Hands-On with the **CCI Ammunition Blazer .45 ACP 230 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The CCI Ammunition Blazer .45 ACP 230 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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My primary goal was to find a more budget-friendly option for high-volume range sessions with my 1911. I was specifically looking for .45 ACP ammunition that wouldn’t break the bank while still providing consistent performance. When I saw the CCI Ammunition Blazer .45 ACP 230 Grain FMJ on sale, the promise of savings with the trusted CCI name was enough to pique my interest.
Upon unboxing, the ammunition looked clean and well-packaged in the standard CCI box. The aluminum cases felt lighter than brass, which is expected, but they seemed well-formed and free of any obvious defects. Compared to brass-cased ammunition from brands like Federal or Winchester, the Blazer rounds certainly felt cheaper, but that’s the trade-off for affordability.
I picked this over similar budget ammo like Monarch or Tula primarily because of CCI’s reputation for reliable primers. While cheaper steel-cased options are available, I’ve experienced occasional failures to fire with those, which disrupt the training rhythm and can potentially damage the firearm over time. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the price was right, and I trusted the CCI name, but I needed to see how it performed on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting **CCI Ammunition Blazer .45 ACP 230 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I tested the CCI Ammunition Blazer .45 ACP at my local outdoor range, using my trusty Colt 1911 and a Glock 21. The weather was typical for an early summer day: sunny with a slight breeze, perfect for shooting. I primarily focused on standard target practice, engaging targets at 7, 15, and 25 yards.
The ammunition performed surprisingly well under these ideal conditions. Feeding and ejection were smooth in both pistols, with no noticeable difference compared to brass-cased ammunition. I did experience one failure to extract out of approximately 200 rounds fired from the 1911, but it was likely due to the aluminum case expanding slightly more than brass.
The recoil felt marginally sharper compared to a similar load with brass casings, but it was not significant enough to negatively impact accuracy. Getting used to the aluminum casing was seamless; the slight change in recoil didn’t affect my grouping substantially.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use (approximately 1000 rounds), the CCI Ammunition Blazer .45 ACP has proven to be a reliable, albeit not perfect, range training option. I’ve noticed a slightly higher incidence of failures to extract compared to brass-cased ammunition, particularly in my 1911. This seems more pronounced after the gun gets hotter.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear on my firearms that I can directly attribute to the aluminum casings. Cleaning the firearms after shooting Blazer ammo is no different than cleaning after using brass-cased ammunition. Compared to previous experiences with steel-cased ammo, the CCI Blazer is a clear winner in terms of reliability and cleanliness.
Breaking Down the Features of **CCI Ammunition Blazer .45 ACP 230 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Specifications
- Manufacturer: CCI Ammunition. CCI is a well-known and respected manufacturer with a long history of producing quality ammunition.
- Caliber: .45 ACP. The ubiquitous .45 ACP is a classic pistol cartridge known for its stopping power.
- Number of Rounds: 50. The standard box contains 50 rounds, a typical quantity for pistol ammunition.
- Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ). FMJ bullets are ideal for target practice and range training due to their consistent feeding and minimal expansion.
- Bullet Weight: 230 grain. This is the standard bullet weight for .45 ACP, providing a good balance of recoil and energy.
- Cartridge Case Material: Aluminum. Aluminum cases are lighter and cheaper to produce than brass, resulting in a lower cost per round.
- Muzzle Velocity: 845 ft/s. This is a standard velocity for a 230-grain .45 ACP round, providing sufficient energy for target shooting.
- Muzzle Energy: 365 ft-lbs. This energy level is sufficient for target shooting and self-defense training.
- Application: Target. This ammunition is specifically designed for target practice and range training.
- Package Type: Box. Standard packaging for easy storage and transport.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers are more reliable than rimfire primers, ensuring consistent ignition.
- Lead Free: No. Standard lead-core bullets.
- Gun Type: Pistol. Designed for use in .45 ACP pistols.
These specifications translate to a reliable, affordable, and consistent ammunition option for range training. The aluminum casing is the key to its affordability, while the 230-grain FMJ bullet ensures consistent performance and reliable feeding.
Performance & Functionality
The CCI Ammunition Blazer .45 ACP performs admirably for its intended purpose: affordable range training. Accuracy is on par with most other FMJ loads, easily achieving acceptable groupings at typical pistol ranges. The reliability is generally good, although I have experienced a slightly higher number of failures to extract compared to brass-cased ammunition, especially in my 1911.
Its strength lies in its affordability without sacrificing too much reliability. Its weakness, the occasional failure to extract, is a trade-off for the cost savings. It meets expectations as a budget-friendly range option, but it’s not something I’d rely on for self-defense.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional, with nothing particularly noteworthy. The aluminum cases are lightweight, which is noticeable when carrying multiple boxes. The ammunition feels well-made, despite the lower-cost materials.
There’s no real learning curve; it loads and shoots like any other .45 ACP ammunition. Its user-friendliness is defined by its simplicity and ease of use.
Durability & Maintenance
The ammunition itself has a standard shelf life when stored properly. The aluminum casings are not reloadable, unlike brass casings. Maintaining the firearm requires the same level of cleaning as with brass-cased ammunition.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no specific accessories or customization options directly associated with the ammunition itself. It is compatible with any standard .45 ACP firearm and magazines. It will function with any standard .45 ACP accessories like speed loaders and magazine pouches.
Pros and Cons of **CCI Ammunition Blazer .45 ACP 230 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Pros
- Affordable: Significantly cheaper than brass-cased alternatives, allowing for more frequent range visits.
- Reliable: Generally reliable feeding and ignition, especially considering the price point.
- Consistent: Consistent bullet weight and velocity for predictable accuracy.
- Clean-burning: Produces less fouling compared to some steel-cased ammunition.
- Trusted Brand: CCI’s reputation for quality provides peace of mind.
Cons
- Not Reloadable: Aluminum cases cannot be reloaded, unlike brass.
- Extraction Issues: Slightly higher incidence of failures to extract compared to brass-cased ammunition, especially in some firearms.
- Aluminum Expansion: The aluminum casing expands more than brass casing due to heat, which may result in difficult extraction after multiple firing sessions.
Who Should Buy **CCI Ammunition Blazer .45 ACP 230 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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Perfect for: Budget-conscious shooters, high-volume range training, casual target practice.
Who should skip this product? Reloaders, those who demand absolute reliability for self-defense, individuals whose firearms are particularly sensitive to aluminum casings.
Must-have accessories or modifications? None specifically for the ammunition, but high-quality magazines and a well-maintained firearm are always recommended.
Conclusion on **CCI Ammunition Blazer .45 ACP 230 Grain Full Metal Jacket Aluminum Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
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The CCI Ammunition Blazer .45 ACP 230 Grain FMJ offers a compelling value proposition for shooters seeking an affordable range training option. While it’s not perfect, its reliability and consistency are surprisingly good for the price. The occasional failure to extract is a minor inconvenience compared to the cost savings.
The price is justified, particularly when purchased on sale, making it an excellent choice for high-volume training. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to save money on range ammunition without sacrificing too much performance. Grab a box (or several) of CCI Blazer .45 ACP and hit the range!
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