Ammunition Selection: The Foundation of Reliable Performance

From the Bench: A gunsmith's guide to choosing quality ammunition in 2025

By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company

Originally published June 13, 2019 | Updated July 1, 2025

After nearly a decade of working on firearms from every era, I can tell you with absolute certainty: quality ammunition is the foundation of reliable firearm performance. No amount of gunsmithing can overcome poor ammunition choices. Let's dive into what really matters when selecting ammunition for your firearms.

The Quality Imperative

Your firearm is only as reliable as the ammunition you feed it. This isn't just about accuracy – it's about function, safety, and longevity of your investment.

Manufacturer Secrecy and What It Means

Ammunition manufacturers guard their powder formulations like state secrets, and for good reason. These proprietary blends determine:

• Burn rate and pressure curves

• Fouling characteristics

• Temperature stability

• Consistency shot-to-shot

This secrecy makes it challenging for consumers to predict performance, which is why brand reputation and testing become crucial.

Brand Analysis: What We've Learned

Based on extensive testing and customer feedback at Blue Coat Arms Company:

Premium Tier

Federal Premium: Consistently delivers top-shelf performance across platforms. Their quality control and component selection justify the premium price.

Winchester Premium Lines: Excellent performance, particularly in their specialty hunting and match ammunition.

Value Tier

Winchester White Box: Reliable range ammunition that offers decent performance for the price point. Perfect for training and practice.

Specialty Ammunition

Novelty Rounds (including "Zombie" branded ammunition): When manufactured by reputable companies, these can be both effective and entertaining. Remember – it's often about marketing, but the underlying ballistics matter most.

The Fouling Factor

"Dirty" ammunition isn't necessarily bad ammunition. Fouling rate depends on:

• Powder composition and burn characteristics

• Bullet coating and construction

• Case material and preparation

What matters more: How consistently your firearm functions with that ammunition, not how clean your barrel stays.

Quality Concerns in Modern Manufacturing

Here's an uncomfortable truth: overall ammunition quality has declined in recent years. Contributing factors include:

• Supply chain pressures

• Raw material shortages

• Increased demand outpacing quality control

• Cost-cutting measures

Your defense: Research before you buy. Brand recognition doesn't guarantee quality in today's market.

Law Enforcement Caliber Trends

The shift from .45 ACP and .40 S&W to 9mm among law enforcement agencies reflects significant technological advances:

Why 9mm Is Winning

1. Capacity: More rounds in the same frame size

2. Ballistic Performance: Modern hollow points deliver terminal performance rivaling larger calibers

3. Controllability: Faster follow-up shots and reduced recoil

4. Cost Effectiveness: Less expensive to purchase and train with

The Technology Behind the Shift

Modern 9mm hollow point ammunition features:

• Improved expansion reliability

• Better penetration consistency

• Enhanced terminal ballistics

• Reduced over-penetration risk

This isn't about the cartridge being "better" – it's about ammunition technology making smaller calibers more effective.

Magazine Spring Longevity

One of the most persistent myths in the firearms world concerns magazine springs. Here's what decades of experience has taught us:

The Real Story

1. Quality matters more than age: A well-made spring can last decades

2. Cycling causes wear, not compression: Loading and unloading magazines wears springs more than leaving them loaded

3. Historical evidence: We've seen WWII-era magazines function perfectly after 80+ years loaded

Practical Advice

1. Invest in quality magazines with good springs

2. Rotate loaded magazines if concerned about spring life

3. Replace springs showing signs of weakness (failure to feed, reduced capacity)

Modern Ammunition Selection Strategy

For Self-Defense

1. Test extensively: Function test at least 200 rounds of your chosen load

2. Choose proven designs: Stick with established hollow point designs

3. Consider barrier performance: Modern bonded bullets perform better through intermediate barriers

For Training

1. Consistency over perfection: Choose ammunition that functions reliably in your firearm

2. Match your carry load: Train with ammunition that has similar ballistics to your defensive load

3. Budget appropriately: Quality training ammunition pays dividends in skill development

For Competition

1. Load development: Consider handloading for ultimate consistency

2. Lot testing: Buy ammunition from the same lot when possible

3. Environmental factors: Consider temperature and humidity effects on performance

Red Flags to Avoid

1. Ammunition with visible defects (dented cases, loose bullets)

2. Unknown manufacturers with no quality reputation

3. Extremely cheap ammunition from questionable sources

4. Reloaded ammunition from unknown sources

The Bottom Line

Quality ammunition is an investment in your firearm's performance and your safety. In today's market, brand names don't guarantee quality – research, testing, and professional recommendations do.

At Blue Coat Arms Company, we see the results of ammunition choices daily. The firearms that come in for "reliability issues" often just need better ammunition selection.

Remember: Your firearm is only as reliable as what you feed it. Choose wisely.

No matter your era, we got your six – whether you're shooting surplus ammunition in a vintage rifle or premium defensive loads in a modern pistol.

Professional Recommendations

1. Test any new ammunition thoroughly before relying on it

2. Keep detailed records of what works in your specific firearms

3. Don't assume expensive means better – test for yourself

4. When in doubt, consult with a qualified gunsmith

Questions about ammunition selection for your specific firearm? Contact Blue Coat Arms Company at 217-416-5962 or BlueCoatArms@gmail.com. We're here to help you make informed decisions.