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From time to time, I see guys pose a "what's the best 9mm shoot ammo".
Usually, I am disappointed by the responses. The criteria for lots of guys is that the ammo is CHEAP, and a few guys want the ammo to be CLEAN.
I would like to share my criteria. I am a reloader and have been for most of my long life. But, from time to time, I need to buy ammo. Fortunately, there is a local independent gunshop near me that sells remanufactured ammo that they produce. Shotgun Johnny's, located in Manteca. The guy that does the ammo, has been reloading for over 40 years. He has owned ammo manufacturing companies, gun shops, etc. Now he is semi-retired but to keep busy he loads for the store.
I recently bought their 9mm, 124 gr FMJ ammo. The cost for a 500 round bulk ammo can was $99. Upon shooting the ammo, I was immediately impressed with the accuracy. This is my top requirement for target ammo, for it to be capable of target accuracy. My 50 foot groups were under an inch out of my Browning Hi-Power.
I would call the ammo clean. There was not the usual carbon soot on the cases. Which of course means that it was loaded with enough pressure to expand the cases and create a good seal. Causing all the burn to go down the barrel and not back toward the shooter.
Next, I chronographed 25 rounds. The high velocity was 1114 fps with the low of 1107 fps. So for 25 rounds, the SD was 7 fps. Now I am really impressed.
I returned to the store and talked to the reloader. He admitted to using Alliant BE86 powder. He didn't want to reveal the charge, so I pulled several bullets and found the load was 5.4grs. Again, there was no variance in powder charge. Every single one of them was right on the money.
My criteria for target ammo was completely satisfied.
Accuracy
Cleanliness
Consistent Velocity
Reliability
Fair Price
For me, it was a good find. I really hate buying ammo at Walmart or any chain store for that matter. I would much rather buy ammo from a local independent dealer. You know, a guy who employs people. A guy who pays taxes that are kept locally. A guy who sells American products to Americans.
I just had to share my wonderful experience. I'm not promoting anybody. I'm just pointing out that there are still good deals out there without resorting to buying based on price and it going bang from a big box store.
Well, maybe I am promoting something. I guess I'm supporting buying from local gunshops that know your name when you walk in the door.
Enough said.
Usually, I am disappointed by the responses. The criteria for lots of guys is that the ammo is CHEAP, and a few guys want the ammo to be CLEAN.
I would like to share my criteria. I am a reloader and have been for most of my long life. But, from time to time, I need to buy ammo. Fortunately, there is a local independent gunshop near me that sells remanufactured ammo that they produce. Shotgun Johnny's, located in Manteca. The guy that does the ammo, has been reloading for over 40 years. He has owned ammo manufacturing companies, gun shops, etc. Now he is semi-retired but to keep busy he loads for the store.
I recently bought their 9mm, 124 gr FMJ ammo. The cost for a 500 round bulk ammo can was $99. Upon shooting the ammo, I was immediately impressed with the accuracy. This is my top requirement for target ammo, for it to be capable of target accuracy. My 50 foot groups were under an inch out of my Browning Hi-Power.
I would call the ammo clean. There was not the usual carbon soot on the cases. Which of course means that it was loaded with enough pressure to expand the cases and create a good seal. Causing all the burn to go down the barrel and not back toward the shooter.
Next, I chronographed 25 rounds. The high velocity was 1114 fps with the low of 1107 fps. So for 25 rounds, the SD was 7 fps. Now I am really impressed.
I returned to the store and talked to the reloader. He admitted to using Alliant BE86 powder. He didn't want to reveal the charge, so I pulled several bullets and found the load was 5.4grs. Again, there was no variance in powder charge. Every single one of them was right on the money.
My criteria for target ammo was completely satisfied.
Accuracy
Cleanliness
Consistent Velocity
Reliability
Fair Price
For me, it was a good find. I really hate buying ammo at Walmart or any chain store for that matter. I would much rather buy ammo from a local independent dealer. You know, a guy who employs people. A guy who pays taxes that are kept locally. A guy who sells American products to Americans.
I just had to share my wonderful experience. I'm not promoting anybody. I'm just pointing out that there are still good deals out there without resorting to buying based on price and it going bang from a big box store.
Well, maybe I am promoting something. I guess I'm supporting buying from local gunshops that know your name when you walk in the door.
Enough said.
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