BVAC Ammunition?? How is quality? Has anyone used any, and what calibers?

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I just picked up a 1000 rounds of 9mm mixed production over-runs to test out at the range this weekend, so I will let you know how it works out. Also I asked the lady at the ammo store if they had any problems or complaints out of the BVAC ammo and she said she hasn’t had any complaints at all from her customers.
 
I got a box from CTD of 124 gr. 9mm HPs to help break in my new Kahr PM9. So far I 've only put about 20 rounds through it, but had no issues and it seems fairly clean.
 
Basic_problem said:
I just picked up a 1000 rounds of 9mm mixed production over-runs to test out at the range this weekend, so I will let you know how it works out. Also I asked the lady at the ammo store if they had any problems or complaints out of the BVAC ammo and she said she hasn’t had any complaints at all from her customers.
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I wish you better luck than I had.

BVAC (Bitterroot Valley Ammunition & Components) is a breakaway company from HSM (Hunting Shack Ammunition...I have no idea what the "M" stands for...Munitions?). Supposedly there developed 2 opposing factions within HSM, and one faction split away to form BVAC.

About 2 years ago several friends and myself participated in a local "group buy", and purchased 1.5-2K of 9mm, each, as well as 2-3K of .223. On several outings, I began to notice a serious drop in my accuracy while using several of my 9mms...even to include a 9mm carbine, which is usually a real tack driver. Since I was shooting at steel, I decided eventually to see what was going on, and shot at paper targets. My groups looked like I was using a shotgun. I got out some older 9mm I still had, and my groups returned to normal. Upon closer examination of the targets, some of the rounds were keyholing. While it always went "bang", it was easily the least accurate ammo I've ever fired.

On the other hand...the .223 ammo seems okay. I won't claim it's anything amazing...but seems to be decent practice ammo.

Still...I don't see me buying any BVAC ammo anytime in the foreseeable future. Not until I hear many reports that things have improved there. And even then...the ammo would have to be very cheap, and I'd still only buy a small amount, until I was able to test it for myself.

Tim
 
70 rounds of BVAC 115grn JHP 9mm with a S&W 559 and not one problem :cool:

Also being that I live half way between both companies, I can give a little more details about them. From what I understand, HSM (The Hunting Shack) is a Government contractor for the military as well as a supplier for state and federal LE. They also specialize in high quality rifle ammo for hunting and long range shooting for marksmen and snipers.

BVAC is a subsidiary division of HSM that primarily produces handgun ammo for LE and wholesale civilian markets along with some standard hunting and sporting rifle ammo. In addition to loaded ammunition, BVAC offers OEM ammunition components to other ammunition manufactures.
 
BVAC ammo

I have used both HSM and BVAC ammunition with generally good results. The BVAC .223 69 HP has typically given 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards in an AR. The 75 gr. BTHP seem to vary a little from 1/2 inch to 3/4" depending on lots (lots shot side by side for comparison).

Results on deer for the past 2 years have been 5 instant kills for 5 shots with the 75 gr. .233 ammo.:) This has been my major focus.

I recommend that function and accuracy should be verified with at least 100 rounds of any ammo before depending on it even for hunting.
 
BVAC .44 Mag

I use their Semi Wadcutter Load in my 629-4 Alaskan Backpacker it is a very tame load like a .44 special. I get it cheap 22 dollars and some change for 50 from cheaper than dirt which I happen to live about 3 miles from. It accurate smoky and dirty but hey you have to clean your big boy toys.
 
I shot 100 rds of 10mm in my 1006. It's dirty but reliable in my limited experience.
 
Basic_problem said:
70 rounds of BVAC 115grn JHP 9mm with a S&W 559 and not one problem :cool:

Also being that I live half way between both companies, I can give a little more details about them. From what I understand, HSM (The Hunting Shack) is a Government contractor for the military as well as a supplier for state and federal LE. They also specialize in high quality rifle ammo for hunting and long range shooting for marksmen and snipers.

BVAC is a subsidiary division of HSM that primarily produces handgun ammo for LE and wholesale civilian markets along with some standard hunting and sporting rifle ammo. In addition to loaded ammunition, BVAC offers OEM ammunition components to other ammunition manufactures.
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You are incorrect.

BVAC is not a "subsidiary" of HSM. BVAC was started by the ex general manger of HSM. They are direct competitors.
 
andre73 said:
Hey tested some this last test.

YouTube - 9mm Luger - Bitterroot Valley 124 Gr. X-Treme Defense - Ammo Test

Andre'
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BVAC is using Montana Gold bullets for their defense ammo!? This is the same brand of bullets that McNett of Double Tap was using (is using still?) as a replacement for the Speer Gold Dot HP, and was selling at his premium price as a "bonded" defense round.

My personal advise is to stay away from this brand of ammo for SD if they continue to use Montana Gold JHP bullets.
 
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Have used their .22 mag ammo for a long time. Have not had a single issue.
 
I bought a 500rd .40 180 grain box and just finished it last week. Its not terribly accurate so I'd relegate it only to plinking ammo. It was remanufactured ammo also.
 
I bought three hundred rds of 148 gr wadcutter .38 special a while back and just tested it yesterday. While reliable it was extremely smoky, more than most wadcutter ammo. Probably won't shoot any more of it at the indoor range because it produces as much smoke as a muzzle loader.:(
 
bitterroot valley Ammo

Excellent ammo. Shooting 25-06. Very accurate off my platform. Requires frequent cleaning.
 
Good ammo

I bought 500 rds. 9mm and shot all rounds with S&W M&P M2.0. All worked fine and all brass was clean.
 
Some number of years ago, I purchased about 400 rounds of their .44 special 240 grain SWC, as the price per box was about what new .44 special brass would have cost me alone. It is Star Line brass, by the way.

It did seem a bit dirty, but it shot very well in my USFA .44 special, as well as a couple 29's I tried it in.

Pictured is 6 shots offhand at about 15 - 20 yards with this ammo thru a 4 3/4 Super Blackhawk.

Larry
 

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My understanding was they were out of business. Obviously, I was misinformed. Back in 2010, I bought a 500 round bulk box of .38 Spl service-style ammo with FMJ bullets. Beautiful-looking, loaded in what looked to be new Federal +P cases.

I had many bullets keyholing and going through the silhouette target sideways at 3-5 yards. I also had two bullets lodge halfway out of the muzzle of a 4" bbl Model 64. Never saw this before. Range personnel had to tap them back through the bbl to clear them from the gun. Apparently, no powder in these casings.

Sorry, I cannot use BVAC ammo again.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103
 
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