Same ammo, different bullets. What gives?
 

I just picked up a new Springfield XD-9, and with it two boxes of Winchester USA White Box 9mm Luger 115gr FMJ ammo in the 100 round bulk "value packs." (Winchester Item# USA9MMVP)

When I opened up the boxes the first thing I noticed is that the bullets, while dimensionally identical from what I can tell without pulling the bullets, are jacketed with different metals. One box has the typical guilding metal copper jackets, while the other box has what looks like brass jacketed bullets that exactly match the color of the cases they're loaded in.

Has anyone else seen this type of thing before with Winchester ammo? I just think it's strange that they'd switch bullets for the same load.

Mike

RE: Same ammo, different bullets. What gives?
 

Things like that in factory ammo happens much more often than you think!!!!

If the lot number inside the box flap is different on each box, then something else is different too, even if you can't see what it is!!

If you want the exact same ammo, make sure the lot numbers are the same too!

Drilling Man

RE: Same ammo, different bullets. What gives?
 

Don't always blame the factory, it could be the seller. Some shops will use the factory ammo themselves and then reload it with inferior materials and sell it as brand new. It's not common but one shop in my town was caught doing it more than once.

RE: Same ammo, different bullets. What gives?
 

That's another thing that's strange, is that both boxes of ammo had no lot numbers on them, I checked every inside surface of each box.

I bought the ammo at Gander Mountain, so I doubt this could be the case. It's not very likely that they'd take the time to sell reloads in Winchester boxes.

I guess I'll see if there is any difference between the two at the range. I wish my chronograph was still functional (took a sabot to the faceplate the last time out), as I'd be curious to see if the loads are the same.

Mike

RE: Same ammo, different bullets. What gives?
 

Its happened to me too.

RE: Same ammo, different bullets. What gives?
 

Ok I went downstairs and checked mine because I have 3 boxes of the same ammo. Heres what I found, 2 of my boxes are the exact same thing you described in 50ct and they are both the copper jacketed bullets, the last box is the 100 ct , same gr (115) and everything, but they are the "other" color you mentioned, they match the casing, kinda look like brass. Maybe thats how they cut the costs so they could sell the 100 cts so cheap? cheaper bullets???? I dunno, but for the plinking I do, I would never use these for home protection, or anything else than punching paper, I cannot tell a difference. In fact, I never even noticed until you said something, interesting to say the least though.

RE: Same ammo, different bullets. What gives?
 

It is likely Winchester didn't make the ammo, they were just the high bidders at the surplus auction.