Underwood Ammo and Freedom Munitions PSA - Update Post 16

[Kanewpadle]

I don't like throwing companies under the bus, but this must be known.

While shooting today, I experienced several hard primers with Underwood Ammo. They were 130 gr wadcutter, and Extreme Defender Monolithic in 9MM and 38 spl.

This happened with several different guns and multiple shooters.

If you carry this ammo, beware.

Also, I bought a case of 9MM range ammo from Freedom Munitions.

Had a squib in my Glock 19. We took the gun apart and noticed all the powder never ignited. The bullet only made it half way through barrel.

This is unfortunate because I've shot thousands of rounds from both companies and never had a problem until today.

 

[Autonomous]

As close as you can tell, when was this ammo purchased new?

 

[Michaelp57]

Had this happen with the extreme defender in a p365 a couple years ago. Hard primers for a couple of the rounds in the 20 round box. Never had it happen before or since though.

Sorry to hear about the squib. Thats always a bit disheartening.

 

[326MOD10]

While unfortunate for sure, I am sure every ammo manufacturer has laid an egg at some time.

Good reminder to pay attention to the sights and sounds when shooting so you don't inadvertently destroy your handgun and/or have an injury. Glad you caught it as it happened and no damage was done.

 

[Rustywrench]

Hopefully you have contacted, or attempted to contact, the manufactuer. Do you still have the boxes, that have ammo lot number also? How old/recent manufacture?

 

[Kanewpadle]

As close as you can tell, when was this ammo purchased new?

Yes. By me

 

[Kanewpadle]

Hopefully you have contacted, or attempted to contact, the manufactuer. Do you still have the boxes, that have ammo lot number also? How old/recent manufacture?

I have the lot numbers. Bought less a year ago.

 

[Autonomous]

Bad batches can happen. The chances of two different ammo brands having problems in the same gun are remote.
I'd take a very close look at the gun.

 

[NHNS]

Bad batches can happen. The chances of two different ammo brands having problems in the same gun are remote.
I'd take a very close look at the gun.

I think 38 spl and 9mm would be 2 separate guns.

 

[Autonomous]

Oops. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[RestingBear]

I've recently had two situations with Underwood Extreme Defender rounds failing to ignite in my Bodyguard 2.0. While I can't rule out a possible problem with the pistol, the examined rounds both had pretty significant dimples in the primers. They were both loaded in the gun again and each fired on the second strike.
For what it's worth, I haven't experienced this with any other brands of ammo in the BG 2.0 and I have now tested several other rounds in it.

 

[rockquarry]

I seldom buy any commercial ammo, but when I do I stick pretty much with Federal, Remington, or Winchester. They all make good ammo for whatever purpose you need it for. And it's been 100% reliable, at least for me.

 

[bigfatty]

Underwood uses very hard primers, which is why I won't carry it in a S&W revolver tuned below about 8.5 lbs. CCI, I would guess. Sounds like an issue with their supplier that they need to address.

 

[Doug M.]

I wonder if the shortages of components are or have been limiting their ability to get primers that function better.

 

[rockquarry]

Underwood uses very hard primers, which is why I won't carry it in a S&W revolver tuned below about 8.5 lbs. CCI, I would guess. Sounds like an issue with their supplier that they need to address.

Nothing wrong with any CCI or any other primers if your gun is in good shape and unmolested.

 

[Kanewpadle]

So…… I contacted Freedom Munitions. They asked the usual questions and I replied back.

Next thing you know, I get a UPS call tag. A day later I get an email stating that I should send the remaining ammo back for a refund.

Replied and said, no, I'm keeping the ammo. I didn't want anything in return. Just wanted them to know that they have a problem. No reply after a week now. I'm a little irritated by that.

Also contacted Underwood Ammo twice through their website. No response.

I won't be buying anymore ammo from either company.