Federal Automatch ammo?

trad_a_non · #1 10-15-2011, 07:06 AM

I've been using Federal Automatch ammunition in rifles and pistols for some years now, and it's always given me group sizes somewhat better than other makes and models of .22 cartridges -- until now. I was shooting a semiauto Ruger pistol at 50 feet and noticed ( as one would ) that my groups were much larger than usual, some 3 inches across. I switched to Federal 550-in-a-box plinking stuff and fired groups half that size.

I heard a friend complain at the range that Automatch was "all over the target" with his rifle, and now I believe him. Has anyone else seen a drastic decrease in the quality of Automatch ammunition lately?

Best,

Trad

unclenick · #2 10-15-2011, 08:20 AM

Sounds like a bad lot. Any chance you can compare lot numbers with the fellow at the range? Pull a few bullets and look for a base defect or some other asymmetry.

trad_a_non · #3 10-15-2011, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclenick

Sounds like a bad lot. Any chance you can compare lot numbers with the fellow at the range? Pull a few bullets and look for a base defect or some other asymmetry.

Yes, though it may be a while before I see him. E-mail will be better. I'll write back when I have the information.

Thanks,

Trad

trad_a_non · #4 10-17-2011, 08:29 AM

I got in touch with my friend, and we both were shooting the same lot number of Federal Automatch when we got poor results. The lot number is 1GT443, and that appears to be the problem. I haven't had opportunity yet to try other lot numbers to see if the problem goes away, but the case does seem very strong: We bought our ammunition from different stores.

Thanks for the advice, Nick.

Best,

Trad

bobthenailer · #5 11-17-2011, 12:17 PM

I have also been shooting Fed AM since it came out over 4,000 shot and as of late the last couple of boxes i picked up with different lot # ive been getting too many with light powder charges some wont even cycle the slide to load a new caratage. at least 25 to 50 from every 325 rounds.

trad_a_non · #6 11-20-2011, 07:47 PM

Thanks for the comments, Bob; I haven't encountered that problem yet. Federal 550 inabox sometimes has failures to fire, but I haven't seen it in automatch ammunition. Do you have any of the lot numbers? They would be useful so that others could check for the problem.

Best,

Trad

rugermk2 · #7 01-29-2012, 12:24 PM

I've had the same problem with the federal match ammo. I had terrible results with grouping in my 10/22, but the bulk winchester and cci ammo shot 10xs better. Not sure what the deal is considering it costs just as much as the bulk packs. I believe I will burn all mine up and stick with the cheap stuff!!!!!

rugermk2 · #8 01-29-2012, 12:28 PM

My lot # is 1GX513

unclenick · #9 01-29-2012, 01:25 PM

Are you using the Champion Automatch (product #AM22) as they were? AM22 and Gold Medal 719 are loaded to 1200 fps MV, but the other three Gold Medal loads, UM22, 922A, and 711, all run at 1080 fps MV to keep out of the transonic range, so they do have a little less recoil for running the semi-auto.

Note, too, that rimfires just inexplicably like some loads better than others. I have little Winchester model 57 sporter and about 20 round of Remington rifle match that's about 50 years old, and the sporter will drill that old Remington into .3 inches at 50 yards, but Eley 10X and other high end loads will open up the groups by 50% or more. I don't know why.

trad_a_non · #10 01-30-2012, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclenick

Note, too, that rimfires just inexplicably like some loads better than others. I have little Winchester model 57 sporter and about 20 round of Remington rifle match that's about 50 years old, and the sporter will drill that old Remington into .3 inches at 50 yards, but Eley 10X and other high end loads will open up the groups by 50% or more. I don't know why.

A shooting buddy told me the other day that the British had outlawed lead-based primer compounds in ammunition manufactured in that country. Eley hasn't found a good substitute yet. This friend had shot Eley for years before this happened, and now can't get his rifles to group like they did before.

The problem appears to be inconsistent ignition.

Best,

Trad A. Non

unclenick · #11 01-30-2012, 12:40 PM

Trad,

Not a factor in my tests. I did them in the 1980's.