CCI Mini Mag alternatives

HooliganD

HooliganD

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Hi all,

have been shooting 9mm pistols and finally bought a .22. Like most semi-auto 22s. mini mags keep coming up as the most recommended, but wondering if there were any alternatives? CCI is Federal, isn't it? I noticed the federal black packs (which are on sale and have mail in rebates) have the same specs as the mini mags.

I ordered a Bersa Thunder .22 from IRunGuns
 
My go to brands have always been CCI Mini-Mags and Federal 525 bulk pack. I have a couple of firearms that run both exactly the same. Same accuracy, reliability and consistency. That being said it is always a good idea to try some before purchasing in bulk just to make sure they work well in that particular firearm, as some guns definitely show a preference for one brand/style over another.
 
My impression is one only needs the CCI Minimags if the gun is picky. I gravitate to the Federal 525 bulk packs, myself.

Thunderbolts and Wildcats have given me trouble in several guns. Other than those pretty much everything works. My S&W 18 doesn't like much, but it will usually handle the Federal without trouble.
 
The federal black pack that have been on sale at really good prices recently,look and perform almost exactly like the minimags.The bullet has a pretty identical appearance to the minimags..I recently shot groups at a 100yds with both the minimags and these bulk black packs and the grouping and point of impact were identical.No reliability issues either in my GSG 16(which can be pretty fussy with bulk winchester and remington ammo)
 
The Federal 1600 round black packs seem to be re-branded Mini-Mags. They sure look the same to me, and function just as well in my 22s.
 
FarmerDanz said:
I have found nearly an identical point of impact at 50 and 100 yards with federal automatch and cci mini mags.
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I watched a couple reviews on the Bersa Thunder; they look like they are very well made and finished. Look like good solid pistols.

I shot federal automatch for a long time, and then I got a crappy, inconsistent box. I switched to CCI Standard velocity and run it in both my High Standards. I shoot well enough with them, but not as well as when I had "good" automatch ammo.
 
Thanks for all the replies everyone. I'll buy some different bricks of 50 or 100 rds to try out once I receive my Bersa. Looking forward to it, but I'm thinking I won't get it to Feb since it's coming from IRG's US site.

I've also read that people cut off a few coils of the recoil spring and they are able to shoot just about anything...but sourcing a spare recoil spring may prove challenging.
 
HooliganD said:
Thanks for all the replies everyone. I'll buy some different bricks of 50 or 100 rds to try out once I receive my Bersa. Looking forward to it, but I'm thinking I won't get it to Feb since it's coming from IRG's US site.

I've also read that people cut off a few coils of the recoil spring and they are able to shoot just about anything...but sourcing a spare recoil spring may prove challenging.
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If you are thinking about cutting coils of the recoil spring of a Bersa Thunder then proceed with extreme caution. The spring is tapered, the smaller dia end is mounted on the barrel and is very tight on the barrel OD. The larger end bears against the inside of the slide. If installed the wrong way, the gun malfunctions due to spring binding up. So long story short, changing the OD of either end of the spring is not a good idea.
 
baldabe said:
If you are thinking about cutting coils of the recoil spring of a Bersa Thunder then proceed with extreme caution. The spring is tapered, the smaller dia end is mounted on the barrel and is very tight on the barrel OD. The larger end bears against the inside of the slide. If installed the wrong way, the gun malfunctions due to spring binding up. So long story short, changing the OD of either end of the spring is not a good idea.
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Thanks for the info. I certainly won't cut any coils unless I have a factory spare...that is if I could find one.
 
baldabe said:
I'm trying to find spares myself. Tactical Imports are no help. If you find anything, please post it up.
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I was hoping Tactical Imports would help, did they say they can't help or just not answer you? I'll ask I Run Guns to see if they can obtain and ship parts here.
 
Bought a bunch of CCI mini mags on sale along with a box of a few different high velocity rounds to try out with my lil bersa. That is once the registration certificate eventually arrives.
 
I find it odd how no one has mentioned Winchester 555 ammo. That’s the only Winchester ammo worth a damn, IMO.
It works in every single semi auto .22 I own. Ruger, Smith, Browning, GSG, rifle/pistol; it doesn’t matter. it feeds well, has good accuracy for a non match cartridge, and does some excellent work dispatching small game.

I’m not even sure what/if there is a cost difference between the two, never felt like I was missing something by switching to the 555’s years ago.

Best thing to do is, buy every .22 brand you can get your hands on, and do 5 shot groups. I think you’d be surprised by the results between different make and model firearms.
 
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