[wrs840]

I think I recall reading on THR about some FTF experiences with Hornady FTX.

Well it happened to me yesterday, with carry-ammo in my trusted and heretofore flawlessly functioning 442. Shots 2 and 4 were duds. Excellent dimple in the primer, just no boom. Disturbing.

I have probably 10 boxes of this stuff total (in 9mm, .380, and .38spl).

Did Hornady have a recall? Maybe publish lot numbers to watch out for? I'm willing to learn my lesson, mark this stuff "range-only" and move on, but if there's been another discussion on this already on THR (I searched but did not find), I'd appreciate the re-direct or any other input.

Thanks,
Les

[MikeNice]

When you say FTX are you talking about the CD rounds with the plastic tip or the older FTX bullets?

I never heard about a failure to fire with Hornady products. If you could be more specific it might be helpful.

[TexasRifleman]

I saw a thread on another forum a while back and I wrote down the lot number since I had some of this ammo in .38. I wrote down " 3091174" as the lot number several people had troubles with and another note "started with lot 309xx". I have no idea where I saw it but I remember the boxes I had were not in that lot. I haven't shot mine though.

Sorry that's about all I remember about it, I just remember I'd just bought the stuff when I saw the complaints. I've never had trouble with any Hornady either.

[wrs840]

MikeNice, The Critical Defense round with the orange "flex tip" is the one I am questioning.

Les

[Shawn Dodson]

Well it happened to me yesterday, with carry-ammo in my trusted and heretofore flawlessly functioning 442. Shots 2 and 4 were duds. Excellent dimple in the primer, just no boom. Disturbing. Did you use it as a training opportunity to Tap, Rack and drive-on or did you come to an all stop and investigate?

[John Wayne]

How do you "tap and rack" a revolver?

[Bovice]

How do you "tap and rack" a revolver?

Open the cylinder, "tap" the ejector rod, put it back on the "rack", and pick up your autoloader. Simple!

[gun guy]

I am not aware of any recall by hornady, or any other commercial ammo manufacturer in quite some time. Often, if there is a problem with a lot of ammo, especially anything that might be used as defense ammo, while it might not be public knowledge all the time, many companies, out of courtesty send a disclaimer to LEO and other agencies that may use their ammo. As an example, i have a friend, great mechanic, hobby class shooter: He is always complaining, auto pistols dont work, revolvers always fail to fire. This company builds junk, the same thing i see often in chat. I usually see him at his shop. One day i stopped by to look over his gun collection. Um how do you tell a good friend, A. these guns are filthy, sheesh at least hit em with some spray cleaner. B. That big ol Chevy hammer works great on bent bumpers, not so good on small pistol parts.C, If you are going to store them all in one cardboard box, at least put them in gun rugs, or individual paper bags if money is that tight. D. get the picture? It's hard to diagnose problems without seeing everything involved. Kind of like calling the doctor, saying, im sick, whats wrong with me. If you are sure your weapon is 100% contact the ammo company, give them the lot number, most ammo manufacturers really care about their product and will take steps to help you. And, by reporting a bad lot, you help everyone, and maybe save a life.

[Shawn Dodson]

How do you "tap and rack" a revolver? Hmmm...that's a REALLY good question! :o

DOH!!!

Okay, okay, uhhh... what I really meant to say was: Gee, umm, did you use the misfires as a training opportunity to see if your front sight moved when you pressed the trigger?

[Yo Mama]

All rounds have the ability to not do what was intended. Hornady is no different. Even with a nice dimple, it may not have been enough to pop it if you have a weak spring.

I've had concerns with lack of sealant on the Tap line, and they would not trade it out. I'm sure you will be stuck with the rounds, but if you have 10 boxes I'd shoot 3 or so boxes. If you have nothing interesting happen I'd trust the gun and ammo no problem.

I had similar problems as you OP with Magtech ammo, as they have hard primers my gun didn't like them to much. Autos were no problem with this ammo.

[wrs840]

guy guy, I understand the opinion that sometimes failures are self-induced.

I also understand that some folks just gripe a lot. I hope my previous posts do not support that in my case.

...And I'm definitely not bashing Hornady. I think they make great stuff and I have a good use-history with it.

My query was really an attempt to find whether others recall a FTX primer/dud history at some time in the past (which I do, perhaps inaccurately). I'm looking for input on any others' recollections of such primer/dud troubles that might explain the two FTFs I had yesterday.


Anyway, I took the same (personal-often-carry, often fired, tried and true) S&W 442 to the homestead "range" this evening, and fired another 50 rounds of other ammo (Hornady 125gr XTP, MFS 158gr FMJ, and a few more Hornady 110gr FTX) through it. No troubles.

I also inspected the 442 before I went shooting this evening but did not find any gunk, and therefore did not clean the gun, so no changes there to explain my FTFs.

I saw a thread on another forum a while back and I wrote down the lot number since I had some of this ammo in .38. I wrote down " 3091174" as the lot number several people had troubles with and another note "started with lot 309xx". I have no idea where I saw it but I remember the boxes I had were not in that lot. I haven't shot mine though.

I looked, and all my Hornady .38 spl defense ammo has a lot number that starts with 309xxxx, whether "Custom" XTP, or "Critical Defense" FTX, purchased during a range of 2-26-09 to 1-27-10. The "duds" came from one of four boxes of lot number 3091172, all purchased 9-11-09 (yes I save my empty boxes, and I write the date purchased on every one when I buy it... it's a habit, good, bad or otherwise).

Any input appreciated.

Thanks,
Les