New Federal "Aluminum" ammunition - problems!

[ohio lock]

Went to my local Walmart and saw the new Federal aluminum ammo behind the counter with really low prices on it. I picked up a box of 50 for my PM45 for $14 - went to the range to try it out and had nothing but problems with it. I shot three mags full (15 rounds) and had 6 fte's, with the slide jamming so bad that I had to struggle to pry the bullet out. I thought it had ruined my Kahr. Still have 35 rounds left and will not shoot them again. I fixed the jams and proceeded to shoot 3 mags of Hornady zombie 185 grain HP's and had NO problems whatsoever. Anybody else having the same issue with this ammo?

[Bill K]

Thanks for the heads up. Over the years you early adapter types have saved me a lot of money and aggravation.

[kenemoore]

Thanks for the heads up, I have been considering the aluminum ammo, based on price. I still might try it in my CZ, it eats steel cases without issues.

[RRP]

I saw this stuff for the first time at my local Walmart about 3 weeks ago. I've shot more than 1000 rounds of 9mm without a hiccup. At less than $200 per thousand, I'm happy to buy what you guys turn your noses up to.

[ohio lock]

I saw this stuff for the first time at my local Walmart about 3 weeks ago. I've shot more than 1000 rounds of 9mm without a hiccup. At less than $200 per thousand, I'm happy to buy what you guys turn your noses up to.

I like to save money too. I almost bought all 6 boxes they had, but thankfully just bought the one. I am glad it works for your gun. I will not risk it again in my PM45.

[deadeye]

Thanks for the heads up on this stuff. I came close to trying it but my Kahr has been 100% for 2 years and over 2500 rounds. Don't want to mess it up experimenting. Might try it if I had a beater but not my CCW. I see guns like lawn mowers. If they don't work right, they are long gone.

[berettabone]

I am proud of the fact, that I have never used anything but brass...............ever.......................... .

[targetshooter]

I have not seen the Federal Aluminum cased product but thanks for the input. I have a Hi-Power, 1987 vintage, which I use as a range pistol, shooting 9 mm ball ammo only. I've shot hundreds of rounds of CCI Blazer aluminum cased ammo thru this unit with no issues. By any chance did you keep any of the cases that would not extract ? It would be interesting to measure the pre-fired diameter and the fired expansion.

[ohio lock]

I have not seen the Federal Aluminum cased product but thanks for the input. I have a Hi-Power, 1987 vintage, which I use as a range pistol, shooting 9 mm ball ammo only. I've shot hundreds of rounds of CCI Blazer aluminum cased ammo thru this unit with no issues. By any chance did you keep any of the cases that would not extract ? It would be interesting to measure the pre-fired diameter and the fired expansion.

I did keep the cases - will let you know after I get the little guy out of the bath and into the bed. Will post the results. I too have used Blazer aluminum ammo for a while and have never had any problems.

[kenemoore]

Since Federal and Blazer are owned by the same company. ( They both use small primers). You would assume there was some type of knowledge sharing, maybe not.

[garyb]

Went to my local Walmart and saw the new Federal aluminum ammo behind the counter with really low prices on it. I picked up a box of 50 for my PM45 for $14 - went to the range to try it out and had nothing but problems with it. I shot three mags full (15 rounds) and had 6 fte's, with the slide jamming so bad that I had to struggle to pry the bullet out. I thought it had ruined my Kahr. Still have 35 rounds left and will not shoot them again. I fixed the jams and proceeded to shoot 3 mags of Hornady zombie 185 grain HP's and had NO problems whatsoever. Anybody else having the same issue with this ammo?

I am guessing that they are oversized for the chamber. Try pulling your barrel and see if the loaded bulled drops easily into the chamber. I had this same problem with my PM40 using bulged brass that was previously shot from an unsupported Glock. Once I figured it out, I now individually test bullets by dropping them one at a time into my pulled barrel. Just a thought.

[b4uqzme]

I tried the Blazer aluminum in a 45lc revolver and the cases were difficult to extract. So I've never tried it in a semi auto

[340pd]

One of our guys came into our range this week with the announcement that Walmart had Federal 9mm at $9.97/box50. I suspect it was this stuff but I have yet seen any of it show up yet. We have very few ammo problems be it brass, steel,or aluminum cased. Personally, I would have no fear of products with a Federal label.

[Pointblank]

I was wondering about that stuff, thank you.

[jblackfish]

I've shot the steel and aluminum ammo too but not in my Kahrs.

FYI, from the Q&A section of the Kahr site:

Q. Which ammunition is recommended for use with Kahr firearms?

A. Kahr Arms does not endorse any particular brand of ammunition. However, not every brand of ammunition produces the same results. Please check the markings on the barrel hood of your firearm to determine the proper caliber. Kahr suggests a visit to a pistol range to test fire different brands of ammunition in the proper caliber. Kahr do not recommend steel case, reloads or un-jacketed ammunition. The Kahr pistol is rated to +P.

(but...I've shot more of my own reloads without any problem whatsoever than any other ammo.)