Freedom Munitions Ammo Issue

[TexasCajun]

I was shooting the indoor IDPA match at Shiloh last night using my Glock 17 with new Freedom Munitions 115gr. When I'd fire, sparks would come out from behind the chamber and possibly from the end of the barrel. I shot the first stage then ran a bore snake through the barrel a few times. The same thing happened on the 2nd stage, so one of the guys in my squad lent me some Fiocchi 124gr to finish the match. The Fiocchi shot clean (no sparks). I shot other brands (WWB & Fiocchi 115gr) on Saturday and Tuesday through my Glock with no sparks.

I googled 'Freedom Munitions ammo issues' and 'sparks from ammo' with no relevant results. Anybody else have or hear of such a thing?

[The Annoyed Man]

I buy my ammo almost exclusively from Freedom Munitions and have never had an issue with it, but that has been mostly remanufactured rifle ammo, which I find to be both cheap and very accurate for remanufactured stuff. However, I just took delivery a couple of weeks ago on 1000 rounds of their 115 grain remanufactured 9mm ball, but I haven't shot any of it yet, so your topic interests me.

How bad were the sparks?

[TexasCajun]

"How bad were the sparks?"

After the 2nd round, I was being called Sparkler. It was very significant. Everyone from all angles were able to see them.

[Bitter Clinger]

I was shooting the indoor IDPA match at Shiloh last night using my Glock 17 with new Freedom Munitions 115gr. When I'd fire, sparks would come out from behind the chamber and possibly from the end of the barrel. I shot the first stage then ran a bore snake through the barrel a few times. The same thing happened on the 2nd stage, so one of the guys in my squad lent me some Fiocchi 124gr to finish the match. The Fiocchi shot clean (no sparks). I shot other brands (WWB & Fiocchi 115gr) on Saturday and Tuesday through my Glock with no sparks.

I googled 'Freedom Munitions ammo issues' and 'sparks from ammo' with no relevant results. Anybody else have or hear of such a thing?

A buddy of mine recently encountered the same issue with Remington UMC. It was right after I had cleaned and lubed his Beretta for him so he called me in a near panic. It can only be the powder. There are several threads on various forums. Here is one:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wess ... oting.html

[TexasCajun]

Thanks Bitter Clinger. I was hoping that it was just a powder issue. It was a little unsettling, but glad to see that it's not something major. Most of the replies on the linked forum thread say powder & it's no big deal. Others that said it was a big deal didn't provide any other information.

[Middle Age Russ]

sparks would come out from behind the chamber

This would make me want to inspect the fired cases to see what the primer / primer pocket look like.

[TexasCajun]

I didn't think to look at the casings. I still have the rounds that I planned on shooting last night. I may take them to the range with me this weekend to take a closer look.

[jed]

I don't know if it sparks for me, I don't have any to shoot. Placed an order 12/6 and yet to receive it.

[jrs_diesel]

I've seen similar while shooting 230 gr 45 at the range, usually with cheap stuff. Nothing that I would consider too strange, and certainly has not been harmful (that I can tell) to my XD.

[loktite]

+1 to inspect the casings. Another possibility to consider, found on 1911forum, in thread https://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=467058

All sort of particles fly out of the case as it is ejected. Sometimes these are clumps of powder that were stuck to the case by residual sizing lubricant and were late to the party with respect to combustion.

[Skiprr]

I'd have to think it's something similar to loktite's post.

Like TAM, most of my center-fire purchases--other than defensive ammo and the occasional mil-surp bulk deal--are from Freedom Munitions. Partly because their retail store is only two exits down the freeway from me. But also because of the quality and value. I mainly shoot their remanufactured rounds in 9mm, .40S&W, .45ACP, .223, and .308. Never had an issue.

[rentz]

ive heard of issues quite a bit in the past 2yrs with their pistol ammo.
I don't buy it anymore because of this and the fact I can usually find new manufactured ammo for the same price or less after shipping

[LeonCarr]

Rifle Primers?

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[TexasCajun]

Rifle Primers?

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

That would be jacked up.

[Jago668]

I've only ever shot their rifle ammo. Never had a problem with it. So don't know.