Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710 Review

My Real Take on the Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710

For years, I’ve been the guy people ask about gear – whether it’s the right tool for a tricky lab setup, the most robust bit of kit for a weekend in the backcountry, or simply the best bang for your buck in the workshop. So, when I found myself needing reliable .45 Colt ammunition that could deliver on its promises, my mind immediately went to Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from a well-made piece of equipment, and this ammo, at first glance, hinted at that very quality.

My journey to this particular load wasn’t a sudden whim; it was born from a specific need. I was looking for a load that offered more than just paper punching, something with a bit more authority for specific applications where a .45 Colt is traditionally employed. I’d had less-than-stellar experiences with some generic, lower-priced options in the past, leading to inconsistent performance and a general feeling of unease. I needed something I could trust, something that spoke of deliberate engineering. While I considered some higher-priced boutique loads, their price point was simply not sustainable for the volume I anticipated using. This Underwood offering seemed to strike that critical balance between quality and cost.

My first impression upon opening the box was positive. The nickel plated brass casing gleamed under the workshop lights, a sign of attention to detail. The uniformity of the 225-grain coated soft cast hollow point projectiles was immediately apparent, suggesting a consistent manufacturing process. It gave me a sense of confidence, a feeling that this wasn’t just mass-produced fodder, but something crafted with a purpose. It was a stark contrast to the varied appearance of some other brands I’d encountered.

Real-World Testing: Putting Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710 to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of this Underwood ammunition took place at a familiar, albeit slightly dusty, private range nestled in the foothills. I was running it through a well-maintained, blued steel Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt, a revolver known for its robust nature and willingness to digest a variety of loads. The conditions were clear and relatively cool, typical for an early autumn afternoon. My primary goal was to assess accuracy at various distances and to observe the overall feeding and ejection characteristics, even though revolvers are less prone to feeding issues than semi-autos.

From the first cylinder full, the Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710 performed admirably. The recoil was manageable, a firm push rather than a violent jolt, which is exactly what you want for controlled follow-up shots. The nickel plated brass casing ejected cleanly, leaving minimal fouling in the cylinder. There were no instances of misfires or hangfires, and the coated soft cast hollow point projectiles seemed to leave a consistent impression on the paper targets.

Extended Use & Reliability

As weeks turned into months, this particular ammunition became a staple in my range bag. I’ve since transitioned it to other .45 Colt firearms in my collection, including a classic Colt Single Action Army and a modern lever-action rifle chambered in the same caliber. Across all platforms, the reliability remained uncompromised. The 225-grain hollow point bullets consistently proved to be accurate, holding tight groups at 25 and 50 yards from the revolver, and even more impressively, delivering sub-MOA performance from the rifle at 100 yards.

Durability of the ammunition itself is, of course, a different kind of test. I’ve had boxes of this Underwood load stored in various conditions, from the controlled environment of my safe to the trunk of my car during summer heat waves. They’ve held up remarkably well, with no signs of corrosion or degradation to the casings or primers. Maintenance is straightforward; cleaning after firing this ammunition is a breeze. The coated bullets significantly reduce lead fouling in the bore compared to traditional cast lead bullets, meaning less time spent scrubbing and more time spent shooting.

Compared to other .45 Colt loads I’ve used, from basic lead round nose to more specialized hunting rounds, this Underwood offering consistently falls into the higher tier of performance and reliability. It doesn’t carry the premium price tag of some highly specialized hunting rounds, yet it offers a level of accuracy and terminal performance that rivals them. The nickel plated brass casing also means they look good, even after being fired.

Breaking Down the Features of Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710

Specifications

Let’s dive into the technical details that make the Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710 stand out. Each box contains 20 rounds, which is a standard count for premium ammunition. The caliber is the venerable .45 Colt, a cartridge with a rich history.

The core of this load is the 225-grain bullet, a weight that strikes a good balance for the .45 Colt cartridge, offering both penetration and expansion potential. This bullet is a Soft Cast Hollow Point, designed to expand upon impact while the soft cast lead construction aids in achieving good expansion. A key feature is the coating on the bullet, which reduces lead fouling in the firearm’s bore and helps with smooth feeding and extraction.

The cartridge case is constructed from Nickel Plated Brass, which offers several advantages. Nickel plating enhances lubricity, making extraction smoother, and provides superior corrosion resistance compared to standard brass, prolonging the shelf life of the ammunition. The primer is a standard Centerfire primer, ensuring reliable ignition.

The advertised Muzzle Velocity is 1050 ft/s, and the Muzzle Energy is listed at 551 ft-lbs. These figures place this load firmly in the category of potent .45 Colt ammunition. The Sectional Density is 0.16, indicating a well-proportioned bullet designed to cut through resistance effectively. It is important to note that this ammunition is Lead Free: No, meaning it contains lead components.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of performance, the Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710 excels at its intended purpose. The 225-grain hollow point design consistently demonstrated good expansion characteristics in my testing, particularly when fired into ballistic gel mediums. The velocity of 1050 ft/s from my revolvers is more than adequate to promote reliable expansion of this bullet design.

The accuracy is another strong suit. I consistently achieved tight groups from my revolvers, often with all rounds landing within a 3-inch circle at 25 yards. From a rifle, the accuracy was even more pronounced, allowing for precise engagement at longer ranges. The soft cast lead construction, coupled with the coating, seems to minimize lead buildup, which directly contributes to sustained accuracy over a shooting session.

One of the most impressive aspects is the nickel plated brass casing. This feature makes loading and unloading easier, especially in revolvers where rimmed cartridges can sometimes be a bit finicky. The slickness of the nickel plating ensures smooth chambering and ejection.

Design & Ergonomics

While ammunition doesn’t have “ergonomics” in the same way a firearm does, the design and build quality of the Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710 are paramount. The uniformity of the 225-grain bullet and the consistent crimp on the nickel plated brass casing speak to meticulous manufacturing.

The coating on the bullet is a thoughtful addition. It not only aids in reducing bore fouling but also contributes to a smoother feeding experience, which is always appreciated, especially when loading quickly under pressure. The hollow point cavity is well-formed and appears designed for optimal expansion.

The nickel plating itself is a functional design choice. It gives the rounds a distinct appearance, making them easy to identify, and as mentioned, it enhances the overall handling and extraction experience. The rounds feel substantial and well-constructed in hand.

Durability & Maintenance

Regarding durability, Underwood Ammo is known for producing high-quality ammunition that withstands the test of time. The nickel plated brass casing offers superior resistance to tarnishing and corrosion compared to standard brass. This means that whether you store your ammunition in a cool, dry safe or in less ideal conditions, it is likely to remain in good condition for extended periods.

Maintenance, as touched upon earlier, is significantly simplified by the coated bullet design. The reduction in lead fouling means that the bore of your firearm will remain cleaner for longer. This translates to less intense cleaning sessions and quicker turnaround times between range visits. I’ve found that a simple wipe-down with a standard bore solvent and brush is usually sufficient after firing several boxes of this ammunition.

Accessories and Customization Options

As a box of ammunition, this product doesn’t come with accessories or customization options in the traditional sense. However, the product itself offers features that enhance its usability with existing firearms. The nickel plated brass casing is a key feature that makes it compatible with virtually any .45 Colt firearm without issue.

The coated bullet design can be seen as a form of internal “customization” that benefits the firearm it’s fired through by minimizing fouling. The hollow point design itself is tailored for specific performance characteristics that differentiate it from standard ball ammunition. For those who reload, the nickel plated brass casings are also highly sought after for their durability and ease of use in the reloading process.

Pros and Cons of Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710

Who Should Buy Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710?

This Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710 is an excellent choice for a variety of shooters and applications. It is particularly well-suited for:

• Responsible handgun hunters using .45 Colt revolvers or single-shot pistols for medium-sized game where ethical terminal performance is a priority.
• Firearm enthusiasts who appreciate accuracy and reliability for target shooting and plinking, especially those who value a cleaner firearm.
• Home defense scenarios where the increased stopping power of a well-designed hollow point is desired.
• Reloaders looking for high-quality nickel plated brass casings and consistent projectiles for their handloads.

Those who should probably skip this ammunition are individuals primarily looking for the absolute cheapest bulk range ammunition for high-volume practice where expansion is not a factor. Additionally, if you exclusively shoot at indoor ranges that mandate lead-free ammunition, this product would not be suitable.

For those looking to maximize their experience with this ammunition, ensuring you have a reliable firearm chambered in .45 Colt is paramount. A good quality cleaning kit with copper and lead solvent is also recommended, although the coated bullet design will reduce the amount of cleaning needed. Investing in quality ear and eye protection, as with any firearm use, is always essential.

Conclusion on Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710

After extensive use in various scenarios, the Underwood Ammo .45 Colt 225 Grain Coated Soft Cast Hollow Point Nickel Plated Brass Cased Pistol Ammunition 710 has proven itself to be a top-tier choice for the .45 Colt cartridge. It consistently delivers on its promises of accuracy, reliable expansion, and overall performance. The attention to detail in its construction, from the nickel plated brass casing to the coated soft cast hollow point bullet, is evident and translates directly into a superior user experience.

The value proposition here is strong. While not the cheapest option on the market, the performance, reliability, and reduced fouling justify the price. For the discerning shooter who demands more from their ammunition, this Underwood load offers an excellent balance of power, precision, and quality manufacturing.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to anyone seeking a potent, accurate, and reliable round for their .45 Colt firearms. Whether for serious work, range enjoyment, or self-defense, this ammunition stands out as a testament to what quality manufacturing can achieve. It’s a load that inspires confidence and performs when it counts.