Winchester white box issues in my SD9

[angrysteve]

So, I've fired about 1000 rounds through my SD9 with only two malfunctions: the second round I ever shot failed to feed (brand new gun, brand new mag, didn't clean it before I shot it), and the slide failed to lock back once. In other words it's over 99.8% reliable with all kinds of ammo.

However, my last batch of Winchester white box 100rd bulk had FOUR rounds that failed to go "bang" when I pulled the trigger. When I ejected the rounds, all four primers had nice, deep dents in them, indistinguishable from those in my spent brass, but all four fired on the second attempt.

I'm concerned that the lighter Apex springs I installed may be the culprit, but up till this point they have literally functioned flawlessly for over 800 rounds, many of which were Winchester white box.

Anyways, does this sound like an ammo problem, or an Apex spring problem to you guys? Anyone have similar issues? I know Winchester white box has some QC issues, but I've also heard reports of light strikes with Apex springs. I wish I had saved the box (I meant to), but I absent-mindedly threw it in the trash on my way out of the range today...

Thanks in advance,

Steve

 

[Ruger Nut]

I just recently shot up my last box of WWB.I will not be buying anymore. Even though I have had no FTF issues my other gun buddies have. This is what we now shoot for a target / practice round.
Ammo 9mm Speer Lawman TMJ 115 Grain 50 Round Box 1200 fps Practice and Plinking Ammunition 53615

 

[marlin.357]

Sounds like ammo related to me, although I've never had any problem with WWB it's certainly possible. If the missfires had deep dimples in the primers, then it would be hard to blame the Apex spring--it did its job. Missfires that go bang on a second strike is a classic symptom of a primer that is not fully seated (high primer).

Missfires in the real-world, even with premium ammo, are not unheard of--that's why malfunction drills exist i.e. tap-rack.

 

[Fat B]

I haven't had a problem with wwb ammo or the apex spring kit in my SD9. Sounds like a funky batch of ammo to me.

 

[Magster]

I haven't had a problem with wwb ammo or the apex spring kit in my SD9. Sounds like a funky batch of ammo to me.

Sounds like an ammo problem to me also. When ammo fails, it's often from a particular run (or lot) where some rounds get through out of spec. I've actually had 22lr rounds that had no powder in the case. Considering the millions of rounds that are produced, there's going to be a few (what the hecks).

 

[angrysteve]

Missfires that go bang on a second strike is a classic symptom of a primer that is not fully seated (high primer).

That's what I wanted to know. Looks like the springs will be staying in for the time being. Thanks!

 

[o3rugby1]

Thats an ammo problem. Ive been avg. 4 bad rounds per 100 mostly a bad bullet seat/split brass. And a few bad primers.

 

[marlin.357]

Thats an ammo problem. Ive been avg. 4 bad rounds per 100 mostly a bad bullet seat/split brass. And a few bad primers.

Wow!!! Is that with WWB or something else?

 

[a62rambler]

I'd say ammo related since it isn't happening with other ammo. I always look at magazine first, then ammo, then look to other causes. If you have problems with other ammo, then it may be a worn striker spring. They don't last forever but I'd say should be good for 2000-2500 rounds. If you do dry fire practice add that to the round count total or 1000 + dry fire equals total round count.
On the bright side, you got to practice random malfunction drills.

 

[garciag4]

There was a bad batch of ammo released by winchester reported on numerous gun boards. Google "winchester white box no primer flash holes" and see all the posts. I have not bought any white box in a long while. Try the Speer lawman blue box or federal Champion.
Hope this helps.

 

[smitret]

SD9 failure to fire

Perfect performance as a stock pistol.

With Apex spring kit installed two failure to fire out of 100 WWB.

Both rounds fired on second attempt.

Put stock striker spring back in resulting no failure to fire.

Trigger pull is still decent.

Part time duty as house gun makes me prefer stock striker spring.

YMMV

 

[philwarner]

WWB ammo problems too

There was a bad batch of ammo released by winchester reported on numerous gun boards. Google "winchester white box no primer flash holes" and see all the posts. I have not bought any white box in a long while. Try the Speer lawman blue box or federal Champion.
Hope this helps.

While searching for info on the SD9VE I found a posting on dud rounds of Winchester 9mm ammunition in a white box from Walmart that stuck in the barrel, and a response to that post that said "I have had the same problem from the same box of winchester ammo from walmart. I had 3 shells out of a box of 50 get stuck half way down the barrel. "

I had inherited a Savage 1915 from my father that I kept for protection and I grabbed it when a 6 foot rattlesnake slithered out of the barn and coiled in the drive. In the excitement while shooting at the now striking rattlesnake, I failed to realize the second bullet (or was it the third?) had lodged in the barrel and firing the next one blew off the little chamber indicator clip and the left grip. Well guess what? It was loaded with Winchester 32 AUTO 71 GR. FMJ rounds from a 50 count white box purchased from Walmart 9/30/04, which I had bought because I thought Winchester was a reliable brand and a made in the USA product I could trust.

I am still wondering what to do with the 42 rounds left in this box. Weigh each one? Write to Winchester and ask for new grips and chamber indicator? Throw them away? Or "bite the bullet" and try them carefully one shot at a time? I certainly don't want another load stuck in the barrel.