Bad Hornady Match Ammo?

[lockon223]

Just got back from the range today after a large ammo purchase of several different brands/weights to see what my rifle liked best.

There was a box of Hornady ammo that I had really high hopes for because I never heard of this ELD tip and it was ~$28 for a box of 20.

Half the box, a whole 10/20 rounds failed to fire in my bolt gun. I've never experienced "light" primer strikes in this gun before but as soon as I loaded a different brand it went bang every time.

I know at this point I really can't expect a refund or anything, but should I report it to the retailer I purchased it from know? or complain to Hornady?

 

[Buckmastr]

There are a few recent stories of this ammo not firing consistently. This is the second one I've read about today. The other was a 30-06 misfiring superformance out of a Winchester.

 

[Auggie Doggie]

I'd let Hornady know. Send details including photos. Might be good for some replacement product.

Auggie D.

 

[scuba52]

Good luck, I had the same problem a couple years ago and was basically told to pound salt

 

[North of 7]

Good luck, I had the same problem a couple years ago and was basically told to pound salt

Hornady has amazing customer service. I had 7mm-08 superperformance ammo that was over pressured and leaked gas from the primer pocket, etching a ring into my bolt face. Gun still functions fine but for the hassle they said we can fix it for you or send ammo. They sent me the new hornady precision Hunter in 243 for my hassle, at 50 bucks a box I ended up with a bunch of free ammo and all they wanted was me to send them the bad box from that lot. They were awesome to deal with.

North

 

[BigRobb]

I’d call them. I’ve never dealt with them for warranty, but personally I’d expect at least a voucher/cheque for a free box.

 

[BRDAVISAUTOREPAIR]

Same here, Hornady seems to struggle with the loaded ammo game, poor accuracy and bad primer decisions... I tried a broad range of there stuff and lost faith. White box Winchester is more accurate every time and goes bang every time…. I, and like everyone else wanted to treat myself to an over priced 40 dollar box of 22-250... 223, 60 dollar box of 270 beautiful shinny box of ammo, but no it so. It's not better, and might not work. It is sadly a known problem so lets see how they deal with it going forward.

 

[just having some fun]

i just had this happen in some bulk/1000r case of mil spec 223 ... 2 different bolt guns

one rifle would do 2.3 duds per mag

doing the mex match with primers. not sure if it is primers or a length issue. primer hits look ok

will find out next trip to club

 

[Ganderite]

One thing that can cause light strikes is the bullet touching the rifling. This keeps the case shoulder off the chamber and cushions the strike.

Check a chambered round for rifling marks on the bullet. Is the rifle new? If so, the throat will be short. It will erode forward about 10 thou a year.

Solve now by seating the bullet a bit deeper.

 

[P of PDent]

Same here, Hornady seems to struggle with the loaded ammo game, poor accuracy and bad primer decisions... I tried a broad range of there stuff and lost faith. White box Winchester is more accurate every time and goes bang every time…. I, and like everyone else wanted to treat myself to an over priced 40 dollar box of 22-250... 223, 60 dollar box of 270 beautiful shinny box of ammo, but no it so. It's not better, and might not work. It is sadly a known problem so lets see how they deal with it going forward.

My experience with loaded Hornady ammunition is the exact opposite of what you have indicated. I have had exceptional results with Hornady ammo in both function and accuracy. If given a choice I will almost always choose Hornady. I have been at the factory and watched the care that this family owned company uses in the production line including the hand inspection of some steep angle shoulder calibers (like 22-250) that I found hard to believe if I had not seen it myself. No doubt Hornady has had problems from time to time like all ammo manufacturers but again my personal (and business) experience has shown a great effort to make things right. Phil.

 

[B]

While I have experienced a lot of minor issues throughout the years the only brand that seems to often have issues is Hornady. I have had lots of split brass, pierced primers and many loads are well under advertised velocity. I really don't doubt they exercise great care but when you outsource production of components or manufacture you can't expect perfection. At least Hornady hasn't blown up any of my guns like Federal...