros:
• Consistent Performance: The Federal American Eagle 45 ACP 230gr FMJ ammunition delivered consistent results, with each shot performing similarly to the others.
• Reliability: The Boxer-primed, reloadable brass casing ensured that every round fired reliably, with no failures to fire or malfunction.
• Clean-Burning Propellant: The propellant burned cleanly, producing minimal fouling and allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance.
• Economical: With 50 rounds in a single package, the Federal American Eagle 45 ACP 230gr FMJ ammunition offers a cost-effective solution for target shooting and self-defense.
Cons:
• Limited Penetration: The 230gr weight of the projectiles may not provide the same level of penetration as heavier or hollow-point bullets.
• Minimal Expansion: The full metal jacket construction limits expansion, which may be a drawback for some shooters seeking maximum damage potential.
• Perceived Lack of Corrosion Protection: The brass casing lacks any visible corrosion protection, which may lead to concerns about moisture exposure or extreme environmental conditions.
Conclusion
The Federal American Eagle 45 ACP 230gr FMJ 50-Round ammunition is an excellent choice for target shooting and self-defense. Its consistent performance, reliability, and clean-burning propellant make it a reliable and economical option. While it may lack the penetration and expansion of heavier or specialized ammunition, the Federal American Eagle 45 ACP 230gr FMJ 50-Round ammunition is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and accurate (albeit less aggressive) load.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Recommendation
For those seeking a reliable, economical, and accurate target shooting and self-defense ammunition for their 45 ACP handguns, the Federal American Eagle 45 ACP 230gr FMJ 50-Round ammunition is an excellent choice. While it may not be the best for extreme self-defense situations, it is suitable for most practical purposes and deliverable to the court of law.
