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Sunday, June 5, 2016

Review: Winchester USA Forged 9mm Ammunition

Recently The Gundivas received a sample of Winchester's new line of ammunition, USA Forged from  Ammoman.com (www.ammoman.com) to try out.
The primary difference between USA forged and other Winchester ammunition is the case.
USA Forged uses a steel case versus a brass case.  The reason for a steel case is to lower cost.  Steel is cheaper than brass.  The bullet is the same copper jacketed lead core Winchester has used for years.  All the components are 100% made in America.  The advertised muzzle velocity is 1190 FPS.  It is typically packaged in 150 round boxes. (Three trays of 50 rounds)





I had a chance to run through 250 rounds of this ammunition.  I fired 150 through a Glock model 19 during the monthly pistol competition.  And another 100 through 3 other handguns (Browning Hi-Power, Glock model 43 and a German Luger) at the target range just to see how it performed in other guns.


Throughout the day the ammunition performed and functioned with zero malfunctions.  Accuracy was the same as any other brand I have used.  I did not specifically shoot for groups.  My evaluation is based on my accuracy during the competition and ability to hit a 10 inch steel plate at 35 yards.  I personally see no difference in this ammunition versus anything other brand of ammunition.
I do call BS on the advertised velocity of 1190 FPS.  Again I did not measure it, but this ammunition was too anemic to knock down the larger steel plates, which is typical of most factory 9mm ammunition.  (I need to start reloading again so I can get the performance I want)

Overall I say this ammunition is good to go.  I experienced no problems with it.
I do add these caveats;
1. Indoor ranges may not allow you to use this at all.  Many indoor ranges have blanket bans on any ammunition that is magnetic in any way.  This is to keep out steel jacketed and steel core ammunition that will damage the backstops thus increasing maintenance costs.  (Note:  Only the case is steel in the USA Forged ammunition.  The bullet is pure copper jacketed lead)
2. I have read some articles where people have experienced low accuracy and function problems (mostly failure to eject) with this ammunition.  All I can say is buy a box and try it.  If it works, it works.  If not, switch back to what works.  I did most of my testing through Glock handguns.  Glocks are known to eat just about anything without problems.

Hope Winchester USA Forged provides you another, less expensive ammunition choice for your target shooting and training.

Good Hunting.



By: Mez
06/05/2016





7 comments:

  1. It would sure be nice to pick up my "brass" with a magnetic sweep when shooting out doors.

    Bill

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  2. I went to the website and its says "brass Jacketed lead core" http://www.winchester.com/Products/handgun-ammunition/Value/usa-forged/Pages/default.aspx

    Thoughts?

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  3. Reddunappy-

    Years ago I had read that "copper clad" bullets were actually "brass clad" because the alloy was 95% copper and 5% zinc, making it "sort of brass".

    That may be what they were saying. Or they may have just screwed up.

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  4. LOL I just wanted to let you know. It does say it in two spots I seen on the website.

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  5. Coolio. I used Blazer aluminum casing back in the day...jammed all the time. This is something new to try.

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  6. One caveat for using steel case ammo, it can wear down your extractor a bit faster than brass cased ammo. It all depends on the quality of your firearm and the quality of your extractor.

    I snagged a box about two weeks ago. I put 150 rounds through a G17 and I found that they shot low for me. I also felt that it shot a lot dirtier than some of the other ammo I'm used to shooting.

    It's OK, but I think I'll stick with WWB if I run out of my stock ammo.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Very informative blog post. Really looking forward to read more. Thanks For Sharing this Great article.
    357 Magnum Brass

    ReplyDelete