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View Full Version : Need some expertise from you ammo loaders


davidjinks
03-25-21, 10:00
I bought this ammo direct from Buffalo Bore, 150 grain hardcast wadcutter .38 special.

The primers have these weird crescent shaped marks on them. From the research I did, I found that the main culprit is the shell holder not fitting properly. I’ve also read that there shouldn’t be an issue with the primers.

I’m not a reloader and I’m not doggin on Buffalo Bore. What I would like to know is how common is this and is it a problem?

First picture is Buffalo Bore 150 grain wadcutter, second picture is Fiocchi 125 grain XTP. The Buffalo Bore ammo was consistent with the same marks on the primers within all 5 boxes.

https://i.imgur.com/r5TcxZ7.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xavynmj.jpg
AndyLate
03-25-21, 10:02
Not common, but not a problem.

Not acceptable for an "upscale" ammunition company in my opinion.

Andy

P.S. Not an expert here.
Averageman
03-25-21, 10:05
Poor Q/C.
Not a problem, but for the price, they need to step it up a bit.
kerplode
03-25-21, 10:05
Yeah, I agree with Andy. Not good but shouldn't be a problem.

They didn't have that machine set up correctly and it was trying to seat the primers too deeply. QC should have caught that, but I suspect they are just shoveling stuff out the door like everyone else.
Mr_Happy1
03-25-21, 10:10
I agree with all the above comments. I have fired many of my own reloads that looked like that, or worse. 😢
But for a company of their stature, it is disappointing.
SomeOtherGuy
03-25-21, 10:23
As others have said. And I've never had that happen in my loading with cheap Lee-brand equipment.
davidjinks
03-25-21, 10:27
Thanks everyone! I was genuinely curious about it as I’ve never experienced something like this before. It was a pain in the rear trying to google it to get information.

Range day is tomorrow, as long as they work, I’ll have a new carry round for my 642.
TomMcC
03-25-21, 10:29
As long as they are fully seated they should be fine. Like the others said, poor QC. Buffalo Bore has never been "cheap" ammo. Sign of the times? Crank it out fast?
GH41
03-25-21, 14:26
Thanks everyone! I was genuinely curious about it as I’ve never experienced something like this before. It was a pain in the rear trying to google it to get information.

Range day is tomorrow, as long as they work, I’ll have a new carry round for my 642.[/I]

I wouldn't carry with reloads no matter who put them together. For the record.. I carry Federal Premium 148 Gr full wadcutters in my 642. They have a healthy roll crimp over the face of the bullet. Lightly crimped lead bullets have been known to jump out of the case and lock up the cylinder of lightweight revolvers.
davidjinks
03-25-21, 14:30
Unless I’m missing something, this is factory ammunition from Buffalo Bore. This isn’t reloads from a gun show special.

EDITED TO ADD: I think these crimps look good to me. Again, I’m not a reloader, I buy the stuff, inspect it and shoot it.

https://i.imgur.com/a6sVO2t.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Y2CsE3o.jpg









[/I]

I wouldn't carry with reloads no matter who put them together. For the record.. I carry Federal Premium 148 Gr full wadcutters in my 642. They have a healthy roll crimp over the face of the bullet. Lightly crimped lead bullets have been known to jump out of the case and lock up the cylinder of lightweight revolvers.
Uni-Vibe
03-25-21, 23:54
The wadcutters in the picture look good. Firm even roll crimp, but no distortion of the case mouths. Bullet seated to proper depth. I say this with reloading experience dating from 1979.


The primers look odd. I would not rely on them for defense against bears or thugs. If my handloads looked like that, I'd correct the problem.
davidjinks
03-26-21, 11:43
If all the rounds function as designed, hit close to POA, and aren’t showing any signs of more serious issues; you still wouldn’t rely on them?


The wadcutters in the picture look good. Firm even roll crimp, but no distortion of the case mouths. Bullet seated to proper depth. I say this with reloading experience dating from 1979.


The primers look odd. I would not rely on them for defense against bears or thugs. If my handloads looked like that, I'd correct the problem.
davidjinks
03-26-21, 11:43
Weird double tap
TomMcC
03-26-21, 12:07
I've seen those small creases in my reloads from time time because home reloading equipment isn't quite as zoot as factory equipment. Primer pocket and primer sizing not being optimal to one another because of using mixed brass. I have never had one not go off because of the slight deformation. But that's just my experience.
davidjinks
03-26-21, 14:27
Thanks for all the insight everyone. Like I said, this is something I’ve never seen before.




I just got back from the range. All the ammo functioned as designed. I’m not liking where the POI with these.


I've seen those small creases in my reloads from time time because home reloading equipment isn't quite as zoot as factory equipment. Primer pocket and primer sizing not being optimal to one another because of using mixed brass. I have never had one not go off because of the slight deformation. But that's just my experience.
davidjinks
03-26-21, 14:28
Another double tap.
GH41
03-27-21, 08:34
The Federal way.. Probably a holdover from the days when people shot bullseye from auto pistols. Without any exposed lead to hang-up on the feed ramp.
https://i.imgur.com/Q0jr88R.jpg
GH41
03-27-21, 08:34
The Federal way.. Probably a holdover from the days when people shot bullseye with 38 special from auto pistols. Without any exposed lead to hang-up on the feed ramp.
https://i.imgur.com/Q0jr88R.jpg