SR 9 - ammo issue

[flgolfer29]

Let me start off by saying I have no issue what so ever with the SR 9. It has over 1100 trouble free rounds down range.

I bought some Hollow Point ammo at a gun show this past weekend (Georgia Arms). I have used the same ammo from G.A. in the past and it has performed as expected, trouble free.

I loaded up a magazine with said HP and the SR 9 is having a FTF issue. Many rounds were tried, not as one would expect in a self defense situation.

My question is: What is the correct bullet length for HP ammo? Is it supposed to be shorter than regular target rounds? I know this may be a silly question to some, but I do not reload (currently) and have never compared the target & HP side by side.

Lengths
The WWB Target ammo = 1.159"
The G.A. HP ammo = 1.114"

Thanks in advance for any info you may render.

joe

 

[Conn AK]

Don't reload either, but it seems to me that HPs look shorter than FMJ. I haven't tried HPs in my SR9 yet (too new), but my old S&W 639 will not feed certain "shorter-looking" 9mm HPs. The flat, hollow nose of certain HPs just won't cycle reliably with my trusty old 639.

 

[Tam 212]

I just started reloading... SAAMI max overall length for the 9mm is 1.169".

From my experience, a HP or TC/FN (truncated cone/flat nose) bullet is typically .010 - .020" or thereabouts, shorter than a RN (round nose) in the loads I've seen.

I've measured a few brands of 115gr. factory round nose ammo (Magtech, S&B, Federal) and they run in the 1.140 - 1.150 for FMJ round nose ammo. Winchester 147gr. truncated cone was in the high 1.130 to low 1.140 also, if I recall correctly. I have some Federal Tactical HST 124gr. HP that is my SD load, I haven't measured these yet. I can and can get back to you if you are interested.

I've never had any issues with any of the above.

I typically load my range/practice rounds at right around 1.140 for FMJ and 1.130 for flat nose/hollow points.

I've seen reloading manuals go as low as 1.090. I don't load that short because of concerns of setback and potential overpressure.

I guess the bottom line is, if this ammo doesn't feed in the SR9, might need to look elsewhere?

 

[flgolfer29]

Thanks Tam. I will look elsewhere for HP's, that's a disappointment due to the G.A. ammo being economical and has served me well in the past.

I will try and cycle the said HP's in my son's Glock this evening and see if it does better.

Thanks, again!

joe

 

[rmansu2]

Another thing to check is the casing. If not properly crimped at the top, sometimes the casing will have a flare to it which can prevent the casing from properly feeding. Look closely because even a small flare can cause large problems.

 

[Yawn]

Ruger says that the SR9 should eat all standard ammo... so, if the ammo fires in the Glock, you may want to call Ruger.

 

[flgolfer29]

Thank you gentlemen, I will closely check the casing for flare.

I have not had a chance to check the ammo in the Glock. The Ghost Ultimate 3.5 Trigger drop-in I ordered came in today and I spent the past hour installing. Too many other family obligations to make the Glock check.

I will post the findings for anyone that may be interested.

Thanks, again.

joe

 

[Gizmo42]

If you bought the "canned heat" ammo from them, its most likely WWB factory ammo. I have a couple thousand rounds or so of their canned heat FMJ in .40 S&W and its identical in every way (including the markings on the cases) to WWB. Havent had any issues with it.

I ran WWB JHP 115gr. through my SR9c with no issues. Buy some WWB JHP and check it against the GA stuff.

 

[flgolfer29]

Ruger says that the SR9 should eat all standard ammo... so, if the ammo fires in the Glock, you may want to call Ruger.

I finally had the chance to try the G.A. ammo this afternoon on the Glock (Gen4 G17). The Glock had absolutely no issue feeding it, in fact it fed the HP much better than my SR9 feeds round tip target loads.

Now my head is spinning; since I've just installed the Ghost Ultimate Drop in, does anyone think that will be a problem (warranty repair) with Ruger if I send it in?

Thanks,
joe

 

[Big Stu]

The folks at Ruger service told me that I should leave the aftermarket parts installed so they can see if they are contributing to the problem. If they are found to be the problem, they will replace the aftermarket parts with factory parts and return the problem part back to me. If you include the original parts when you return the gun, they will not charge you for parts, however, if you don't send the original parts back to them, they will charge you for whatever parts it takes to make the gun right. If the problem proves to be Ruger's fault, they will reimburse you for all the shipping costs as well. Good luck...

 

[flgolfer29]

Thanks, Big Stu..

 

[Yawn]

make sure to lets us know what comes of it

 

[flgolfer29]

make sure to lets us know what comes of it

Will do Yawn. I've emailed Ruger, hopefully, it will be resolved shortly.

joe

 

[flgolfer29]

Below is the reply I received from Ruger:

"Response:
For the jamming of the pistol, there are several things it could be, we would have to see the pistol to determine what the problem is with your pistol. We recommend returning the pistol to the factory for examination and repair. You will need to send the complete pistol UPS or FEDEX to: Customer Service 200 Ruger Rd. Prescott Arizona 86301. Please include a note stating the problems you are having with the pistol and the work you would like done. Please include all your contact information on that same note. After the pistol has been gone through, an invoice would be sent to you for the exact repair charge. The average turnaround is approx. 3-4 weeks."

I followed up with a phone call to Ruger and was directed to a voice mail. Reviewing Ruger's reply I was instead hoping to receive a return mailing label and the assurance from them this would be covered (cost) by Ruger.

Anyone with a similar experience?

Thanks,
joe

 

[flgolfer29]

OK, this is where I eat crow. I've sit on the following for a few days now.

The Problem I was experiencing was user error.

While trying to chamber a round, I was pulling the slide and not releasing it quickly enough.

I ended up using the slide stop, inserting the loaded magazine, and then releasing the slide release. The SR9 chambered as it should. Subsequent chambering from this point on has been flawless.

Let the flogging begin...

 

[Yawn]

First off, as has been said in another place on this forum... it takes a big man to own his mistakes, especially "publicly"... I have a lot of respect for someone who can do that!

Having said that, I just reread your original post... and some subsequent posts... you have 1100 rounds through your SR9... so, riding the slide was affecting the hollow points but not the FMJ's? Sorry, bro, I am just a little confused.

 

[flgolfer29]

I suppose the Hollow points being flat tipped and shorter than the FMJ's I have been shooting made a difference in the way I was chambering. My bad.

 

[Yawn]

hmmm... I would have never thought slide ride would affect one and not the other.

 

[fixer]

riding the slide does the same thing in my sr9 AND my 1911 with hollow points. ball ammo feeds without issue. my sr9 has over 800 rds with no cleaning and works flawlessly otherwise.

I can get my glocks to hang up with hollow points once in a while too by riding the slide. not a problem in my opinion.

thanks for following up.

 

[Yawn]

Wow... ok, that is a good tid bit to know... thanks all

 

[LuckyGunner.com]

+1 to the OP.

Very rare for someone to admit their mistakes. Glad the issue is resolved for you too.


I had this same problem with my CZ Rami. It would run perfectly for me and when my wife used it there would always be feeding issues. She didn't want to "hurt my carry gun". Slide release and no issues now.

_________________
9mm Luger ammo