Ever get a bad box of factory ammo?

[Zhurh]

Two years back, I picked up a box of Weatherby ammo at Sportsmans, expensive stuff, $120. 30-378, 180 grain, accubonds, lot number 01008. I reload for my 30-378 and never had any problems, except with this box of factory shells; I'd get the tight bolt; over pressure. Got a CED chrono over the winter and tried her out with my reloads & this factory box. From 89 grains RL-22 up to 98 grains using 180 TTSX and 215s. Started out 2900 and at 98 grains RL-22 gave me 3200 fps which I had my VX-3L turret set up at. Then I shot a factory round and got 3480. I almost took a shell apart to weigh the powder myself, but first gave Weatherby a call. Bad lot, send it back to them they said.

Now I have friends loading up 107 grains RL-22 and getting 3700, but that's not me. I just want 3200, fast enough; but sure glad I got the chrono and verified the reason why.

I've also noticed some Hornady ammo is movin along pretty good, faster than max powder amounts I work up to from books when I reload. Just a thought.

[RustyFN]

No but that could be because I never buy factory ammo.

[cycloneman]

Originally Posted by Zhurh

Two years back, I picked up a box of Weatherby ammo at Sportsmans, expensive stuff, $120. 30-378, 180 grain, accubonds, lot number 01008. I reload for my 30-378 and never had any problems, except with this box of factory shells; I'd get the tight bolt; over pressure. Got a CED chrono over the winter and tried her out with my reloads & this factory box. From 89 grains RL-22 up to 98 grains using 180 TTSX and 215s. Started out 2900 and at 98 grains RL-22 gave me 3200 fps which I had my VX-3L turret set up at. Then I shot a factory round and got 3480. I almost took a shell apart to weigh the powder myself, but first gave Weatherby a call. Bad lot, send it back to them they said.

Now I have friends loading up 107 grains RL-22 and getting 3700, but that's not me. I just want 3200, fast enough; but sure glad I got the chrono and verified the reason why.

I've also noticed some Hornady ammo is movin along pretty good, faster than max powder amounts I work up to from books when I reload. Just a thought.

Bullet manufactures can buy blended powder to achieve velocities you and i cant with the power that is avaliable to us. Just a thought and something for you to know.

[TotheTop83]

Originally Posted by Zhurh

Two years back, I picked up a box of Weatherby ammo at Sportsmans, expensive stuff, $120. 30-378, 180 grain, accubonds, lot number 01008. I reload for my 30-378 and never had any problems, except with this box of factory shells; I'd get the tight bolt; over pressure. Got a CED chrono over the winter and tried her out with my reloads & this factory box. From 89 grains RL-22 up to 98 grains using 180 TTSX and 215s. Started out 2900 and at 98 grains RL-22 gave me 3200 fps which I had my VX-3L turret set up at. Then I shot a factory round and got 3480. I almost took a shell apart to weigh the powder myself, but first gave Weatherby a call. Bad lot, send it back to them they said.

Now I have friends loading up 107 grains RL-22 and getting 3700, but that's not me. I just want 3200, fast enough; but sure glad I got the chrono and verified the reason why.

I've also noticed some Hornady ammo is movin along pretty good, faster than max powder amounts I work up to from books when I reload. Just a thought.

50 rds Federal 9mm. So weak it wouldn't cycle my P95 when even my weakest, don't-feel-like-recoil-today, handloads were cycling reliably. Looked like a flame thrower coming out the barrel though. Had to stop shooting it because it was more effective to throw them downrange case and all...

[Zhurh]

Info appreciated, I know how secretive they all are about their loads, but didn't know about blends. The lot number was recalled, so I might take back to sportsmans. See if I can swap for some brass? They want $300 bucks for 100 pieces of 30-378 brass nowadays. I have 16 of those red mtm 100 rounder boxes to fill, only have 7 complete; I spend so much time reloading when it's raining outside; more time than I ever imagined I would be spending.

[cutter]

I just spent $300 for 100 .338 Lapua mag cases! I know I will take care of the due to the cost. Exotic rounds are not cheap, but they arefun!!