Friday, November 6, 2009

Things Are Looking Up


A recent trip to the local Fleet Farm turned up shelves well-stocked with .45 ACP, 9x19mm, 5.56 x 45mm, and .357. Semi-auto AK clones and three different models of Mosins (91/30, M38, and M44) were present in the racks. I've been picking up Blazer 230 grain FMJ in the aluminum case for the ammo bank. Now if primer production would catch up.....

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do you trust the aluminum cased ammo?
I was always told the laquer on the cases screwed with the chamber. Also the loads were highly variable in strength and could "explode" the chamber.

Steve

MauserMedic said...

Steve,

I've never notice any lacquer on aluminum cases. It shouldn't require any, as aluminum oxidizes uniformly, then stops,unless the aluminum oxide "coating" is breached, which it simply oxidizes again and stops. This is different from steel cases, which usually have some coating to prevent rust and ease extraction. In sustained rapid fire, true lacquer may cause some chambering and extraction problems (such as German late-war cartridges fired through MG38s or MG42s). But most of what I've seen lately is either copper-washed steel (7.62x54R) or polymer-coated steel (Brown Bear 5.56x45mm). Both work fine in my rifles, but then I don't practice sustained rapid fire for fun.

As for dangerous chamber pressures, I have faith in the immensely litigious environment we live in to keep major manufacturers from routinely producing crap ammunition. But seriously, I have no doubt that liability concerns keep American manufactures from producing a product unsafe for sound weapon it was intended for.

Wuulf said...

Is this where I brag about being able to buy primers where I live?
But only recently, and its still an issue of you will be happy with whatever brand the nice man behind the counter has, so long as its the correct size.

Ragin' Dave said...

Fleet Farm? You can't be too far away from where I am. We've got Farm and Fleet, which used to be Fleet Farm until the owners got a divorce.

MauserMedic said...

Wuulf,

I'd be happy with any brand at this point. I hope that's an indication supply is catching up to demand.

Ragin' Dave,

I'm in Iowa, which seems to get confused with Idaho by those on the coasts. From what some associates are telling, Idaho is a good place to be, if one likes hunting and shooting. Need to get out there sometime.

cmblake6 said...

Yes, I've noticed you can get .45 again! Makes me happy!

Anonymous said...

I know I'm late to this party but if you are looking to save money on quality rounds visit Sportsman's Guide. They have an ammo
page and one for 9mms. You save a bundle if you buy up in bulk. Hope this helps.