Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .35 cal .358 AFSS Review

True Results from the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .35 cal .358 AFSS

For years, I’ve relied on robust, predictable bullet performance, especially when the margin for error is slim. My search for a more reliable projectile for medium-game hunting in dense brush, specifically for my beloved .35 Remington lever-action, led me to the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .35 cal .358 AFSS. While many bullets promise devastating expansion, few deliver consistent terminal ballistics across a range of velocities. This particular design from Swift Bullet Company caught my eye due to its unique construction, aiming to bridge the gap between rapid expansion and deep penetration.

The trigger for this purchase was a particularly frustrating season where several well-placed shots resulted in questionable performance, leaving me wanting more confidence in my ammunition. I considered other premium bonded bullets, but the A-Frame’s distinctive construction, featuring a soft lead nose protected by its jacket and a solid rear core, presented a compelling alternative. My initial impression upon opening the box of 50 was one of solid craftsmanship. The copper jackets were uniformly applied, and the sem Spitzer nose felt substantial without being overly pointed, hinting at good magazine feed reliability. There was an immediate sense of expectation, a quiet confidence that these might just be the answer I was looking for.

Real-World Testing: Putting Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .35 cal .358 AFSS to the Test

My testing grounds were varied, simulating the unpredictable environments common to the .35 Remington’s traditional hunting niches. Primarily, these bullets were put through their paces at my local private range, focusing on accuracy at typical hunting distances between 50 and 150 yards. However, the real trial by fire came during a late-season deer hunt in thick, early-winter woods where shots are often close-range and require immediate, decisive impact. I also conducted informal tests by dropping a few rounds onto a concrete floor to gauge their resilience to magazine handling impacts.

During extended use, particularly on that deer hunt, the bullets performed admirably. Fired from my Marlin 336, they exhibited excellent accuracy, producing consistent sub-MOA groups at 100 yards, which is more than adequate for my intended purpose. The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .35 cal .358 AFSS proved remarkably consistent; there was no discernible performance drop, no increase in fouling, and the jacket integrity remained superb even after multiple range sessions. Compared to some other premium bullets I’ve used that showed minor jacket separations or deformation after moderate use, these held up exceptionally well. Maintenance was straightforward: standard bore cleaning after range days was sufficient, and the bullets’ robust construction meant no special handling was required beyond typical care.

First Use Experience

The initial experience involved loading these into the magazine of my .35 Remington rifle. The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .35 cal .358 AFSS fed smoothly from the tubular magazine, with no instances of tip deformation or feeding jams, a critical factor for this rifle platform. My first shots at the range confirmed their accuracy potential; the sem Spitzer nose design, coupled with the controlled expansion feature, resulted in predictable impact points. They handled the recoil from the magazine without issue, showing no signs of damage even after being cycled through the action multiple times.

The performance in a live hunting scenario was where these bullets truly shone. On a mature doe at just under 70 yards, the bullet entered broadside and delivered a devastating, yet controlled, wound channel. The recovered bullet (though not always recovered, this one was) showed significant expansion with over 90% of its original weight retained, a testament to the A-frame design. This level of weight retention is precisely what I seek for deep penetration and reliable takedowns, especially when dealing with tougher game.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months and numerous range trips, the reliability of these A-Frame bullets remains a standout feature. They have consistently performed as advertised, which is a rare commodity in ammunition. The Swift Bullet Company has clearly engineered a projectile that doesn’t degrade with handling or repeated cycling through a firearm. I haven’t observed any degradation in accuracy or terminal performance, even after storing them for extended periods and subjecting them to temperature fluctuations common in outdoor environments.

Compared to some of my prior experiences with bonded bullets, which sometimes developed minor imperfections in the bonding process over time, these Swift bullets appear to be exceptionally stable. The construction feels monolithic, and the pure copper jacket has resisted any scratching or peeling, even from accidental impacts. Cleaning has been standard, and I’ve noted no unusual residue left in the bore, which suggests efficient burning of propellants and clean bullet flight.

Breaking Down the Features of Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .35 cal .358 AFSS

The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .35 cal .358 AFSS are designed with a specific set of goals in mind: controlled expansion and deep penetration. Their unique construction involves a soft lead alloy nose that is partially encased by the jacket, providing protection from recoil while in the magazine and initiating expansion upon impact. The jacket itself is pure copper and tapers at the tip, which is crucial for managing the rate of expansion across different velocities encountered in medium-game hunting scenarios.

The bullet’s base features a tapered core, which is critical for ensuring sufficient momentum transfer into the target for deep penetration. A significant design element is the wraparound jacket on the base, a feature that helps retain the bullet’s original weight and prevents deformation that could otherwise compromise penetration. This attention to detail in construction directly translates to predictable performance in the field, a quality that is paramount for any serious hunter or shooter.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Swift Bullet Company
• Bullet Type: Spitzer (sem Spitzer nose)
• Caliber: .35 Remington
• Projectile Caliber: .35 Caliber (specifically .358 diameter)
• Jacket Material: Pure Copper
• Bullet Quantity: 50 Bullet per box

These specifications paint a clear picture of a high-quality projectile. The .358 diameter is standard for .35 Remington and other .35 caliber applications. The pure copper jacket is known for its toughness and reduced fouling compared to gilding metal. The 50 bullet quantity is typical for premium rifle bullets, and while it might seem like a smaller count than bulk plinking rounds, it reflects the specialized nature and manufacturing precision involved. The sem Spitzer nose is a compromise between ballistic efficiency and magazine compatibility, which is ideal for lever-action rifles.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of any bullet is to deliver a projectile accurately and with predictable terminal effects. The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .35 cal .358 AFSS excel in this regard, particularly for medium-game applications. Accuracy was consistently excellent, and more importantly, terminal performance was outstanding. Upon impact, the sem Spitzer nose initiated controlled expansion, and the A-frame design ensured that the bullet did not fragment, instead opening into a mushroom shape that maintained significant mass for deep penetration.

The strengths lie in its controlled expansion and exceptional weight retention, leading to reliable pass-throughs on game of appropriate size. Its weakness, if one can call it that, is that its effectiveness is velocity-dependent, though the A-frame design mitigates this more effectively than many other bullets. For ranges beyond 200 yards where velocities drop significantly, I would opt for a different bullet profile. However, for the .35 Remington’s typical hunting range, it performs exceptionally well.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the A-Frame bullet is its defining characteristic. The sem Spitzer lead nose, protected by the jacket, is a smart feature that prevents deformation during handling in a tubular magazine. This is a crucial ergonomic consideration for lever-action rifle shooters who rely on smooth feeding. The pure copper jacket offers a slicker surface for flight and is durable.

The wraparound jacket on the base is a subtle but significant design element. It reinforces the rear of the bullet, ensuring that it maintains its integrity through the target, thus promoting deep penetration. While bullet “ergonomics” are different from, say, a firearm’s grip, the precise manufacturing and consistent dimensions contribute to a smooth feeding experience and predictable flight path.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .35 cal .358 AFSS is exceptional. The construction suggests a bullet that can withstand the rigors of being carried in a rifle’s magazine, cycled repeatedly, and exposed to typical environmental conditions without compromising its integrity. I have not experienced any issues with jacket separation, core slippage, or deformation from normal handling.

Maintenance related to these bullets is minimal. Standard bore cleaning after shooting sessions is all that’s required. The pure copper jacket tends to leave less fouling than jacketed lead bullets, simplifying the cleaning process. I anticipate these bullets will hold their ballistic properties for a very long time if stored properly.

Accessories and Customization Options

As rifle bullets, the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .35 cal .358 AFSS are not typically associated with external accessories or customization in the same way a firearm might be. Their “customization” comes from the manufacturer’s design and construction. The primary “accessories” that enhance their use are the appropriate firearms they are chambered for, such as the .35 Remington, and quality reloading components if one chooses to handload them.

For those reloading, the precise diameter and consistent weight of these bullets are key. The 50 Bullet quantity in each box allows for careful load development without purchasing excessive amounts. The inherent design of the bullet, with its sem Spitzer nose and wraparound jacket, serves as its own form of advanced “customization” for terminal ballistics.

Pros and Cons of Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .35 cal .358 AFSS

Who Should Buy Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .35 cal .358 AFSS?

These bullets are an outstanding choice for hunters who primarily use firearms chambered in .35 Remington or other .35 caliber cartridges for medium to large game. They are particularly suited for those who hunt in dense cover or at moderate ranges where predictable, deep-penetrating performance is crucial. If you own a classic lever-action rifle and demand reliable ammunition that won’t deform in the magazine, these are an excellent option.

Individuals who prioritize bullet integrity and weight retention over extreme long-range ballistics will find great value here. Those who are reloading and seek a bullet that offers predictable expansion and deep penetration across a moderate velocity range should also consider them. Users who frequently chamber and de-chamber rounds, or carry loaded magazines for extended periods, will appreciate the durability of the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .35 cal .358 AFSS.

Conclusion on Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .35 cal .358 AFSS

The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets .35 cal .358 AFSS represent a pinnacle of bullet design for their intended purpose. They deliver on the promise of controlled expansion and exceptional weight retention, providing the confidence needed for critical shots on game. The combination of accurate flight, reliable feeding, and devastating terminal ballistics makes them a superb choice for any hunter serious about ethical harvests.

While their price is higher than basic ammunition, the performance and reliability they offer justify the investment, especially for those who cannot afford to compromise on critical hunting scenarios. I would wholeheartedly recommend these bullets to anyone seeking superior terminal performance from their .35 caliber rifle, particularly for medium game. If you value consistency, penetration, and a bullet that can withstand the demands of a hunting rifle, these Swift A-Frames are a worthwhile consideration.