With the growing popularity of the AR-15/M16 family of rifles the demand for ammunition has risen sharply. Unfortunately, this has made quality ammunition hard to find. CMMG recommends using only domestic, commercially manufactured ammunition or high quality surplus NATO specification ammunition.
Using any reloaded ammunition, any steel cased ammunition or Wolf Ammunition VOIDS your Limited Lifetime Warranty.
When purchasing domestically produced ammunition, questions can be answered by contacting the manufacturer directly. They will have the most accurate information about their products. If you have a problem with any ammunition be sure to have the lot number from the packaging that the ammunition in question came from; the manufacturer will need this information.
When purchasing surplus ammunition, it is not likely that the manufacturer is known or can be contacted. Most surplus ammunition is not from questionable sources, but some surplus ammunition is from rejected lots that did not meet a required specification. Find out as much as you can or purchase a small sample of the surplus ammunition before purchasing larger quantities. AR-15.com has the Ammo Oracle, and can answer most questions on ammunition. Many message boards will also have posts with reviews on ammunition by members. While these resources do not represent the final authority in ammunition related issues, they serve as a helpful guide for general information concerning various types of ammunition.
Before Firing Any Ammunition, inspect each cartridge for defects. Dispose of cartridges that exhibit and of the following defects:
- Deformed brass, which includes burrs, cracks, dents, scratches, bent or bowed cases.
- Deformed bullet, which includes burrs, dents and scratches.
- Improperly seated bullets. The case neck should be uniform with no deformations and the bullet should be seated tightly in the case. Check overall length to ensure the bullet is not seated too deeply or has been pushed in from an impact. Some ammunition may have a colored sealant around the case neck.
- Improperly seated primers. The primer should be flush with the base of the case with no visible damage to the primer cup. Some ammunition may have a colored sealant around the primer.
- Corroded cartridges with any amount of metal that is corroded and eaten away.
- Do not fire cartridges exposed to extreme heat (135 degrees F) until they have cooled.
Warning Signs
Not all defective ammunition has visible traits to distinguish it from good ammunition. If any cartridge from a lot of ammunition exhibits any of the following characteristics, discontinue the use of the entire lot and contact the manufacturer or dispose of the ammunition properly.
- Inconsistent function. This can also be a firearm related malfunction. Clean and test the rifle with another source of ammunition. If proper function is restored discontinue the use of the suspect ammunition immediately.
- Blown primers. This is an indication of improper powder charge. Discontinue the use of the suspect ammunition immediately.
- Inconsistent sound. Noticeably louder or quieter reports indicate improper powder charge. Discontinue the use of the suspect ammunition immediately.
- Cartridge fails to chamber. This can also be a firearm related malfunction. Clean and test the rifle with another source of ammunition. If proper function is restored discontinue the use of the suspect ammunition immediately.
Other ammunition related problems can occur. If you believe that ammunition you are using is preforming in an inconsistent manner, do not take any chances that you are experiencing a one-off occurrence. Discontinue the use of the suspect ammunition and contact the manufacturer.
Your rifle is a sizable investment. Make every effort to use quality ammunition, to ensure your safety and and prolong the life of your firearm for years of enjoyment.
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