Where To Get Cheap Pistol Ammunition?

jyl · jyl's Garage

What do you guys recommend for economical pistol ammunition, to burn up at the range?

I was browsing the Cabela's website and noticed bulk 9mm FMJ for 1,200 rounds/$139.99. That's a good bit cheaper than what I can buy it for locally. Good idea/ bad idea?

Rick V · 10-15-2005, 06:54 PM

I once purchased 1000 rounds of 230fmj for my 45acp. It was military surplus and the dirtyest crap I have ever shot including shotgun shells. If it is surplus I would recomend passing.

theFONZ · 10-15-2005, 06:55 PM

Wal-Mart. 100 9mm is $10-11.

Joeaksa · 10-15-2005, 07:03 PM

www.cheaperthandirt.com

Also look at local gun shows...

JoeA

nostatic · nostatic's Garage

These guys are highly recommended on the SigForum site:

http://lancerammo.com/products/catalog.aspx?cat=15

This guy too:

http://www.ammoman.com/index.htm

I ordered 1K rounds from here...should be here next week:

https://www.natchezss.com/ammo.cfm?contentID=productDetail&ammoRecID=&brand=&category=&prodID=CC3509

Shuie · 10-15-2005, 07:59 PM

ammoman, natchezss, cheaperthandirt, and gun shows. Walmart and Academy usually have great prices on winchester white box 9mm.

HardDrive · 10-15-2005, 09:20 PM

Great thread.

I have been renting 1911s in prep for buying one. The ammo is outrageous.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Gun shows or the local gun shop....

claptrap · 10-15-2005, 10:03 PM

You might try Reeds on Alum Rock, or Mel Cottons on West San Carlos.

Scott

Shuie · 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by HardDrive
Great thread.

I have been renting 1911s in prep for buying one. The ammo is outrageous.

You can get .45 for well under $200 a case if you shop around. Check your local shops like Z said. I used to find cases of Speer 230gr hardball in the blue box for $180 and CCI blazer for $150 a case in a shop in Kentucky (Shooters Supply off of Lyndon Lane in Louisville).

Also notice that ammoman is advertising a 'shipped' price. This is really nice because there is usually a surprise hazmat charge tacked onto the shipping anytime you order this stuff.

.45 and 9mm really are not too bad. Try finding .38 super, 10mm, or 9x23 in bulk

jyl · jyl's Garage

Thanks for the sources!

I'm finalizing my XMas list and in the "new gun" category it's coming down to a Smith & Wesson 1911 or a Benelli .22 target. So I'm thinking about the cost of ammunition.

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

I've found that Winchester White Box is good cheap ammo, locally 9mm is $4.99 for 50 rounds. I am presently using Federal American Eagle, from cheaperthandirt, for everything else.

cheaperthandirt only charges $5.99 for shipping and I think a $3 charge for ammo. $8.99+ammo. If you buy a lot (I buy in case quantities) it makes a lot of sense.

If you buy enough, join the buyers club and save 5% on ammo and 10% on everything else.

Rick V · 10-16-2005, 10:43 AM

John
Before you buy the Smith .45 (good gun) see if you can fire a Ruger KP90.
This is what I tote with me. It is a fairly thick but not wide sidearm. I have run countless rounds through mine and the only jam I had was with some re-loaded stuff that wasn't miced properly.

Seahawk · 10-16-2005, 11:13 AM

I have ordered a Kimber 45 ACP...my B-Day present to myself. Should be here in six weeks. This thread has been great in getting me to think about two types of ammo: target and self protection. Based on other threads, I'm comfortable with the type of ammo for self protection. However, concerning target shooting, there seems to be a wide range of grain, "jacket" and "ball" in the links provided. I don't want to hurt the weapon, but I want to be efficient in budget.
Are there any specific recommendations from those more experienced with 45's. I have been a 9mm guy for a long time.
Thanks.

Shuie · 10-16-2005, 11:20 AM

You wont hurt the gun as long as you dont shoot tons of 45 super through it. Stick with 230gr fullmetal jacket for practice. American Eagle is a little dirty but its great practice ammo. I like Speer Lawman, most people dont. CCI blazer is nice also but make sure its 230gr FMJ and not the 200gr hollowpoints.

Seahawk · 10-16-2005, 11:29 AM

Perfect, thanks...now, where's my credit card?

tabs · 10-16-2005, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by nostatic
These guys are highly recommended on the SigForum site:

http://lancerammo.com/products/catalog.aspx?cat=15

This guy too:

http://www.ammoman.com/index.htm

I ordered 1K rounds from here...should be here next week:

https://www.natchezss.com/ammo.cfm?contentID=productDetail&ammoRecID=&brand=&category=&prodID=CC3509

OHHHH MY GAWD ....It's alive....and we created this monster...

Rick V · 10-16-2005, 11:42 AM

I personally don't like the 230 gr. stuff it drops like a rock. I carry 185gr. it stays up better.
the next time you go to the range send your target down about 50yrds.
run a mag. of 230.
then run another mag. of 185.
you will see the dif.
It's all a matter of preferance and preferance is first cousin to an opinion.

jyl · jyl's Garage

Thanks, Rick.

I'm pretty specifically focused on the SW1911 simply because I've never had a 1911, and I already have a Glock for my modern utilitarian pistol.

As for the ammunition, the range I go to only has 25yd and 100yd outdoor. The .45 ammunition I'll likely buy the most of is .45 SWC 200 gr.

And if the expected ammunition bill seems too high, I'll do the .22.

Rick V · 10-16-2005, 01:33 PM

I kind of view the cost of ammo. like the cost of being a Porsche owner. You gotta pay to play but in the long run it's all worth it. Don't get me wrong one of my favorite guns is my MK2 with 6inch bull barrel. This thing can take out a fly at 100yrds. .22cal, shoot all day long for $20. Spend all night long cleaning for free!