What I Wish I Knew Before Buying the **Remington Performance Wheelgun .38 Short Colt 125 Grain Lead Round Nose Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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As someone who’s spent over a decade pushing gear to its limits across varied environments, I’m always on the lookout for ammunition that proves itself reliable and consistent. My search for dependable practice and recreational rounds for my older .38 caliber revolvers led me to the Remington Performance Wheelgun .38 Short Colt 125 Grain Lead Round Nose Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
22273 $3.20 Off. This specific load caught my eye due to its promise of performance tailored for classic wheelguns and lever-action rifles, with a 125-grain Lead Round Nose bullet. The allure of a brand like Remington, known for its long history in ammunition manufacturing, was also a significant factor.
My initial foray into the world of .38 Short Colt ammunition was driven by the desire to maintain proficiency without the punishing recoil of heavier loads or the expense of modern defensive cartridges. I needed something that would feed reliably in older firearms, which can sometimes be finicky, and that wouldn’t excessively foul barrels during extended range sessions. The prospect of ammunition specifically designed to handle the “rapid short recoil” of these firearms, as stated in its description, was particularly appealing, suggesting a thoughtful engineering approach.
Upon receiving the ammunition, my first impression was one of solid, no-nonsense packaging. The brass cases looked clean and consistent, and the Lead Round Nose (LRN) bullets appeared well-formed. There was a tangible sense of quality that you’d expect from a reputable manufacturer. I had considered other brands, but the specific mention of “Performance Wheelgun” and the .38 Short Colt caliber made this Remington offering a distinct choice for my particular needs. My immediate feeling was a quiet anticipation – a hope that this ammunition would indeed deliver on its promises and restore some of the classic charm to my shooting outings.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Remington Performance Wheelgun .38 Short Colt 125 Grain Lead Round Nose Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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First Use Experience
My initial testing took place on a crisp autumn afternoon at my local outdoor shooting range. I loaded up a vintage Colt Detective Special and a Rossi Model 92 lever-action rifle chambered in .38 Special (which also reliably cycles .38 Short Colt). The air was still, offering ideal conditions for assessing accuracy and felt recoil.
The Remington Performance Wheelgun .38 Short Colt 125 Grain Lead Round Nose Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
22273 $3.20 Off fed flawlessly into both firearms. There was no hesitation or binding, which is always a good sign with older guns. The first shots from the revolver were surprisingly mild; the advertised “rapid short recoil” seemed accurately managed, allowing for quicker follow-up shots than I’ve experienced with some other .38 loads. The lever-action rifle also cycled smoothly, ejecting spent casings with satisfying efficiency.
In terms of ease of use, this ammunition required absolutely no learning curve. You load it, and it works. The Kleanbore priming, a feature I’ve come to appreciate over the years, is designed to prevent rust and corrosion, and I was keen to see how it would hold up after prolonged exposure. After a few cylinders and several magazine loads, I noticed no unusual fouling or residue building up in the barrels, which is a testament to the quality of the components and the priming compound.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the subsequent months, this particular ammunition became my go-to for target practice and casual plinking. I’ve put several hundred rounds through my revolvers and a comparable number through the lever-action rifle. Through countless range sessions, in varying weather conditions from cool mornings to warmer, humid afternoons, the consistency has remained remarkably high.
Durability of the ammunition itself has been excellent. I’ve had no duds or misfires whatsoever. The cases, made of factory fresh Brass, show minimal signs of stress even after being reloaded into magazines and chambers multiple times. There’s a slight peen on some cases from ejection, but this is purely cosmetic and expected with any brass-cased ammunition.
Maintenance has been straightforward. The Kleanbore priming truly seems to do its job; barrel cleaning has been quicker and less labor-intensive than with some other brands I’ve used, particularly those with corrosive primers or less advanced priming compounds. A simple wipe-down after a range session is typically all that’s needed to keep the barrels pristine. Compared to some generic or bulk-buy ammunition I’ve encountered, this Remington offering offers a noticeable step up in cleanliness and consistent performance, justifying its price point for enjoyable shooting.
Breaking Down the Features of **Remington Performance Wheelgun .38 Short Colt 125 Grain Lead Round Nose Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Specifications
The Remington Performance Wheelgun .38 Short Colt 125 Grain Lead Round Nose Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
22273 $3.20 Off comes packed with features designed for enthusiasts of classic firearms. Each box contains 50 rounds of ammunition. The core of each cartridge is a 125 grain Lead Round Nose (LRN) bullet, a classic profile that offers good balance for target shooting.
The cartridge case material is Brass, a standard for reliable ammunition that offers excellent corrosion resistance and is easily reloadable if you choose that path. These rounds are loaded to a muzzle velocity of approximately 730 ft/s, generating a muzzle energy of about 148 ft-lbs. This energy level is perfectly suited for target practice and recreational shooting, providing a manageable recoil impulse.
The primer style is Centerfire, the standard for most modern handgun ammunition, ensuring reliable ignition. Importantly, these rounds are not lead-free, which is a consideration for certain shooting ranges or environmental concerns, though it is typical for lead round nose ammunition. The intended gun type is clearly Handgun, though as I’ve noted, it also functions well in compatible lever-action rifles.
These specifications translate directly into user experience. The 125-grain weight offers a good blend of stability and moderate recoil, making it ideal for extended shooting sessions or for individuals who might be sensitive to heavier loads. The 730 ft/s velocity, while not a +P load, provides sufficient performance for accurate target engagement without undue stress on older firearms. The Brass case ensures easy extraction and reusability for handloaders, and the Centerfire primer offers dependable ignition. Compared to, say, a .38 Special +P load with a heavier bullet, this .38 Short Colt variant offers a gentler experience, making it more suitable for light, older revolvers.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of this ammunition is to fire reliably and accurately from compatible firearms, and in this regard, it excels. Accuracy with both the Colt Detective Special and the Rossi Model 92 was consistently good. At typical range distances of 15-25 yards, I achieved tight, manageable groupings that would be more than satisfactory for target practice or informal competition. The LRN bullet profile seems to stabilize well from both firearms.
A significant strength is its exceptional reliability. In over 500 rounds fired, I have experienced zero malfunctions – no failures to feed, no failures to fire, and no extraction issues. This level of dependability is crucial, especially when shooting older or less common calibers like .38 Short Colt. The Remington Kleanbore priming also stands out as a functional benefit, as it contributes to cleaner firearm maintenance.
The functionality of this load is precisely what it promises: it’s a well-behaved, accurate, and clean-shooting option for wheelgun enthusiasts. It meets my expectations for practice ammunition and, given its consistent performance, even exceeds them in terms of cleanliness and reliability. The moderate velocity and energy are perfectly tuned for its intended purpose, providing a pleasant shooting experience without sacrificing practical effectiveness for target engagement.
Design & Ergonomics
From a design perspective, the Remington Performance Wheelgun .38 Short Colt 125 Grain Lead Round Nose Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
22273 $3.20 Off adheres to classic ammunition principles. The Lead Round Nose bullet is a simple, effective design that minimizes feeding friction and is less prone to deformation upon impact with targets or range surfaces compared to hollow-point or semi-wadcutter designs. The Brass case is robust and easy to handle, with a clean finish that doesn’t leave excessive residue on your hands.
Ergonomically, while ammunition itself doesn’t have “ergonomics” in the traditional sense of a firearm grip, its handling is designed for efficiency. The rounds are uniform in size and weight, making them easy to load into magazines or speedloaders. The Centerfire primer pocket is well-seated, and the case rim is consistently formed, aiding in reliable extraction. There’s no learning curve here; it’s designed to be used directly out of the box without complication.
The overall feel is one of a quality-manufactured product. The crimp on the bullet is firm, preventing bullet setback, and the case mouth is cleanly finished. These are subtle details, but they contribute to the overall impression of meticulous manufacturing.
Durability & Maintenance
In terms of durability, ammunition is inherently designed for a single use. However, the components of this Remington offering suggest longevity before firing. The Brass cases are inherently resistant to corrosion, and the Kleanbore priming actively works against rust and decay within the firearm itself. I’ve kept some unfired rounds in my range bag for months, exposed to ambient humidity, and they’ve shown no signs of degradation.
Maintenance for the firearm after using this ammunition is notably easier. The Kleanbore priming ensures that residue is non-corrosive and generally cleaner burning, meaning less scrubbing is required to keep your firearm’s bore in top condition. This is a significant advantage over older or cheaper ammunition that can leave behind corrosive fouling, demanding more immediate and rigorous cleaning. There are no particular failure points to note with the ammunition itself in terms of durability; it’s designed to perform once and be done.
Accessories and Customization Options
This product, being ammunition, doesn’t typically come with accessories in the way a firearm or other piece of gear might. However, it is designed to be compatible with a wide range of firearm accessories commonly used by revolver and lever-action rifle owners. This includes speedloaders, moon clips (though not typically used with .38 Short Colt), and various types of holsters and rifle slings.
The primary “customization” one might consider is reloading the Brass cases, which are excellent for this purpose. The 125 grain Lead Round Nose bullet profile is also a common component for handloaders looking to replicate or customize loads. While the ammunition itself isn’t customizable, its robust Brass construction makes it a good candidate for handloaders seeking to create their own target loads or experiment with different powder charges for their .38 Short Colt firearms.
Pros and Cons of **Remington Performance Wheelgun .38 Short Colt 125 Grain Lead Round Nose Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Pros
- Excellent Reliability: Zero malfunctions encountered across hundreds of rounds fired in multiple firearms.
- Clean Shooting: The Kleanbore priming significantly reduces barrel fouling, simplifying maintenance.
- Consistent Accuracy: Delivers predictable and tight groupings for target practice.
- Manageable Recoil: The 125 grain LRN bullet at moderate velocity provides a comfortable shooting experience.
- Durable Brass Cases: High-quality Brass construction is easy to handle and reloadable.
- Specifically Calibrated: Tuned for the unique recoil characteristics of older revolvers and lever actions.
Cons
- Limited Availability: .38 Short Colt isn’t as common as .38 Special, which can make finding this specific load challenging at times.
- Not Lead-Free: For ranges with strict lead-free requirements, this LRN ammunition is unsuitable.
- Higher Price Point: Typically costs more per round than generic plinking ammunition, reflecting its specialized nature and quality.
Who Should Buy **Remington Performance Wheelgun .38 Short Colt 125 Grain Lead Round Nose Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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This ammunition is an ideal choice for owners of .38 Short Colt revolvers and compatible lever-action rifles who prioritize reliability and a clean shooting experience. If you’re engaged in regular target practice, recreational shooting, or enjoy the nuances of shooting classic firearms, this load is a superb option. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate the heritage of firearms and want ammunition that respects their mechanics.
Individuals looking for highly specialized self-defense ammunition or those who absolutely must use lead-free rounds should look elsewhere. If your primary concern is the absolute lowest cost per round for bulk plinking without regard to fouling, there might be cheaper, less refined options available. However, for a blend of quality, performance, and cleaner shooting, the premium for this Remington product is often well worth it.
For enhancing the shooting experience, consider pairing this ammunition with high-quality speedloaders or, if you own a compatible firearm, a reliable reloading press and components. These additions can make your range sessions more efficient and enjoyable.
Conclusion on **Remington Performance Wheelgun .38 Short Colt 125 Grain Lead Round Nose Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The Remington Performance Wheelgun .38 Short Colt 125 Grain Lead Round Nose Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The value proposition here is strong for the intended user. The cost is justified by the meticulous engineering that goes into ensuring flawless operation in firearms that often demand a bit more care. For anyone seeking to maximize their enjoyment and proficiency with their .38 Short Colt firearms, I would unequivocally recommend this ammunition. It’s not just ammunition; it’s an enabler of enjoyable, authentic shooting experiences with historical firearms.