I have been in search of a dependable range ammunition for my R9 Stealth. I have relied on what has been written in the forum but often could not easily find in my local market the ammunition that was discussed. Due to availability I have tested a wide variety of ammunition and thought I would share my results.
The following is a description of my methodology:
- Never fired more than 25 rounds in a session.
- Kept up a slow rate of fire and made sure the gun did not get overly warm.
- Thoroughly cleaned and lightly oil the gun after each session
- Used a two handed grip to help prevent any limp wristing
- Changed the recoil spring after 220 rounds
- Kept detailed notes of each session
- Fired only one type of ammunition at a session but mixed ammunition types across sessions
These are my results summarized by ammunition type:
- 150 rounds Magtech FMJ => 5 FTEs (3%)
- 20 rounds Lellier & Belliot 115gr. FMJ => 8 FTFs (40%)
- 75 rounds Winchester White Box 115gr FMJ => 12 FTEs (16%)
- 50 rounds American Red Eagles 115gr FMJ => 3 FTEs (6%)
- 20 rounds Speer Gold Dots 147gr => no problems
- 25 rounds Speer Gold Dots 124gr => no problems
- 25 rounds Remington Golden Sabres 124gr => no problems
My gunsmith pointed out that the FMJ copper sheathed rounds were leaving behind copper fragments and some unburnt powder. He pointed out the scoring, clearly visible on the shell casings, as evidence of this debris and the potential to slow the ejection process. Maybe this debris and the R9s tight tolerences are a source of the FTEs.
The FTFs are a common problem with the Lellier and Bellioit rounds and their notoriously hard primers.
My conclusion is that these puppies like defense ammunition as I never had a problem with a single round.
Hope this was helpful.
