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S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present All NON-PINNED Barrels, the L-Frames, and the New Era Revolvers


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  #1  
Old 02-20-2010, 08:40 PM
stevieboy stevieboy is offline
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Default Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM

This may more properly go in the "ammo" category but, I'm posting it here because others of you are 625 afficianados. I had an extended range session today with my 625JM. I started off firing PRVI Partizan 230 gr. FMJ. The ammo and the gun worked superbly. I got some great groups at 10 yards and some really exceptional -- for me -- groups at 25.

Then, I switched over to Aguila 230 gr. FMJ. This is an ammunition that's made in Mexico. I understand that they have a great reputation for match grade .22 lrs. I'd picked up a couple of boxes of the stuff at a good price at a gun show last week. I've fired their .38 specials before (158 gr. SJHP) from my 686 with excellent results and I expected no less from the .45s.

As I fired the first group my immediate reaction was that the felt recoil from the rounds was much stronger than from the PRVI Partizan. It was almost as if I were firing +P ammunition. The group, at 25 yards, was terrible. Rounds were sprayed all over the target and I'm guessing that they added up to about a 10" group. When I attempted to extract the rounds (moonclipped, naturally) it was a no-go at first. I had to pound on the end of the extractor rod with a screwdriver handle in order to pop out the clip.

My thought was that, perhaps, the moonclip was deformed and that had caused the problem (I use RIMZ clips). So, I selected another clip, at random, loaded 'er up and fired another group. Exact same result. After extracting this clip, again with benefit of a screwdriver handle, I examined the spent cases from both groups. All were noticeably bulged.

I then switched over to another ammuntion (Atlanta Arms 230 gr. FMJ reloads) and the gun worked fine. Again, superb groups.

I'm guessing that the Aguila rounds were overloaded. I have no intention of using the remainder. Any of you have a similar experience?
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Old 02-20-2010, 11:30 PM
ranger7 ranger7 is offline
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Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM  
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Not exactly a similar experience but another problem with Aguila. I had problems with Aguila .380 ACP ammo functioning in a Ruger LCP about the time of the LCP recall (to correct a problem regarding possible discharges after being dropped). I specifically asked Ruger to check the headspace on the pistol and they reported that it was well within spec.

I continued to have the problem with the Aguila and I questioned Ruger again. They said that to set my mind at ease, I should send the pistol back again, at their expense, to have the headspace rechecked. They checked it again and said it was fine. They also said that they had other reports about Aguila and that it was their opinion the Aguila ammo in many cases was not made to SAAMI specs and it should be avoided.

I contacted Aguila's importer and they asked me to ship my remaining supply of the ammo (about 75 rounds) and they would address the matter with Aguila in Mexcio. I sent the ammo at my expense. I called them after several weeks and the importer said they really hadn't done anything on the matter. The implication was that Aguila wouldn't do anything anyway. They asked if I wanted it replaced with more Aguila ammo and I said I didn't want .380 ACP but would accept another caliber. They never sent the replacement ammo nor did I get any reimbursement for my shipping. The importer's rep was never available for my calls after that.

I now refuse to buy any Aguila ammo.

Last edited by ranger7; 02-20-2010 at 11:32 PM. Reason: Typo
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Old 02-21-2010, 12:18 AM
RichCapeCod RichCapeCod is offline
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Ranger:

It has been my experience when dealing with ammunition companies with problem ammo, the first thing they want you to do is to return the ammo to them so "they can see what the problem is." In point of fact, they just wanted to get the ammo away from you.

It has also been my experience that most companies in the states will send you replacement ammo (often more then you sent them).

Rich
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Old 02-21-2010, 11:06 AM
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johngalt johngalt is offline
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Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM  
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I bought some in 9mm once. I thought it was a bit hotter than normal, although it functioned ok. After some more reading, I became suspicious it was loaded for subguns, so I quit using it.
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Old 02-21-2010, 11:50 AM
perrazi perrazi is offline
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buy american in the first place. if you have a problem, your chances of getting the problem resolved are much better and usually without question. exception being some of the currently produced 22lr ammo that is junk.
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Old 02-21-2010, 12:13 PM
jframefreak jframefreak is offline
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Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM  
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To heck with Aguila, they may have had too much cervesa when they were loading that batch.
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Old 02-23-2010, 01:13 AM
ShrinkMD ShrinkMD is offline
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Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM Aquila 230 gr. FMJ .45 ACP doesn't work in my 625 JM  
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I had problems with Aguila in 40S&W. After firing them in my 4006, they would not resize in my press! They actually wouldn't even fit into the hornady shell holder. They fit into the shellplate on my LNL, but after being resized they did not pass a case gauge. Junk!
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Old 02-23-2010, 06:11 AM
perrazi perrazi is offline
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still another great reason to load your own,aguila.
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22lr, 380, 625jm, 686, extractor, hornady, model 625, ruger, screwdriver

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