General Ammo Question

[Fuel&Fire]

I know ammo has been addressed to death, and I've searched, and Read a lot of the ammo threads on CalGuns, but I'm still left with some questions. I recently bought a M&P9 from a fellow CalGunner (First Handgun) last Thursday (damn 10 days!). Since I will be picking it up this Sunday I've been Researching Ammo, etc. The more I read ammo threads the more questions/concerns I get... First off - I dont have alot of experience with Guns in general, but have spent a good amount of time at the range, and researching/learning on CalGuns, etc. I've shot re-loads, and factory ammo, and could honestly not tell a difference. Since this is the first Gun I will personally own, I want the best for it (like any proud parent) so is using Re-Loads from a Reputable Range an issue? There really isnt that much of a price difference between Range Ammo, and Factory ammo - maybe $2-5 per 50 rounds (especially from WalMart), but buying it in Bulk it starts to add up... does it really make that much of a difference to buy factory ammo? I know for HD its worth the $$ (hollowpoints, etc.) but for Target/Range Shooting will I be better off using whatever is the cheapest? I've read alot of members saying "WWB is great!" Then they get responses "That stuff Sucks, I only use Federal!" It seems like all ammo, even factory ammo has its issues, so why not just save the money and use whatever you can get the cheapest - Range Ammo (Re-Loads)?? I also understand there is just personal preference on what works best in that particular gun for that user, but whats everyone's overall experience?

Thanks for any insight! BTW If any Cal Gunners will be at OakTree this Sunday, I'll be there with the Wife!

[DDRH]

it'd be more important that your gun can shoot all types of ammo in the same caliber.

of course i've read, most if not all manufacturers will not warranty a firearm if you use re-loads...how they can tell, i don't know.

only ammo i don't use often would be steel cased, since it may wear down your extractor n ejector a a lil bit quicker. although, it's not a bad idea to get a box or 2 to make sure your gun can eat it n spit it out smoothly.

i generally buy handgun ammo at walmart, and i'll just try n pick up in bulk of the cheapest stuff...maybe mix and match

[Too Slow]

I'm a member at Oaktree and their reloads are top notch. I have an M&P in 9mm and it works fine. You will pay about $12 for 50 rounds for 9mm. (less if you are a member) I just purchase mine there. I've never had any bad primers or extra fouling and I shoot a fair amount.

Funny, my wife and I often shoot on Sundays and would be there, except my mother in law is coming to town. Ughh......

[Fuel&Fire]

^ Good to know... I looked into becoming a member there. I guess if you go more than once a month its def. worth while...

[beauregard]

A good thing to remember: reloads are only as good as the attention span of the re-loader.

[Fuel&Fire]

^ The same doesnt apply to factory ammo? Seems like their QC isnt the greatest from what I've been reading... Are the Ranges/Re-loader liable for the ammo they sell? If its causing issues, or causes malfunctions is there any recourse? What about with Factory ammo?

[locosway]

I usually only shoot reloads out of my guns unless that's not an option. I've never had a problem, and as long as either you're doing the reloads, or buying them from a reputable place, there will be no issues.

Oaktree is a good range and the people there are friendly. My only complaint is they often shutdown sections of the range for LEO's for days at a time. I've used their reloads and have never had an issue with them.

I don't know why, but I don't like taking my own new ammo with me even though it's cheaper per 50 rounds. For some reason I like shooting the range ammo at the range. I guess I'm just weird.

[Fuel&Fire]

Great info, seems like I'll just pick up some Oaktree ammo and swing by walmart for some HD stuff

[locosway]

Great info, seems like I'll just pick up some Oaktree ammo and swing by walmart for some HD stuff

Walmart won't have the best HD ammo. You'll want to find some Federal HST or equivalent ammo for HD purposes.

[IntoForever]

I've heard some guns are finicky and may not like a certain brand of ammo. The new barrel in my 1911 will not properly chamber flat point ammo where the old one did. May be a little bit of trial and error on the ammo, hopefully your gun will eat it all up. I'll be at Oak Tree Sunday, need to test out my reloads.

[esartori]

I would say range ammo is fine and your m&p will feed anything. Great choice! If you're going to be shooting a lot, might even be cheaper to stock up via a deal online or a walmart value pack. Then u aren't depended on the range for ammo. As for hd ammo? +p 124gr hollowpoints tend to have good results. Congrats on the gun!

[locosway]

For 9mm I'd go Federal HST 147gr not the +p.