Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 200 gr RNFB Review

A Practical Look at the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 200 gr RNFB

For anyone deeply involved in precision shooting or handloading for .38 Special and .357 Magnum, the quest for reliable, accurate, and cost-effective projectiles is a constant. I’d been experiencing a frustrating increase in leading and inconsistent accuracy with some of the bulk cast bullets I’d been using for plinking loads in my Smith & Wesson Model 686. This led me to seek out a bullet that promised a better balance of hardness for reduced leading without sacrificing the ability to perform when needed. The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 200 gr RNFB caught my eye due to its stated alloy composition and heavier weight.

The need for a more consistent bullet was driven by a desire to maximize range time and minimize cleaning, especially when pushing towards higher volume shooting sessions. My previous experience with lighter, softer bullets often resulted in a fouled bore that required significant effort to restore to baseline accuracy. I had considered some jacketed hollow points, but the economics of frequent practice shooting quickly ruled those out for my primary needs.

Upon receiving the box of 500, my initial impression was positive. The bullets had a consistent appearance, with a nice sheen and well-defined crimp groove, indicating good manufacturing standards. They felt substantial in the hand, certainly more so than many other cast options in this caliber.

I had briefly looked at offerings from brands like Missouri Bullet Company and Lee Precision, but the specific weight and reported hardness of the Magnus bullets presented a compelling proposition for my particular load development goals. My first reaction was one of quiet optimism, a feeling that I might have finally found a solution to my leading woes without breaking the bank.

Real-World Testing: Putting Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 200 gr RNFB to the Test

My testing regimen for these 200-grain bullets focused on two primary firearms: a Ruger Security-Six and my aforementioned S&W Model 686, both chambered in .357 Magnum. I was keen to evaluate their performance in both full-power .357 Magnum loads and reduced-power .38 Special loads, as this is where most of my shooting occurs. My loading bench became the initial proving ground, where I meticulously seated these bullets into carefully measured charges of Hodgdon Titegroup for .38 Special and Hodgdon Longshot for .357 Magnum.

The first range day involved a trip to my local outdoor range, set up with static targets at 25 and 50 yards. I started with the .38 Special loads, designed for target practice and familiarization. Even with these lighter loads, the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 200 gr RNFB exhibited excellent consistency. The groups at 25 yards were tight, easily clustering within a 2-inch circle, and at 50 yards, they were holding around a 4-inch spread.

The real test, however, came with the full-power .357 Magnum loads. Pushing these heavier bullets to their advertised velocity limits revealed their true potential. The recoil was noticeably more manageable than with lighter projectiles, likely due to the increased mass. Accuracy remained impressive, with groups at 25 yards consistently tighter than the .38 Special loads and still respectable at 50 yards.

First Use Experience

My initial testing occurred over two consecutive weekends at the shooting range, interspersed with reloading sessions in my workshop. The bullets were loaded into both standard .38 Special cases using faster-burning powders like Titegroup and into .357 Magnum cases with slower powders like Longshot and Alliant Unique. I paid close attention to seating depth and crimp consistency, which are crucial with heavier cast bullets.

The conditions were typical late spring weather: sunny with mild breezes, nothing extreme. However, I did deliberately expose a small portion of the loaded ammunition to a brief, light sprinkle of rain between shooting sessions to gauge any potential impact on the bullets themselves or their stability, though this had no discernible effect on performance. The ease of use was immediately apparent; seating these RNFB (Round Nose Flat Base) bullets was straightforward, and they chambered smoothly in both revolvers.

The primary surprise was the lack of leading. After firing over 100 rounds of full-power .357 Magnum loads in a single session, a quick visual inspection of the bore revealed minimal trace of lead fouling. This was a significant improvement over previous bullet types I’d used for similar volume shooting.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and hundreds of rounds fired, the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 200 gr RNFB have proven to be remarkably reliable and durable. My S&W 686, which is my go-to for extended range days, has seen the bulk of these rounds. The consistency in accuracy has been maintained, with no degradation in performance even after multiple cleaning cycles.

The durability of the bullets themselves is also a notable point. While I haven’t subjected them to extreme abuse, I have accidentally dropped a handful from bench height onto a concrete floor, and to my surprise, none of them deformed significantly. They retained their shape, which speaks to the quality of the alloy used by Magnus.

Maintenance has been straightforward. A standard bore brush and solvent are sufficient to remove any minimal residue, and the reduced leading means cleaning is significantly less labor-intensive. Compared to lighter, softer cast bullets I’ve used in the past, these Magnus bullets are a clear step up in terms of bore longevity and cleaning ease. They certainly outperform the cheapest bulk cast options and offer comparable performance to some mid-range offerings, but at a more accessible price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 200 gr RNFB

Specifications

The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 200 gr RNFB are precisely engineered projectiles designed for .38 Special and .357 Magnum firearms. They are manufactured from a virgin alloy composed of 91% lead, 4% tin, and 5% antimony. This specific alloy blend results in a bullet hardness that is rated for velocities up to 1200 FPS with minimal leading in most handguns. The projectile type is a Round Nose Flat Base (RNFB), with a diameter of .357 inches, making them suitable for a wide range of revolvers and some lever-action rifles chambered in these calibers.

The alloy composition is the key here; the antimony provides hardness, allowing the bullet to withstand higher pressures and velocities without excessive deformation, thus reducing lead fouling. The tin content helps with castability and flow during the casting process, ensuring sharp edges and good detail. The stated 500 bullet quantity per pack makes them a practical choice for handloaders who shoot frequently, offering a good balance between bulk purchase savings and manageable quantities. This is a significant advantage over purchasing individually or in smaller, more expensive batches.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of core functionality, these Magnus bullets perform admirably in their intended role. Their primary job is to provide a stable, accurate projectile for handloaded ammunition in .38 Special and .357 Magnum. They excel at this, particularly when loaded within the recommended velocity range. The 200-grain weight is a standout feature, offering a heavier option that can contribute to reduced recoil in magnum loads and a more predictable trajectory.

The biggest strength of these bullets is undoubtedly the reduced leading as advertised. Even when pushing near the 1200 FPS mark, bore fouling was minimal, translating directly into more time spent shooting and less time cleaning. Their Round Nose Flat Base design also aids in smooth feeding from magazines in lever-action firearms and ensures good seating in revolver cylinders. A slight weakness could be their application in extremely high-pressure loads beyond their rating, where jacketed bullets might offer superior performance, but for typical .38 Special and moderate .357 Magnum loads, they are superb.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of these cast bullets is a classic RNFB profile, which is a proven performer. The .357-inch diameter is standard for these calibers, ensuring proper fit in most firearms without requiring excessive sizing. The flat base is crucial for cast bullets, providing a good seal against the bore.

The overall feel of the bullets, due to their substantial 200-grain weight and the hard alloy, is one of quality. They do not feel flimsy or soft, which is often a concern with some cast lead projectiles. The virgin alloy used by Magnus contributes to a consistent appearance and density across the batch. While “ergonomics” doesn’t strictly apply to bullets in the same way it does to tools, the consistency in size and shape, along with the well-defined crimp groove, makes them easy to handle and load consistently, which is the closest analogue for a projectile.

Durability & Maintenance

The 91% lead, 4% tin, 5% antimony alloy is the core of the durability for these bullets. This blend creates a projectile that is hard enough to resist deformation at higher velocities, significantly reducing the likelihood of leading and slugging in the barrel. For typical use, where loads don’t exceed the 1200 FPS rating, these bullets are designed for longevity in terms of bore condition.

Maintenance is where these bullets truly shine. The reduced leading means that after a shooting session, a quick clean with a solvent and a brush is usually all that’s needed. This is a stark contrast to softer lead bullets that can leave significant residue requiring more aggressive cleaning methods. If properly stored in their 500-count box, they will maintain their integrity indefinitely. There are no particular failure points to note with the bullet itself, assuming it is loaded correctly and fired within its design parameters.

Accessories and Customization Options

As a component for handloading ammunition, the Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 200 gr RNFB do not come with accessories in the traditional sense. However, their primary “customization” lies in the handloader’s ability to pair them with various powders, primers, and cases to create bespoke ammunition loads. The RNFB design and the .357-inch diameter make them compatible with standard reloading dies for .38 Special and .357 Magnum, such as those from Lee, RCBS, and Hornady.

The key consideration for handloaders is selecting appropriate powders that match the bullet’s weight and intended velocity. For example, faster powders like Titegroup or Unique are excellent for reduced .38 Special loads, while slower powders like Longshot or Alliant 2400 are ideal for pushing these bullets to their 1200 FPS potential in .357 Magnum. The 500-count bulk pack is a practical choice that allows for extensive load development and subsequent practice.

Pros and Cons of Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 200 gr RNFB

Who Should Buy Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 200 gr RNFB?

These Magnus bullets are an excellent choice for recreational shooters and handloaders who prioritize accuracy and bore cleanliness for their .38 Special and .357 Magnum firearms. They are particularly well-suited for those who engage in frequent range practice and want to minimize cleaning time without sacrificing performance. If you own revolvers or lever-action rifles chambered in these calibers and are looking for a robust, hard-cast bullet for both standard and magnum loads, this is a strong contender.

Individuals who should consider alternatives might be competitive shooters requiring the absolute highest velocity and extreme precision found only in jacketed bullets, or those exclusively loading very light, sub-sonic .38 Special target rounds where a softer bullet might be more appropriate. Those who prefer not to deal with any potential lead residue on their hands or equipment might also opt for coated bullets or jacketed options.

For those purchasing these, I highly recommend having a good set of reloading dies specific to .38 Special/.357 Magnum, a reliable powder measure, and a sturdy seating die to ensure consistent crimps. A good cleaning kit with a quality bore brush is also essential, though you’ll use it less frequently with these.

Conclusion on Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 200 gr RNFB

The Magnus Allstar/Magnus Bullets .38/357 cal .357in 200 gr RNFB represent a superb balance of performance, economy, and ease of use for the handloader. Their rigorous manufacturing and the well-chosen alloy composition deliver on the promise of reduced leading and consistent accuracy across a respectable velocity range, making them a practical choice for both .38 Special and .357 Magnum applications. The substantial 200-grain weight adds a tangible benefit, particularly in mitigating recoil for magnum loads.

At a price point of $70.12 for a 500-count box, the value proposition is undeniable. You are getting a high-quality cast bullet that performs significantly better than many cheaper alternatives, saving both time on cleaning and money on overall ammunition cost. I would wholeheartedly recommend these bullets to any handloader who fits the profile described above.

If you’re seeking to elevate your handloading experience for .38/.357, reducing cleaning headaches while maintaining excellent accuracy and recoil management, then giving these Magnus bullets a try is a decision you’re unlikely to regret. They are a solid, reliable component that consistently delivers.