Practice ammunition? [Archive]

jslaker

02-28-2011, 10:52 PM

whatever walmart has on their shelves at the time is what I practice with. Usually Federal, WWB, or occasionally UMC. I had a lot less issues when they had Blazer Brass before Federal. I mainly shoot at indoor ranges that dont let you shoot steel or lead.

This is basically me. Once in a blue moon I'll buy a box from the range if I'm pressed for time and can't stop ahead of a practice session, but given they want like $13-14/box for 9mm and $17-18 for .40 (and it's usually Blazer steel at that), I try not to do that too often.

That's actually what's got me looking to change platforms now. I bought my USP in .40 S&W when I was first starting out and before I knew much of anything about terminal balistics; these days I'd rather shoot 50% more 9mm and rely on proficiency rather than caliber.

David

03-01-2011, 12:35 AM

With 357 magnum I have to take what I can find or afford, with 45 acp it's usually WWB or Aguila.

David Armstrong

03-01-2011, 01:08 AM

I'll just go with whoever has the best price on a case whenever I need it. Right now in the ammo closet is mostly Winchester for the .45, S&B for the 9mm, Blazer for the .38, and IMI for the 5.56.

x-man

03-01-2011, 10:17 AM

Yeah, buy from whatever store with the lowest final price on brass cased full power ammo and my guns eat anything I feed so far. Don't want to try steel cased ammo and the aluminum cased ammo is not that much of a saving to me.

LittleLebowski

03-01-2011, 12:08 PM

I use whatever's cheapest. Wolf, UMC, you name it.

TAP

03-01-2011, 01:57 PM

I reload so I can afford to shoot more.

CrossCreekGuns

03-01-2011, 05:21 PM

PMC 9mm 115gr FMJ or S&B 9mm 115gr FMJ-no problems with either.

MTechnik

03-01-2011, 08:05 PM

For my carbine, 62gr brown bear, I have 800 rounds left of it. I did get 1200 rounds of IMI M183 for the Vickers class later this year, just to reduce risk of anything slowing me down.

For my precision upper, PPU 75gr

For my 9mm, UMC/whatever walmart has cheapest

I did get 1200 rounds of IMI M183 for the Vickers class later this year, just to reduce risk of anything slowing me down.

SecondsCount

03-01-2011, 08:57 PM

I reload so I can afford to shoot more.

That is how I do it. 9mm, 40, and 45 cost me less than $110 per thousand.

MTechnik

03-01-2011, 11:08 PM

That is how I do it. 9mm, 40, and 45 cost me less than $110 per thousand.

9mm cost me $160 per 1000 (sale at gander), and took 20 seconds.

if I had the time and space...

SecondsCount

03-01-2011, 11:18 PM

9mm cost me $160 per 1000 (sale at gander), and took 20 seconds.
That's a good price but I bet my ammo is better. ;)

I mainly load 45ACP and that is where I see the big savings.

LittleLebowski

03-01-2011, 11:20 PM

Interesting. Is buying 9mm significantly cheaper than reloading .45 for those of us who value our spare time?

MTechnik

03-01-2011, 11:23 PM

Interesting. Is buying 9mm significantly cheaper than reloading .45 for those of us who value our spare time?

I think if you have the means to buy in bulk far enough ahead... and you have a 3 year old that is a handful, the proposition pays off.

Later in life when I can hand HIM the rake, and I can go pull levers in the garage while listening to the baseball game, maybe.

(can't do it with football, can't not pay attention to the football)

SecondsCount

03-01-2011, 11:47 PM

My 45ACP recipe-

200 grain LRNFP bullets - $64 per thousand
Winchester large primers - $25 per thousand (Wolf are $18 if I wanted to save a few more $$)
Hodgdon Clays powder - $12 per pound - .57 pounds per 1000 = $7
Total - $96 per 1K
All of this is purchased in bulk, typically 5K at a time, and I pickup the empties at the range.

I enjoy reloading and have a press that is capable of doing 500 per hour so it is not a huge amount of time. If I spent the amount of time I do on forums or watching TV then I would have millions of rounds loaded. The quality of ammo is well worth it to me as well but I understand that reloading is not for everybody.

ToddG

03-02-2011, 12:35 PM

I recently ordered 50,000 rounds of Federal AE9DP (115gr FMJ American Eagle) so probably mostly that this year...

jslaker

03-02-2011, 12:48 PM

I recently ordered 50,000 rounds of Federal AE9DP (115gr FMJ American Eagle) so probably mostly that this year...

So this means the next test gun is 9mm, right? ;)

ToddG

03-02-2011, 01:16 PM

So this means the next test gun is 9mm, right? ;)

.380

I also had to order a big hammer.

SecondsCount

03-02-2011, 01:32 PM

I recently ordered 50,000 rounds of Federal AE9DP (115gr FMJ American Eagle) so probably mostly that this year...

Would you mind telling us what you pay per round at that quantity?

ToddG

03-02-2011, 01:36 PM

Would you mind telling us what you pay per round at that quantity?

Not to sound secret squirrel, but the folks at ATK probably wouldn't let me keep buying it direct if I did that. It's probably not as big a discount as you think, though.

SecondsCount

03-02-2011, 01:44 PM

Not to sound secret squirrel, but the folks at ATK probably wouldn't let me keep buying it direct if I did that. It's probably not as big a discount as you think, though.

That's cool, I figured as much and assume it is a better price than you can purchase it for at your local Wally World.

jslaker

03-02-2011, 01:45 PM

.380

I also had to order a big hammer.

http://www.leelofland.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/homemadezipgun.jpg

The next PTC test gun.

BNg47

03-02-2011, 04:23 PM

Georgia Arms canned-heat.

Love the price, love the quality (better than most inexpensive factory loads I've used over the years), and love the free 50 or 30-cal ammo can the ammo comes shipped in.

--Billy

YVK

03-02-2011, 05:42 PM

Gents, what do you know of Geco ammo?

GLOCKMASTER

03-02-2011, 06:20 PM

Personally Remington and Speer mostly but usually whatever I can get for free. When I'm working for Tiger Swan we use Atlantic Arms.

WBower

03-03-2011, 01:07 PM

Usually stick to WWB or UMC, and usually it is 115gr. However, I just ordered 500 rounds of Brown Bear to try out. If it goes will I will grab a few K to keep me going for the summer.

Kyle Reese

03-03-2011, 01:32 PM

Very good ammo. I've experienced two failure to fire malfunctions in an M&P 9 (albeit with Apex competition striker spring). When the OEM striker spring was installed, no more issues.

I buy it whenever I see it offered for sale.

Gents, what do you know of Geco ammo?

John Ralston

03-03-2011, 01:44 PM

I recently ordered 50,000 rounds of Federal AE9DP (115gr FMJ American Eagle) so probably mostly that this year...

You did ship it to NE Washington, didn't you???

ToddG

03-03-2011, 02:49 PM

You did ship it to NE Washington, didn't you???

Yes. FedEx says it will be delivered today, you just need to be outside to sign for it. If they're not there today, be outside tomorrow at 0530 and wait for them. BTW, they said if it's raining, they only talk to guys wearing nothing but a bathing suit. Just FYI, I'd hate for them to return the ammo because you weren't out there to get it.
:cool:

Kyle Reese

03-03-2011, 08:13 PM

I found some PPU 158 grain 9mm FMJ. Gonna shoot it Wednesday evening in my PT gun and post results.

MD7305

03-08-2011, 10:08 AM

What are your opinions on CCI Blazer Aluminum for practice ammo? I've been finding it cheap and I'm thinking of ordering a few cases. I've shot it for years with out issue but I just wanted to see if anybody else has had experience (good or bad) before I order a large qauntity of it. My next choice, price wise, is Speer Lawman. Those are the cheapest non-steel cased options I can find right now for .40s/w.

Kyle Reese

03-08-2011, 10:16 AM

Doughnut,
I've used Blazer Aluminum for years without issue in my 9mm Glocks. It has been functionally reliable in my 9mm M&P's, but had some POI issues (shooting high) on steel at 25 yds during a practice session.

turbolag23

03-08-2011, 10:18 AM

YVK

03-08-2011, 10:25 AM

I've been using aluminum Blazer for some time, and has not had any issues with 9 mm. With 45 I find an occasional deep-seated bullet; the last case I went through had about 12 of them. As GS noted, there is some POI deviation from my carry ammo even in 45 ACP, but I've seen this with most training ammo.

ToddG

03-08-2011, 10:38 AM

I've shot literally hundreds of thousands of rounds of Blazer aluminum. I do not believe for a second it is any less reliable or otherwise less acceptable than brass cased ammo.

Having said that, over the past couple of years ATK's price on Blazer has actually surpassed the price for their bargain brass cased stuff like American Eagle.

David Armstrong

03-08-2011, 03:09 PM

I like the blazer products. ive never had an issue with the aluminum casing stuff and you dont have to worry about collecting it because you cant reload it.
Pet Peeve Alert! Folks, even if you are not going to reload, do us all a favor and collect the empties anyway. Nothing more irritating than going to the range and finding it covered with somebody else's shells.

BigT

03-08-2011, 03:24 PM

My absolute favorite ammo is OPA:) but that can be mighty difficult to come by so unfortunately I normally have to rely on reloads. Though I am not one of those who enjoys reloading. I do it because I enjoy shooting and would only be able to shoot half as much with factory ammo prices here.

Kyle Reese

03-08-2011, 04:15 PM

Can you guys still get Denel 9mm practice ammo?

My absolute favorite ammo is OPA:) but that can be mighty difficult to come by so unfortunately I normally have to rely on reloads. Though I am not one of those who enjoys reloading. I do it because I enjoy shooting and would only be able to shoot half as much with factory ammo prices here.

BigT

03-09-2011, 04:26 AM

Can you guys still get Denel 9mm practice ammo?

Yup PMP are still producing ammo. It's good stuff but expensive. For some reason you can buy it there cheaper than we can here.

Ga Shooter

05-23-2011, 10:48 AM

Anybody shoot Dynamit Nobel (Geco) 124gr. FMJ Ammo? I need a couple of thousand rounds for a class (hopefully) this fall.

ToddG

05-23-2011, 10:52 AM

Hot (Euro spec) but reliable. Fairly high quality compared to the common practice fodder made domestically these days.

JV_

05-23-2011, 10:56 AM

Hot (Euro spec)I've seen some reports of 1150fps from the 124g ...

Ga Shooter

05-23-2011, 11:00 AM

Thanks! AmmotoGo has a good deal on it right now but I had never used it.

JDM

05-23-2011, 11:07 AM

JV_

05-23-2011, 11:09 AM

There is a little shop in Rio Rancho that has damn good prices on guns, and case quantity ammo, so I usually buy about a case a month from them. Right now I'm working on a case of PMC, and before that it was Federal Champion.

I've had bad luck with POI variations by always changing ammo, especially at distance. I normally shoot the same ammo all the time, as long as it's available and price well.

JDM

05-23-2011, 11:19 AM

I've had bad luck with POI variations by always changing ammo, especially at distance. I normally shoot the same ammo all the time, as long as it's available and price well.

I'll keep that in mind.

Ga Shooter

05-23-2011, 11:39 AM

I've seen some reports of 1150fps from the 124g ...

That puts it pretty close to my carry ammo so I am thinking it should be close on the range?

Kyle Reese

05-23-2011, 01:16 PM

Anybody shoot Dynamit Nobel (Geco) 124gr. FMJ Ammo? I need a couple of thousand rounds for a class (hopefully) this fall.

Excellent ammo.

IIRC this is manufactured by RUAG in Switzerland.

John Ralston

05-23-2011, 02:45 PM

Thanks! AmmotoGo has a good deal on it right now but I had never used it.

Thanks for the heads up...ordered a couple cases.

Ga Shooter

05-23-2011, 03:39 PM

Thanks for the heads up...ordered a couple cases.

You're welocme. Just don't buy them out until I get home and can order mine!:D

ACP230

05-23-2011, 09:26 PM

In 9mm I often used Winchester "White Box" FMJs from Walmart.
Federal FMJs have been cheaper so I also have picked up some of them.
Bought a box of RWS a while back and tried it out. Good ammo but more expensive than U.S. brands.

In .45 ACP, .38 Special, .357 and .41 Magnum I mostly use my reloads, almost always made with locally-cast lead bullets.

Corvus

05-31-2011, 11:24 AM

I reload handgun ammo , rifle I sometimes buy as I don't shoot all that much through a rifle compared to handguns.

seabiscuit

05-31-2011, 11:42 AM

I've been collecting my brass but don't have supplies or time for reloading. Anybody know a good reloader in the Colorado Springs area, or a good way to find someone who reloads?

turbolag23

05-31-2011, 11:50 AM

I've been collecting my brass but don't have supplies or time for reloading. Anybody know a good reloader in the Colorado Springs area, or a good way to find someone who reloads?

same here, ive got bags and bags of brass but reloading supplies and time are missing. i've been getting bulk aluminum cased blazer lately so i dont pick up brass at the range. a month ago you could order 1k for $200 shipped but it seems they upped their price $.50 per box ($9.49) at natchez.

John Ralston

05-31-2011, 01:13 PM

same here, ive got bags and bags of brass but reloading supplies and time are missing. i've been getting bulk aluminum cased blazer lately so i dont pick up brass at the range. a month ago you could order 1k for $200 shipped but it seems they upped their price $.50 per box ($9.49) at natchez.

Considering decent jacketed bullets and primers would run about $130-$140, then you have powder and your time...it is hard to justify reloading 9mm (for me) given the amount I shoot. On the other hand, if I was going to be shooting 50K a year, I don't think I would reload either!

jslaker

05-31-2011, 01:32 PM

Considering decent jacketed bullets and primers would run about $130-$140, then you have powder and your time...it is hard to justify reloading 9mm (for me) given the amount I shoot. On the other hand, if I was going to be shooting 50K a year, I don't think I would reload either!

This is exactly the conclusion I came to last time I looked into reloading. I just wouldn't be saving enough money to justify the time expense versus buying commercially loaded 9mm.

John Ralston

05-31-2011, 03:17 PM

Excellent ammo.

IIRC this is manufactured by RUAG in Switzerland.

You were/are correct - mine showed up today. I will run some drills this weekend for function and accuracy.

Pistol Shooter

06-01-2011, 04:26 PM

I'm using primarily Winchester Q4318 124g FMJ and 124g FMJ Federal American Eagle. :)

Jameson

06-01-2011, 09:00 PM

ranburr

06-04-2011, 05:19 PM

Whatever is cheapest. Usually Monarch, sometimes Blazer Brass or Fedral AE.

Ray Keith

06-04-2011, 05:44 PM

On my current load for 9mm this is my cost. My machine is 11 years old and paid for so I don't have to figure that cost anymore.

My most recent cost estimate for 9mm..

Powder (Titegroup 8lbs $104 at PV no hazmat no shipping when ordered w/ Tula primers)
Once fired brass $33/1000 (I reuse them, this is calculated at 2 uses)
Primers $20/1000 (Tula no hazmat no shipping at PV)
Bullets $295/3,750 (Montana Gold 124 gr CMJ)

works out to:

Brass $0.02
Powder 4.2 gr. per load $0.01
Primers $0.02
Bullets $0.08

$0.13 per round

50 rounds for $6.5
100 rounds for $13
150 rounds for $19.5
200 rounds for $26
250 rounds for $32.5

Blayglock

06-04-2011, 10:53 PM

I order my reloading stuff in bulk. With this current order I will reload 1k .45 for right at $160 not including my time.

flyboy1313

06-06-2011, 05:12 AM

I just bought 1000 rounds of reloads at usa ammo (9mm Luger 115 gr. FMJ) Has anyone else try these, and do you think it's worth the great price. Even with the $20 shipping, it's saving me $2 per box of 50 at Wally World. $40 extra in my pocket to buy range time.

Note: I'm new to gun ownership, and have been to the range now 5 times shooting the white box and Federal ammo from Walmart with no malfunctions on my new S&P M&P compact. I've applied and taken the classes for my CCW, and have also taken one lesson with a qualified local instructor.

I plan on shooting a lot. Cost is an issue for me. Please let me know if this is a good idea, or should I stay with the new rounds.

Great site.

John Hearne

06-06-2011, 02:03 PM

jslaker

06-06-2011, 02:33 PM

wussy rounds

You just reminded me of one of my favorite practice ammo stories - the Monarch 9x19 round that penetrated but failed to exit a 500mL water bottle from about 15 yards.

That was a particularly crappy batch of ammo bought and shot at the height of Obamamania when nothing else was available.

Matt O

06-06-2011, 04:13 PM

I was able to shoot some of the Geco 9mm through my 9mm AR I just picked up. It definitely is not .380 Long Rifle. It runs the AR 100% which wussy rounds don't do and it smacks a Safe Direction Rotator with authority.

I'm very happy with it and of course, Ammo To Go stopped carrying it.

Yeah the Geco ammo is good stuff - cheap, accurate, clean (relatively) and loaded a bit hotter than your average target ammo. Aside from the price and accuracy qualities, I prefer practicing with slightly hotter ammo as I feel (or rather hope) it forces me to have better form in managing recoil and shooting quickly, not to mention having greater crossover with defensive ammo.

It's definitely unfortunate ammo to go stopped selling it. Just goes to show, if you find ammo you and your gun prefer, best to have a couple cases on hand at any given time in case the supply dries up.

John Ralston

06-06-2011, 10:19 PM

I'm guessing they just ran out. They don't list stuff on the site if it is out of stock. Much of the Speer 9mm offerings were listed a few weeks ago, but aren't listed now.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

Matt O

06-11-2011, 11:14 PM

FYI, Ammo to Go has Geco back in stock (http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/product_info.php/cPath/23_61_118/products_id/3930).

dsa

08-19-2011, 12:25 PM

What are you guys using? I really like the Gecco (especially the price) but it seems to be out of stock everywhere. Any suggestions? I am shooting a Gen4 Glock 17 if that makes any difference.

Kyle Reese

08-19-2011, 12:33 PM

What are you guys using? I really like the Gecco (especially the price) but it seems to be out of stock everywhere. Any suggestions? I am shooting a Gen4 Glock 17 if that makes any difference.

RWS (RUAG) 124g FMJ

Winchester Q4318 124g FMJ

Federal WM5199 115g FMJ

:D

TGS

08-20-2011, 09:03 AM

I love that GECO ammo. Fantastic stuff, except the bi-metal jacket is a no-go with indoor ranges.

Kyle Reese

08-25-2011, 05:32 PM

Heads up guys- S&B ammo for $189.99 shipped from Cabellas (http://www.cabelas.com/product/Bargain-Cave/Ammo%7C/pc/105591780/c/105650280/Sellier-Bellot-9mm-Police-Training-Ammo/1235940.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fbarg ain-cave-ammo%2Fsellier-bellot%2F_%2FN-1105366%2B1000004606%2FNe-1000004606%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BBRprd741171%26WTz_st% 3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=SBC%3BBRprd741171%3Bcat105650280).

Excellent ammo, manufactured in the Czech Republic.

Enter code 8WFREE for the free shipping.

Josh Runkle

08-25-2011, 06:09 PM

Not to sound secret squirrel, but the folks at ATK probably wouldn't let me keep buying it direct if I did that. It's probably not as big a discount as you think, though.

I wonder if they give C&R FFL discounts as well as bulk discounts. Some companies (I think midwayusa does) give FFL discounts to C&R FFL holders as well. Getting a C&R might be a great way to get dealer pricing discounts as well as bulk pricing discounts.

jslaker

08-25-2011, 08:03 PM

I wonder if they give C&R FFL discounts as well as bulk discounts. Some companies (I think midwayusa does) give FFL discounts to C&R FFL holders as well. Getting a C&R might be a great way to get dealer pricing discounts as well as bulk pricing discounts.

Brownell's definitely does. Nice discounts on Apex parts among other things.

JRas

08-28-2011, 04:18 AM

Since the p30 is new I've mostly shot Winchester Q4318 124g FMJ NATO for the "break in period".

I've shot two boxes of American Eagle 124g, noticed the muzzle was a lot dirtier than the Winchester. No problems

I may switch to regular Winchester White box but my defensive load is Winchester Ranger Talon 127g +P+, so having something similar I think would be ideal.

Anyone notice Winchester Q4318 124g FMJ NATO leaves little gold/yellow particles?

Kyle Reese

08-28-2011, 09:58 AM

Anyone notice Winchester Q4318 124g FMJ NATO leaves little gold/yellow particles?

I was just thinking that yesterday, as I was cleaning my Glock 17. :D

Friday's range session was 100 rds of reloaded ammo and 300 rounds of Winchester Q4318 124g FMJ (NATO).

theblacknight

10-05-2011, 05:59 PM

Silverbear 556 and WWB 9mm. I'm buying a press this christmas.

mscott327

10-06-2011, 04:01 AM

WWB bought at Wal-Mart for the glock30 at $36 for box of 100. I'm saving the brass until I can get a progressive reloader. I love the .45 but its damn expensive.

Ga Shooter

10-06-2011, 05:16 AM

WWB bought at Wal-Mart for the glock30 at $36 for box of 100. I'm saving the brass until I can get a progressive reloader. I love the .45 but its damn expensive.

I ahve a bunch of 45 brass I will make you a good deal on it if you want it.

Gunfolks

10-11-2011, 03:41 PM

I tend to buy mostly Federal Champion, American Eagle or Blazer Brass.

Hell I run alot of Wolf or Tula even.

But if I have the choice, I prefer Federal or CCI over Winchester and Remington cheap stuff for the same price.

LeeC

12-04-2011, 04:20 PM

Lately, I've been using Speer Lawman 124 gr.

I carry standard pressure 124 gr. Gold Dots, so I like training with an ammo that has the exact same velocity, recoil, and POI as my carry loads.

At $12.49/box from Natchez, it's a bit more expensive than the Blazer and WWB that I always used to shoot, but I feel there's a tangible benefit to having practice ammo that exactly duplicates my carry ammo.

Makes good sense and in line with the advice to "train like you fight". I'm surprised at the fact that the choice of defensive carry ammo borders on religious belief but practice ammo seems primarily a matter of controlling cost for most folks. After reading about ammo stopping power enough to make my head spin, I decided to trust Massad Ayoob and others that recommended the Federal 9BPLE +P+ 115 gr (http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ItemDetail.aspx?sku=AMM-406). There is plenty of discussion both for and against this round, e.g. here (http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-287228.html), and maybe going through an obstruction it will end up performing like an expensive FMJ round. But does it meet the majority of the requirements for a defensive round at a price advantage?

I don't shoot as many 9BPLEs lately because I'm trying to bring my ammo expense down some (been shooting .22LR in conversion kit for same reason), but for several months my cold drill was with the rounds in my Glock 19 and the mag on my belt. I figured if that was what I would be doing in a fight, I had better have some solid experience doing that. I suppose the bottom line is how much differently you perform with your target ammo versus your defensive carry ammo, and how much you can afford to spend to close that gap.

I was going to order 2,000 more rounds of RUAG 9mm 115 (http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/76867-1.html) at $8.49 per box but CTD is currently out of stock, so I'll be giving Brown Bear (http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/AMM465-5.html) a try.

JSGlock34

02-16-2012, 10:40 PM

TGS

02-16-2012, 11:14 PM

Are there any online vendors that offer pricing discounts for a 10,000+ round order? Most of the vendors I see have a discount that kicks in at the 500 round order (20 boxes) for 9mm ammunition, but nothing for higher volumes.

For example, right now Natchez has 9mm Blazer 115grain for $8.99/box (minimum 20 order) - any way to beat that by ordering in bulk?

You might have trouble just finding a vendor with that much in stock to sell you, first off.

Try SGammo.com, they usually have something in large quantities. I just ordered 2000 rounds of Aguila, and they had a very large supply of it, like 49,000. By the end of the night that had dropped a few thousand more after my purchase, so try and call tomorrow lest you miss out.

You may want to consider calling the manufacturer directly for 10,000+ rounds.

ETA: Yeah, SGammo has sold over 20,000 rounds of that Aguila since I bought mine at 11pm last night. Best to call soon.

Glock17JHP

08-26-2013, 09:25 PM

I try to buy cheap 'practice' ammunition (cost-wise) that is as close as possible to my 'serious use' ammunition in bullet weight and velocity. The only exception to being sort of a clone load is the 12 Guage 'Shot' load below, because I didn't find a cheap 'Low Recoil' 00 Buck 9-pellet load.

.38 Special
Practice: Sellier & Bellot 148 grain Wad Cutter
Serious: Winchester 148 grain Super Match WC (X38SMRP)

9mm
Practice: Winchester USA 147 grain JHP (USA9JHP2)
Serious: Winchester Ranger 147 grain JHP (RA9T)

12 Guage 'Shot'
Practice: Winchester AA Birdshot (AAL128)
Serious: Winchester Ranger 00 Buck (RA1200)

12 Guage 'Slug'
Practice: Winchester WinLite 1 oz. Slug (WL12RS)
Serious: Brenneke Tactical Home Defense 1 oz. Slug (SL-122THD)

Mufasa

09-01-2013, 07:19 PM

For my Walther PPQ Classic 9mm, Blazer Brass 115 and PMC 124 have worked well for me. I recently acquired Speer Lawman 115 and can't wait to try it out!

Tamara

09-02-2013, 09:19 AM

One guy had a lotta Federal RT9115 at the August Indy 1500 priced at what would have been considered usurious rates this time last year, but were pretty good in the current climate. It was tucked away back among some loading stuff and reloaded ammo. Because I try and keep the incoming and outgoing ammo rates somewhat comparable, I cleaned him out.

Outside of that, even Precision Cartridge reman 115gr fodder was going for .35¢/rd per 50.

Chuck Haggard

09-02-2013, 09:39 AM

Our local Wal Mart got in a pile of Federal M855 boxed as American Eagle, and for $445 a case it ain't bad (again, not what it should be and close to $100 more than pre panic).

They also got in a bunch of Tula 9mm, but it was brass cased and marked "made in Italy". I will have to investigate this further. $10 for a box of 50

ffhounddog

09-02-2013, 09:47 AM

TDP,

It is made under contract by Fiocchi from what I was told.

For my P30 it has worked well when I find it.

Chuck Haggard

09-02-2013, 04:34 PM

TDP,

It is made under contract by Fiocchi from what I was told.

For my P30 it has worked well when I find it.

That was my first guess when I saw the made in Italy logo.

Good looking ammo, seems to shoot OK from what I saw yesterday. A bunch of us were at a IDPA classifier and I saw several guys shooting it, zero issues.

I had my first stuck case from the Federal 124gr then too, folded case mouth, and to palm heel the gun twice to get that one broke loose from the chamber.

shootist26

09-02-2013, 04:44 PM

I use pretty much anything. BUt recently, due to the ammo shortage, the most common factory brands I've been able to find are Blazer brass, Blazer aluminum, and GECO

I also have been shooting a shit load of Blazer aluminum 38spl 158 LRN through my 642. That's what I call a dirty round

Chuck Haggard

09-02-2013, 04:51 PM

Back when it always got the ammo bid for my job we shot a ton of 124gr 9mm Blazer. I've seen something like 3 millions rounds of that ammo go downrange. Good stuff.

I wish I could find any of the Geco.

Kyle Reese

09-02-2013, 05:08 PM

I wish I could find any of the Geco.

Same here. I shot tons of it from 2002-2006, and wish I could get more.

cclaxton

09-02-2013, 05:22 PM

Has anybody tried out some of the new "steel-free" Ruag Ammotec? It is a Swiss company but I was told they manufacture it in Russia. Most, if not all, of their pistol ammo had steel in it and was unusable at most indoor ranges and not allowed for steel targets. The new stuff is *supposedly* copper-plated lead. My issue with any ammo made in Russia is the quality usually sucks. You could always try my Jack Ross American Made reloads. ;)

I am thinking of picking up the Ruag line IF the bullets are steel-free and the quality is good.

Also, they are now making .223-55gr.

Anyone?
CC

JAD

09-02-2013, 08:56 PM

Same here. I shot tons of it from 2002-2006, and wish I could get more.

I just ordered a case from palmetto state armory. I will try them out next weekend.

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Clyde from Carolina

09-02-2013, 09:50 PM

Same here. I shot tons of it from 2002-2006, and wish I could get more.

Just ordered some Geco a few days ago from Sportsman's Guide. Haven't shot any in years but price was right.

Chuck Haggard

09-02-2013, 10:01 PM

I always like the steel jacketed 9mm, but then I'm not dealing with stupid range restrictions either.

Chuck Haggard

09-02-2013, 10:05 PM

And apparently you guys bought it all, both Palmetto and SG sold out now.

ffhounddog

09-03-2013, 06:12 AM

I feel like I am buying cheap stuff. I get brown bear or wpa to shoot most of the time when available. Granted I still prefer 147 but cannot buy more for 2 months. Taxes and car stuff so back to the case of brown bear.

If I can find a case of 9mn less than 260 shipped then I have money to shoot.

JBP55

10-04-2013, 01:38 PM

I prefer 124 American Eagle or Lawman and have used 124 Blazer Brass with good results.
I carry 124+P Gold Dot or HST.

Chuck Haggard

10-05-2013, 12:01 AM

I just shot up a bunch of Mag Tech at Pat Rogers' carbine course last week. Loads used were their 115gr plain vanilla FMJ and a 5.56 M193 copy. High quality, reliable ammo. I'd buy some if I could get it.

JSGlock34

10-13-2013, 08:38 PM

Geco 9mm is on sale at Palmetto State Armory this weekend - $12.99/box. (http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/featured/geco-9mm-luger-124gr-full-metal-jacket-round-nose-50rds-210040050.html)

bigtimelarry

10-21-2013, 11:44 AM

I wonder why Palmetto Armory, Ammunition to Go, SG Ammo never have any 9mm ammo in stock. Palmetto had some 115 gr Blazer Brass for a short time and that was it, none of them ever have any Federal, Magtech, PMC 9mm FMJ.. You think they would get some in.. ???

Kobalt60

10-21-2013, 12:07 PM

I've got a bunch of old Hydra Shok and Federal +P+ as well as a few cases of Remington JHP in .40 that I use for practice. Old Non-bonded duty ammo works really well as it feeds and recoils just like modern bonded ammo. Just don't shoot steel up close with it ;)

I'm getting a Dillon 550 this year around Xmas, so I'll be rolling my own soon. I'm very excited about this.

Rich

03-26-2014, 05:41 PM

I see that 9mm ball ammo is going for over 20 bucks a box.

Mike at MAH supplies has Federal Classic 115gr JHP for 18.89 bucks a box.

Hell id rather shoot accurate 115JHP than the ball ammo that I've been getting

JAD

03-29-2014, 10:19 AM

I see that 9mm ball ammo is going for over 20 bucks a box.

Not sure where you're shopping. I'm paying $15 or less for quality ball.

Glock17JHP

03-29-2014, 12:16 PM

I saw the higher prices coming a few years back and bought a bunch of 250 round boxes of Remington UMC 9mm from WalMart for about $53 per 250 (works out to about $10.60 per box/tray of 50). I have enough to hopefully wait until supply catches up with demand. I did the same thing with all of my ammunition supply in the various calibers and types... I stocked up before it went up, enough to last me for a while.

Rich

04-09-2014, 04:00 PM

Not sure where you're shopping. I'm paying $15 or less for quality ball.

Good for You! Bad for me!

The last place I order from was Luckygunner I bought Speer Lawman 124 & 147 and Blazer Brass 124 & 147gr

I will only use ATK/ Speer , Federal or Winchester Ball in 124gr. I stop buying the 147gr loads.

I think I paid over 20 dollars a box ! maybe 22.

My P30S V3 9mm sure likes the Lawman ball . I rather shoot JHP because of the accuracy.

I also buy from midwayusa.

MAHsupplies for my SD loads

I wouldn't mind saving 5-7 dollars since I living on SS! Maybe a hint?

JAD

04-09-2014, 04:18 PM

Maybe a hint?

You betcha. Use gunbot.net. The CCI stuff is more like 16-18, but if like a lot of members on this forum you can tolerate S&B, armscor, and aguila you should be able to find $15 at a number of sources.

Chuck Haggard

04-09-2014, 05:05 PM

http://www.rareammo.com/pistol-ammo/9mm/fmj-ammo

Rich

04-10-2014, 12:35 PM

You betcha. Use gunbot.net. The CCI stuff is more like 16-18, but if like a lot of members on this forum you can tolerate S&B, armscor, and aguila you should be able to find $15 at a number of sources.

Thanks
And You to Chuck!

Had good luck in the past with S&B,PMC, magtech.

I just use the ATK/Win because I think they would be more likely to cover my new P30S if there was a problem there ammo caused.

Rich

04-10-2014, 12:51 PM

http://www.rareammo.com/pistol-ammo/9mm/fmj-ammo

Geco 124ball

always wanted to try there ammo.

Chuck Haggard

04-10-2014, 01:48 PM

That Geco is top notch ammo in my experience.

JM Campbell

04-10-2014, 02:19 PM

That Geco is top notch ammo in my experience.

Great brass too.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

23JAZ

05-08-2014, 06:09 PM

Great brass too.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

Anybody have insight as to why nobody has .22 in stock? I run that through my AR for cheap practice, for a min there I had no problem finding it, now it's nowhere to be see.

imp1295

05-08-2014, 09:15 PM

Ammoseek is a friend to you and me.

http://ammoseek.com/ammo/22lr

I always look around for the cheapest shipping to make sure the price per round doesn't skyrocket with some obscene shipping and "handling" charges.

cclaxton

05-09-2014, 10:40 AM

I support Pistol-Forum and support KSTG matches. Try my ammo if you are local. PM me if you are outside the area.
http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?12230-9mm-115-270-1000-9mm-147-275-1000-40cal-300-1000-45cal-365-1000
Cody

hufnagel

05-09-2014, 03:31 PM

recently discovered Freedom Munitions.
seems like good stuff so far.

TheTrevor

05-10-2014, 09:35 PM

recently discovered Freedom Munitions.
seems like good stuff so far.

I just passed the 6500 rounds fired mark with no issues whatsoever. One of my guns really didn't like the 124gr, but that's ok because it does just fine with the 147gr.

180gr 40SW has been trouble free as well, and very consistent.

hufnagel

05-16-2014, 08:58 PM

mind if I ask which firearm didn't like the 124gr?

TheTrevor

05-16-2014, 11:19 PM

mind if I ask which firearm didn't like the 124gr?

The P30, naturally.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/17/ypa2e9y7.jpg

hufnagel

05-17-2014, 08:07 AM

oh don't say that.
I just got 500 of the 124gr reman.
and 500 of the 147gr reman.

TheTrevor

05-17-2014, 12:18 PM

oh don't say that.
I just got 500 of the 124gr reman.
and 500 of the 147gr reman.

It wasn't a huge deal-killer difference -- I'd still shoot the 124gr for practice at up to 15yd without thinking twice. I just wouldn't use it at a match where I might have to take fast shots at a 20yd 8" popper.

Besides, your gun might like it just fine. Try it for 3 5-shot groups at 20-25yd against the 147gr and see.

Edwin

05-18-2014, 04:31 PM

I reload range brass with Hodgon Hi-Skor 800-X ($30/lb), Rainier Ballistics 124gr RN 9mm rounds (~$35/500) and CCI Small Pistol Primers ($25/1k). Seems to work well enough. It helps keep costs down that I won 1k of those Rainier Ballistic bullets at an IDPA match raffle and that I get the brass essentially free.

Doing some quick match and I'm at $0.081 a round or $81.31 per 1000 rounds.

hufnagel

05-18-2014, 05:35 PM

It wasn't a huge deal-killer difference -- I'd still shoot the 124gr for practice at up to 15yd without thinking twice. I just wouldn't use it at a match where I might have to take fast shots at a 20yd 8" popper.

Besides, your gun might like it just fine. Try it for 3 5-shot groups at 20-25yd against the 147gr and see.

ok cool. I just had this fear it would POI on the other guy's target. :)

hufnagel

05-29-2014, 01:08 PM

follow up report...

range: 7yd to target (had a newbie at the range with me today, shooting my .22 mostly. besides my eyes suck beyond 10m anyways.)

9mm: 1 box (50rnds) of each type all through the same P30, and same magazine
FM9R115R... very soft shooting. 2 failures to lock back at end of mag, POA/POI acceptable, noticeable sparking out the muzzle during firing
FM9R124R... felt similar to AE9AP. no failures. POA/POI acceptable
FM9R147R... good thump for recoil but totally acceptable, noticeably quieter than the 124R (definitely subsonic), no failures, POA/POI acceptable

45ACP: 1 box (50rnds) through HK45, same magazine
FM45R230R... kicks like a 45 :), had one lighter pressure load (by the sound) however the gun cycled fine, POA/POI acceptable
RWS10050... noticeably more kick than 230R, no failures, POA/POI acceptable

Today was mostly about intro'ing the new person to firearms and getting her over her fears and preconceived notions (she actually said at the end "and it didn't go off all on it's own!" :rolleyes:) and testing all of the new ammo types I'd purchased recently.
115R made my P30 act like my Ruger SR22 in terms of "felt" recoil and muzzle climb. :D I thought it was hysterical.
124R feels like a good alternative to my usual AE9AP or CCI 5201 "training" rounds. (which is good as the latter 2 are virtually unobtainable at a reasonable price still!)

TheTrevor

05-29-2014, 05:34 PM

I was at ~1500 rounds through the P30 over the course of 3 weeks before anything with less energy than +P 124gr JHP defense loads or FM 147gr FMJ would 100% consistently lock back the slide. This is an unusually intense shooting tempo for most owners, and from what I understand I could have achieved the same result by storing the P30 with the slide locked back for the first 2-4 weeks.

HK doesn't mess about when it comes to recoil spring strength. Now that it's settled down, it will run Russkie 115gr steel case with no problem - 400 Wolf Mil Classic over the holiday weekend, no issues.

hufnagel

05-29-2014, 06:36 PM

Jeez... did they put an L recoil spring in a standard length? :D
Mine shot 115gr (CCI 5200) ammo for the first 1000 rounds without a single hiccup (that wasn't shooter induced... damn long slide release levers!) right out of the box. I did let it sit for a couple days in the safe with the slide locked back though, so maybe that did it.

shootist26

07-12-2014, 04:24 PM

I picked up around 500 rounds of ZVS 124gr ammo at the shop recently. Never heard of this brand.google informs me it is Slovakian apparently.

Shot 200 and functioned great. Loads felt stout and fired clean. No issues to report so far.

Came in the small 50rd euro boxes that I like. Much more compact than US pistol ammo boxes.

Stone

04-25-2015, 06:51 AM

Freedom ammunitions 124g 9mm RN "new" and their 230g .45 RN "new" I had a bad experience with remanufactured ammo once(not theirs) and only shoot new ammo since. I ran through 6k rounds last year and had zero issues with it. Their prices are great, shoots fairly clean and they have occasional sales to boot.

OnionsAndDragons

09-27-2015, 08:06 PM

Rareammo.com has a good price on the 9mm Magtech Shootin Size. We got a mess of it for the Givens Combative Pistol this weekend and it was very good overall.

I think Hannah had 2 light strikes/hard primers in the roughly 1k she put through the PPQ. I had no issues with a similar round count through a LEM P30.

Rareammo was also great to deal with. He shipped same day and it showed up 2 days later!

Doge

05-17-2016, 11:28 AM

I've been having good luck with Aguila 124gr 9mm and even run it for USPSA/IDPA

I took a stab at Atlanta Arms this month with their Select 124gr 9mm but unfortunately out of the case of 1000 I've had about 20 failures caused by weak loads.

This isn't to say that it's bad but I've talked to some sponsored shooters who have stated that recently Atlanta Arms is probably going though what Freedom Munitions did in terms of inconsistent loads. I've also gotten information that some shooters running Atlanta Arms at Area 6 did not have their ammo make the Chrono. Hopefully they sort it out and the loads that do work are really flat shooting make great match ammo. But right now my guns like Mexican food so I'll feed them Aguila for the time being.

Yugomaster

08-28-2016, 09:01 PM

I found American Eagle 147 grain flat nose FMJ cheap. It makes an excellent practice ammo if you carry the Federal HST in 147 grain such as myself.

Schmetallurgy

08-28-2016, 10:51 PM

I found American Eagle 147 grain flat nose FMJ cheap. It makes an excellent practice ammo if you carry the Federal HST in 147 grain such as myself.

Yeah, I did a mixed mag test with those from a G43 and it felt and hit identical to the standard pressure HST 147.

Robinson

09-02-2016, 02:33 PM

Yeah, I did a mixed mag test with those from a G43 and it felt and hit identical to the standard pressure HST 147.

Same here, and that is my practice ammo of choice.

bigslim

07-18-2017, 05:00 PM

Is it important to train with the same bullet weight that you carry?

Mike

blues

07-18-2017, 05:29 PM

Is it important to train with the same bullet weight that you carry?

Mike

I'm not sure it makes a difference for the type of (combat) shooting I do. I have been carrying 147gr HST (standard pressure) and training recently with 147gr Speer Lawman. But when I went for my LEOSA quals a couple weeks ago with my G19 and G26 I used 147gr HST, 147gr Lawman, 124gr Sellier & Bellot and 115gr American Eagle as I already had a number of mags filled up with each of the rounds and was curious if it would throw me off.

Shooting day and simulated night stages for each gun, my lowest score was 95% and I realized when I got home that the front sight had loosened up during the qual for that pistol. So, now I'm not so sure that it makes a difference for me. On the other hand, if I was a competition shooter like many here, it might be much more significant so I'll confine my comments to my own particular set of requirements.

psalms144.1

07-19-2017, 01:56 PM

Is it important to train with the same bullet weight that you carry?

MikeI don't sweat it. Our training ammo is 124 +P, our carry ammo is 147 sub sonic - and I've never had an issue with POA/POI. I've shot plenty of personally procured 115gr and 124 standard pressure, same results.

If you're talking about carrying 125 gr JHP .357 mag, and shooting .38 special 148 gr powder puff wadcutters, there might be an issue - otherwise I wouldn't sweat it...

bigslim

07-19-2017, 02:04 PM

I don't sweat it. Our training ammo is 124 +P, our carry ammo is 147 sub sonic - and I've never had an issue with POA/POI. I've shot plenty of personally procured 115gr and 124 standard pressure, same results.

If you're talking about carrying 125 gr JHP .357 mag, and shooting .38 special 148 gr powder puff wadcutters, there might be an issue - otherwise I wouldn't sweat it...

I can see the difference in that example but I wasn't sure if 147 or 124 +p was a big enough difference to 115 ball.

Mike