Problems with Federal Ammo, not true FMJ?

[colorado_handgunner]

I just purchased a Glock 23 and took it out to the range today. I started shooting my normal range ammo of Federal Redbox .40 FMJ from Wal-mart. What I found was a FTE about every 15 rounds, and very low ejection throw when it did eject. This was across 4 different boxes of Federal ammo. Switching out to Blazer Brass, I had no problems. I also found that the jacket on the Federal was partially shredded off when fired, throwing brass shards consistently into the ceiling. Again, no such problems with the Blazer. Upon inspecting the Federal rounds, it appeared that they were either plated bullets or very thin metal jackets, not a true FMJ. Notice the dents in the copper that seem to be conforming to the lead of the bullet. I figured that if this is the case, the same principle of not firing lead through a Glock barrel applies to these bullets. I suppose no more bargain Wal-mart ammo for the Glock. Has anyone else run across this? Any advice?

 

[dogtown tom]

What makes you think those aren't FMJ?

The box says FMJ.
The rounds in your picture are FMJ.
From you description the rounds behaved as FMJ when striking an indoor backstop. It is common, and often expected, that FMJ will have the lead core and copper jacket separate on impact with a hard surface.


"Full Metal Jacket" mean all but the base is jacketed. "Total metal jacket" or "Encapsulated metal jacket" bullets have no exposed lead at all and are significantly more expensive than FMJ.
To my knowledge Federal doesn't make a "plated" bullet except for rimfire that is actually a copper wash over lead. You can cut this copper wash with your fingernail.

The recommendation to not fire lead bullets through a Glock has to do with the leading of the barrel and subsequently firing a jacketed bullet, causing an increase in pressure. If you clean your barrel after firing unjacketed bullets you will not have problems.

 

[m2steven]

I just purchased some of that ammo in 9mm and did so because it appeared to work well the last few times ive shot it. You're Glock may just not like this ammo, or you may have just purchased a few boxes of lemons. Guns are weird, picky little things....

 

[WatongaJim]

I've gone through 5 boxes of this ammo in my S&W Sigma .40 without any problems. Maybe some guns are more picky about ammo?

 

[Airburst]

m2steven
Guns are weird, picky little things....

I had a Beretta 96 that would not shoot Wolf ammo. My friend's 92 wont shoot it either.

 

[stickhauler]

My old Glock 22 ex-police pistol shoots the stuff fine.

 

[MMCSRET]

Recently published: Winchester and Federal are using Rainier plated bullets in some loads.
I don't remember where I read it, maybe on Rainier site. Check it out, that would explain the shredding!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RETG]

About two weeks ago, I put 300 rounds of this same Federal 9 through my PX4 storm, and another 600 rounds (300 - SIG 239/300 - Stoeger Cougar) with NO misfires.

All the ammo was purchased at Walmart stores in either Grand Junction CO or Provo UT in the past three months.

 

[Will Zermeno]

I shot some of the plated bullets before and I had shavings being ejected out of my compensator upward. I can't stand them.

 

[Bovice]

I shot 200 rounds of the same make through my P229... no problems. I think your gun is just weird.

 

[Enachos]

My glock 27 has had no issues with that ammo. I actually just bought another 50 rd. box for next weekend!

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

What I found was a FTE about every 15 rounds, and very low ejection throw when it did eject.

Underloaded?