Home Forums Lever Action Central Lever Actions - General ugly 30-30 ammo

I bought a box of 30-30 ammo yesterday and was a bit disappointed by what I found when I open the box. This was name brand ammo that my grandfather always swore by. But seems like I remember the quality being way better. First the projectiles weren't uniformly seated (some were in the case farther then others) and second the tips were all buggered up. They are 150 grain copper jacketed soft points. But the lead was all dented and even looks like it ran down the side of the copper.



I took a piece of emery cloth and cleaned them all up I don't know if it makes a difference or not as far as how well they shoot but I just can't put something that ugly in my gun. Has anyone else experienced this? I mean is it common or did I just manage to get a box of uglies out of 100,000 good boxes? Also did I do any good in cleaning them up or is it just a waste of time?

The condition you describe sounds typical of ammunition that was loaded into the magzine for hunting, carried around, and unloaded after hunting. This doesn't account for the exposed lead running down the side of the jacket though.

Send 'em back------they'll give you more for less......

I called the store where I bought them and they told me they don't take returns on ammo. So it looks like I am stuck with them and yes they did look like they had been loaded and unloaded a few times but they are brand new. Maybe some young kid at the store likes to load guns and unload them when no ones around lol.

Contact the manufacturer. If these cartridges are from a reputable manufacturer I'm sure they'd like to know about below average merchandise getting into circulation.

If I get anymore in that shape then I will do that. I took them shooting yesterday after having cleaned them all up with emery cloth. They seemed to all shoot ok had 20 rounds in a 4" grouping at 100yds from standing unsupported.

[/quote]They seemed to all shoot ok had 20 rounds in a 4" grouping at 100yds from standing unsupported. [/quote]

I suggest you go see if they have more like it and buy it all....

I don't think it would do much for my confidence level to stuff something that bad in the chamber when hunting.

Go back to the store on a Saturday afternoon,
or anytime they are busy, do NOT cuss or get angry,
but do talk a little louder than normal. Tell the
salesman you made a purchase last week and are un-happy
about the sale. Ask to speak with the owner / manager.

By calling them on the phone, you made it much to easy
for them to say no.

Good Luck