burned buying reloads from gun show

[p4+riot]

Yeah, so I bought a batch of 100 9mm reloads from a local
gun show for $20. Now I see why they were so cheap.

I was taking my CCW class and when they covered the different
kinds of ammo the instructor advised against buying reloads unless
you made them yourself. Boy was he right, I had at least one double
feed in every magazine that I loaded.

Basically, it looked like some of the rounds did not fit properly into the barrel
due to their improper shape.

This did, however, give me a good opportunity to practice clearing double
feeds. I couldn't disconnect the mag or cycle the action. I had to hold in
the mag release button, manually yank the mag out, and then cycle. Fun.

Anyway, I'm not the type to slander a business' name but even at the
class, other people knew exactly which company sold them before I told
them who it was. Looks like this company is selling crappy ammo to everyone.

Let me know if you guys would like to know who it is so you don't get burned
unless you already know who it is.

 

[blkbrd666]

Okay, so who was it?

 

[highorder]

Buying gunshow reloads is as wise as walking blindfolded in TRAFFIC.

Glad you weren't hurt. Next gun show, skip the reloads and buy a reloading press!

 

[RandyP]

Always a good reminder.

Personally I would ONLY trust reloads that I made myself or those that were sold thru a major manufacturer (like Cabelas sells).

On the same issue, I also would not trust unverified internet "favorite reload" data. It is just too easy to make a typo and create an unintended kaboom. Published or from a powder or bullet manufacturer's internet website? Sure. But not a random internet web board posting.

 

[p4+riot]

The company name is Brass Kings.
They have been at the two shows I've been to in Saronville, OH.
The ammo comes in zip lock bags with an orange card that identifies
the type and ammount of ammo. I believe they are located in Michigan.

Let me say this - I personally only bought one bag from them, so I guess
it could have been a "bad batch," but that doesn't explain why several other
people in my class knew it was from them before I told them who it was from
and laughed kinda like they were burned too.

How about this? So we can be fair and balanced here, if someone has had a
good experience with their ammo, feel free to post your opinion on this. I'm more
out to save someone from wasting their money than hurt a business' reputation.

 

[highorder]

It is just too easy to make a typo and create an unintended kaboom.

'tell you what, I love 46 grains of bullseye under a 230LRN in 45acp....

or was that 4.6 grains?... I wrote it down somewhere.

 

[33rowdy]

Thanks p4+riot

I "think" I know who you are talking about. He is also at the Medina Gun Show. I do remember that he usually has about two tables of the zip-lock bags of ammo.

 

[warnerwh]

"Basically, it looked like some of the rounds did not fit properly into the barrel due to their improper shape."

What exactly do you mean by "improper shape"?

 

[RustyFN]

'tell you what, I love 46 grains of bullseye under a 230LRN in 45acp....

Is that a compressed load?
I'm with some of the others, I will only shoot my reloads and would never buy them from a guy at the gun show.
Rusty

 

[ArchAngelCD]

'tell you what, I love 46 grains of bullseye under a 230LRN in 45acp....

I'm betting you use a trickler on that load, no?

Remember boys and girls, you usually get what you pay for.

 

[highorder]

I'm betting you use a trickler on that load, no?

I usually just eyeball a heaping handful...

Having said that, I HAVE bought from Brass Kings. They claim to reproduce loads from the Winchester line. Their operation sounds like some guys that have a room full of Dillon's running nonstop...

Not quite "gunshow reloads" in my book, but I understand your situation.

The 45acp (funny enough) that I bought from them was 230gr. ball. It shot clean, consistent and accurate from my custom RIA. I have a friend that has been similarly pleased with their 130gr. MC .38spl.

 

[Sport45]

I wouldn't buy gun show reloads either.

That said, I don't think the ammo was unsafe. If it was causing double feeds it sounds like it was loaded on the lighter side and not recoiling enough for ejection. A firmer grip might have taken care of the issue. "Improper shape" can cause a lot of troubles but double feeding isn't one of them, IMHO.

 

[birdshot8's]

sounds like you need to take that pistol in for a custom job on the port and feed ramp. or stick to military ball ammo.

 

[R.W.Dale]

anyone who really knows reloading knows better than to put themselves up to the liability of others using said loads.

So by default someone willing to sell reloads at a gunshow doesn't know their but from a can of Bush's baked beans.

 

[Highland Ranger]

Why would you buy reloads at $10/50 when you can get new CCI Blazer for that price?

Or buy reloads from someone like Georgia Arms for less?