Magtech lists its First Defense Tactical 147-grain FMJ in its tactical and training line. It is a practice load for drills, zero checks and steel. The bullet is a plain full metal jacket with a G1 BC of .398, and it leaves the muzzle at 2,729 fps. That mild start keeps its kick light.

Compared with Winchester's M80 149-grain FMJ, the Magtech falls behind at long range. At 500 yards, a steady 10 mph wind blowing across the range pushes the Magtech about 25 inches sideways and the Winchester about 21. Zeroed at 100 yards, the Magtech drops about 62 inches at 500; the Winchester about 55. The Winchester also kicks about 5 percent harder in the same rifle. Compared with PMC's X-TAC 147-grain FMJBT, the Magtech starts 71 fps slower at the same bullet weight, and the X-TAC kicks about 3 percent harder.

Buy the Magtech if you want a light-kicking 147-grain load for long practice sessions at 100 to 300 yards, where the gaps are small. Pick Winchester's M80 149-grain if you shoot steel at 400 and 500 yards and want less wind drift. Pick PMC's X-TAC 147-grain FMJBT if you want a faster boat-tail bullet; PMC markets X-TAC for professional and tactical use. For hunting, Hornady's American Whitetail 150-grain InterLock is a soft point that Hornady markets for large game; it kicks about 8 percent harder than the Magtech.