Ian Rants About Dumb Ammo Purchasing Decisions

Published on March 30, 2021
Duration: 9:01

This guide details a practical test of different .303 British ammunition types in a 1914 Lewis Gun, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum. It highlights how surplus ammunition quality can vary significantly, impacting firearm reliability. The test reveals that while some surplus (like Greek HXP) performs flawlessly, others (British WWII and Pakistani POF) can cause frequent malfunctions, underscoring the importance of selecting quality ammunition for reliable firearm operation.

Quick Summary

Ian McCollum tested various .303 British surplus ammunitions in a Lewis Gun, finding Greek HXP from the 1970s to be highly reliable for full-auto fire. British WWII and POF Pakistani surplus caused frequent malfunctions, illustrating that cheap ammo is a 'false economy' due to reliability issues and potential safety risks. Researching headstamps is crucial for selecting safe and effective surplus ammunition.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Ammo Quality Analogy
  2. 00:23Range Test Setup: Lewis Gun & .303 Ammo
  3. 00:46Testing British WWII Surplus
  4. 01:41Testing Pakistani POF Surplus
  5. 02:50Testing Greek HXP Surplus
  6. 03:22The False Economy of Cheap Ammo
  7. 05:31Identifying Good Surplus
  8. 07:08Dangerous Ammunition Warnings

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of .303 British ammunition were tested in the Lewis Gun?

The test included British WWII-dated surplus, POF Pakistani surplus, and 1970s Greek HXP surplus ammunition. The Greek HXP performed flawlessly, while the other two types caused significant malfunctions.

Why is using cheap surplus ammunition a 'false economy' for machine guns?

It's a false economy because while the initial cost is lower, unreliable ammunition leads to frequent malfunctions, hangfires, duds, and excessive cleaning. This downtime and potential for damage negate any cost savings and compromise the firearm's operational readiness.

What are the risks associated with dangerous surplus ammunition?

Dangerous surplus ammunition, such as early Turkish 8mm Mauser with excessively high pressures, can cause catastrophic firearm failure and severe injury, including the loss of fingers, as Ian McCollum warns.

How can shooters identify good surplus ammunition?

Ian McCollum advises researching specific headstamps and known performance characteristics of surplus ammunition before purchasing. Not all surplus is bad; some, like Swiss GP11, is considered match-quality.

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