Ammo no longer available

[miles71]

It seems that Winchester Ranger and Federal HST's are starting to become unavailable for non LEOs. I know this was always a thing with the companies but did something happen recently to make the sellers scared to sell it to usm civilians?

I am impressed with the HST's and want to purchase some 9mm and 45 cal but cant find them.

TD

 

[cp1969]

All the more reason to reload. You can load ammo of equal or better quality for half the cost.

 

[tpd223]

It's the state of current affairs, LE agencies are also having trouble getting enough ammo, or the ammo they would like to get.

 

[oldman45]

Not sure where ammo is in short supply. I live not too far from Shreveport, LA and I bought three boxes of .45acp ammo by Winchester Ranger Friday and two boxes of Federal target ammo in 9mm yesterday.

The shelves were full at both stores and the prices, while not cheap was reasonable.

 

[Dogguy]

I think Winchester has tried to restrict sales of their LE ammo for several years and Federal started also pursuing this course sometime last year. But you can still find "overstocks" of the ammo online from places like Ammunition To Go. Unless they've sold out recently, they had 9mm and .45 ACP Ranger T in stock. The prices are higher than other same-caliber loads.

Speer does not restrict their LE ammo sales. Their LE Gold Dots have a good reputation and that is a viable alternative if you can't locate HST.

 

[angel71rs]

Don't know about HSTs, but SGAmmo regularly has Ranger LE ammo. Sample:

50rd - Winchester Ranger 9mm T-Series +P RA9124TP | SGAmmo.com

I've purchased Speer GD LE from them, no problems.

 

[Steve C]

LEO ammo comes on the market when there are contract cancellations and stock over runs. Its simply surplus ammo that gets sold to civilians. Like all surplus items the stock is variable and what's available today may not be there tomorrow.

 

[ColColt]

He has some Federal Tactical 9MM 124 +P+ HYDRA-SHOK P9HS3G1 ammo but is temporary out of the rest in other calibers.

M.A.H. SUPPLIES LLC

 

[miles71]

Ordered a few boxes of Ranger 9mm 127 +p and 45 ACP 230's. I will see how they feel and might get some more.

I have found recently the Winchester ammo seems more accurate than the Federal. So hey, Ranger time.

So when I get to the last one would that be the ................lone ranger

TD

 

[haifabuddy]

Non-bonded Ranger is available in several places on internet. Bonded Ranger is being bought up by agencies. Bonded in civilian --I think it is same as the black box PDX-1 --is available. Only official Winchester LE dealers will not sell their stock to civilians. Even LEOs are limited for their own purchases.

 

[miles71]

I went with the non bonded r45T and r9t. It seems like the big issue is jacket seperation and shooting through barriers. Not like I plan on shooting through anything so no issue. I am curious about the PDx1 black box stuff, wonder if it is as good as the Rangers?

TD

 

[Out West]

I got a hunch that these restrictions will last as long as it takes for a manufacturer outside of the US to come up with equivalent bullet designs. Imagine what would happen to ATK if the Russians came up with equally effective bullets? If you could buy, and your local police department could buy, Russian Silver Bear with equivalent capabilities at half the cost of domestic law enforcement ammunition the market place will change and fast.

Out
West

 

[photoman]

HST has always been hard to find. Ammunition To Go has Ranger in stock.

 

[jimmyj]

I have considered ammo marked "For Law Enforcement Only" a sales gimmick of the Ammo Companies to make Their products in demand to the general public.

 

[JIM BO]

I believe the " new green " bullet going to our troops is bonded.Supposed to be a big step up from what they have now.If it turns out to be a good light armor piercing bullet look for some changes/restrictions back home as far as " bonded " goes.