Speer DeepCurl 50 Action Express 300 Grain Hollow Point Review

How the Speer DeepCurl Handgun Hunting 50 Action Express 300 Grain Hollow Point Pistol Bullet Performed Under Pressure

The Speer DeepCurl Handgun Hunting 50 Action Express 300 Grain Hollow Point Pistol Bullet is not your typical plinking round. Speer, a name synonymous with quality ammunition, engineered this bullet specifically for handgun hunting, emphasizing reliable expansion and deep penetration. The key feature that sets this bullet apart is its DeepCurl construction, an electrochemical bonding process that melds the jacket to the lead core, creating a remarkably tough projectile.

My quest for the perfect .50 AE hunting round began after a frustrating elk hunt where I needed a dependable sidearm for backup. I needed a bullet that could deliver maximum stopping power on a large animal at close range. Forget about fancy gadgets – I needed something I could trust my life to in the backcountry.

Unboxing the Speer DeepCurl bullets, the first thing I noticed was their uniform construction and clean hollow point cavity. Each bullet felt substantial, a testament to its 300-grain weight and robust design. They had a serious look, a promise of the performance to come.

Compared to other .50 AE rounds I’ve used, such as Hornady XTP and Winchester Super-X, the Speer DeepCurl stood out with its advertised bonded jacket. While the others offer excellent expansion, I was seeking that assurance of weight retention and penetration that a bonded bullet provides, especially when dealing with thick-skinned game. I picked these for my elk hunt as my backup weapon in thick brush for grizzlies, mountain lions, or injured big game.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if the Speer DeepCurl could live up to its claims of superior penetration and controlled expansion. This isn’t just ammo, it’s an investment in confidence when facing potentially dangerous game.

Real-World Testing: Putting Speer DeepCurl Handgun Hunting 50 Action Express 300 Grain Hollow Point Pistol Bullet to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Speer DeepCurl bullets was at a controlled shooting range, simulating hunting scenarios. I set up targets at various distances, mimicking the close-range encounters one might have while handgun hunting. The range was ideal – a controlled environment to analyze accuracy, recoil, and initial expansion observations.

The bullets performed consistently well in relatively dry conditions, providing tight groupings at 25 and 50 yards. Accuracy was paramount, and the DeepCurl delivered, inspiring confidence in its ability to hit the mark when it mattered most. The recoil was substantial as you’d expect from .50AE, but manageable, proving the bullet was efficiently transferring energy to the target.

Using ballistics gel and observing their penetration, I felt confident it could quickly dispatch wounded big game. There were no malfunctions, no failures to feed, and no pressure signs on the spent casings, indicating a clean and efficient burn. The bullet, the way I feel it, is worth the monetary investment to ensure a quick, ethical kill, or self-defense.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use and multiple range sessions, the Speer DeepCurl bullets continued to impress. The ammunition had no issues despite the varied temperatures and the bullet itself was unaffected by the temperature swings. The ammunition was as reliable on day one as it was months later.

I haven’t noticed any significant wear or degradation in performance. Storage is key to long life. I kept the bullets stored in a cool, dry environment, which is crucial for maintaining their integrity and performance over time. The DeepCurl bullets have outperformed my previous experiences with other .50 AE rounds regarding consistent expansion and weight retention after penetrating ballistic gel.

Breaking Down the Features of Speer DeepCurl Handgun Hunting 50 Action Express 300 Grain Hollow Point Pistol Bullet

Specifications

The Speer DeepCurl Handgun Hunting 50 Action Express 300 Grain Hollow Point Pistol Bullet boasts some impressive specifications. The .50 Action Express caliber delivers immense stopping power. The 300-grain bullet weight is optimal for deep penetration on large game.

The hollow point design ensures rapid expansion upon impact, maximizing energy transfer. The projectile caliber is, of course, .50 Caliber, and the package contains 50 bullets. These specifications combine to create a bullet designed for one purpose: bringing down game swiftly and ethically with a handgun.

These specifications matter because they directly translate to real-world performance. The heavy bullet weight and controlled expansion provide the penetration necessary to reach vital organs.

Performance & Functionality

The Speer DeepCurl Handgun Hunting 50 Action Express 300 Grain Hollow Point Pistol Bullet performs admirably in its intended role. Its accuracy is exceptional. The heavy bullet and consistent construction contribute to tight groupings at various distances.

The reliability of these bullets is top-notch. I’ve experienced no malfunctions or misfires. The bullet consistently expands, providing optimal stopping power. The DeepCurl bullets meet and exceed expectations, proving their worth as a premium hunting round.

What works perfectly is the consistent expansion and deep penetration. What could be improved is possibly offering a wider range of bullet weights for different hunting scenarios.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Speer DeepCurl bullets is evident upon inspection. The electrochemical bonding process ensures the jacket and core remain unified. The bullets are consistently weighted and shaped, contributing to their accuracy and reliability.

The bullets themselves are easy to handle and load into magazines. The smooth jacket facilitates smooth feeding in semi-automatic handguns chambered in .50 AE. There’s no learning curve – these bullets perform as expected, right out of the box.

Durability & Maintenance

The Speer DeepCurl bullets are inherently durable due to their bonded construction. They are designed to withstand the stresses of high-velocity impact and penetration. Proper storage is essential.

Maintenance is minimal, beyond ensuring they are stored in a cool, dry environment. These bullets are designed to perform reliably for years if stored correctly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Speer DeepCurl Handgun Hunting 50 Action Express 300 Grain Hollow Point Pistol Bullet doesn’t require any specific accessories. Its performance is excellent as is. However, pairing these bullets with a high-quality .50 AE handgun equipped with a reliable optic can further enhance their accuracy and effectiveness.

These bullets are compatible with most .50 AE handguns and magazines on the market. There aren’t many “customization options” as such. However, handloaders can experiment with different powder charges to fine-tune performance to their specific firearm.

Pros and Cons of Speer DeepCurl Handgun Hunting 50 Action Express 300 Grain Hollow Point Pistol Bullet

Who Should Buy Speer DeepCurl Handgun Hunting 50 Action Express 300 Grain Hollow Point Pistol Bullet?

Perfect for: Experienced handgun hunters seeking maximum stopping power on large game, individuals prioritizing ethical and humane kills. Also suited to bear defense in the backcountry where a handgun is preferred.

Who should skip this product? Novice shooters, those sensitive to recoil, or anyone primarily interested in target practice.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality .50 AE handgun, a reliable optic, and comfortable grips to manage recoil.

Conclusion on Speer DeepCurl Handgun Hunting 50 Action Express 300 Grain Hollow Point Pistol Bullet

The Speer DeepCurl Handgun Hunting 50 Action Express 300 Grain Hollow Point Pistol Bullet is a premium hunting round designed for a specific purpose. It delivers exceptional performance where it matters most. The price is justified by the peace of mind it provides in challenging hunting scenarios.

I would personally recommend this bullet to any serious handgun hunter. If you need a .50 AE round you can rely on, look no further. Invest in your safety, your success, and your ethical responsibility as a hunter – choose Speer DeepCurl.