Cleanest 9mm Ammo? Blazer brass vs Federal vs Herters vs Winchester vs UMC, etc

[joro55]

I've noticed that Federal Syntech does seem to keep my pistols a little cleaner from range usage.... even the regular Fed-AE seems to run cleaner than most.

I have a Bass Pro gift card to use and want to pick up more range 9mm. They carry UMC, fed/ae, CCi blazer, ammo inc, winchester, armscor, etc..

Herters is the cheapest per round there (0.26 per) and I believe it is made by winchester, but not sure which winchester line it is closest to.

I've used most brands. S&B is one that I'm pretty sure runs dirtier than most of the others. It's about the same price as Fiocchi, but Fiocchi seems a little better quality.

I haven't directly compared as far as "dirty," but I do know that syntech runs cleaner than AE and AE runs cleaner than Blazer Brass.... only because I've used to many rounds of those that I do know that much.

I buy both 124gr and 115gr.

Even at today's high prices for ammo, I don't mind spending up to 50-cents per round if it is clearly better ammo.

-Price per round-
Syntech 0.50
UMC 0.36
AE 0.34
Ammo inc & blazer brass 0.30
Herters 0.26


What do you suggest that I get?

Thanks in advance.

Link for reference: https://www.basspro.com/l/9mm-luger...ain,124 Grain&nf-maxavailquantity=10..9999999

 

[kenpo333]

I agree that federal syntech is cleaner and more accurate than other ammo's. Shot the 150 gn in IDPA before I retired.

 

[joro55]

I agree that federal syntech is cleaner and more accurate than other ammo's. Shot the 150 gn in IDPA before I retired.

Yeah, it's my favorite at the range, but pricey at most places. Best deals I've had on it were at shows. The one ammo guy that's usually near the door always has good cash prices. SCSG gave me a good deal on some a year or so ago as well.

 

[RFBfromDE]

Herters and Winchester White box are indistinguishable. Even the JHP.

 

[linkstate]

I can’t remember the last time I bought Winchester white box. Always found it dirty but I would buy it if a good deal.

No experience with Herters.

I usually go for AE if I can. Always found it clean, reliable and accurate enough for my ability.

I’ve shot and have a bunch of Blazer Brass and never had an issue and feel it is close with AE as far as being ‘clean’. Some have found Blazer Brass inaccurate or inconsistent but I have never noticed that.

I like Fiocchi as well.

The problem with Bass Pro is even their sales are no match for online dealers that include free shipping. But I get it if you want to use your gift card for ammo. Maybe use it for premium defensive ammo or something else they sell and get a better deal online for range ammo. Like bucking horse has blazer brass for $2.00 cheaper per box than bass pro’s ‘sale’. Have to spend $175 though… I get people have budgets.

I admit I’m biased and hate that bass pro can’t do better on variety and pricing. Dicks Sporting, before they ate a bag of themselves used to have what I consider real, regular sales on ammo.

 

[joro55]

I can’t remember the last time I bought Winchester white box. Always found it dirty but I would buy it if a good deal.

No experience with Herters.

I usually go for AE if I can. Always found it clean, reliable and accurate enough for my ability.

I’ve shot and have a bunch of Blazer Brass and never had an issue and feel it is close with AE as far as being ‘clean’. Some have found Blazer Brass inaccurate or inconsistent but I have never noticed that.

I like Fiocchi as well.

The problem with Bass Pro is even their sales are no match for online dealers that include free shipping. But I get it if you want to use your gift card for ammo. Maybe use it for premium defensive ammo or something else they sell and get a better deal online for range ammo. Like bucking horse has blazer brass for $2.00 cheaper per box than bass pro’s ‘sale’. Have to spend $175 though… I get people have budgets.

I admit I’m biased and hate that bass pro can’t do better on variety and pricing. Dicks Sporting, before they ate a bag of themselves used to have what I consider real, regular sales on ammo.

I will always need more range ammo.
Do we have a forum on here on where to get the cheapest AE, syntech or Fiocchi? Those tend to be what I prefer.

 

[linkstate]

I will always need more range ammo.
Do we have a forum on here on where to get the cheapest AE, syntech or Fiocchi? Those tend to be what I prefer.

There is ‘The Depot’ forum on here for deals and stuff. I have usually gotten the best deals by creating accounts on multiple sites over the years and sift through them when I need something. Lately, If I go looking, I usually hit bucking horse first and go from there.

Not knocking your preference but no way I would pay a premium for syntech when there are cheaper and plenty clean ‘traditional’ ammo available. Granted, I shoot at an outdoor range but unless everyone is shooting syntech or similar at an indoor range, I don’t see the point if it’s a health concern thing. If it’s more a matter of cleaning your gun, I’ve never found AE, Fiocchi or Blazer Brass to be much of a chore.

I also don’t clean every nook and cranny or break out the brush often on a semi-auto but that is a whole other can of worms. Revolvers I’ll use a brush on the chambers and maybe the barrel if I’m getting leading from shooting hard cast plain lead ammo that isn’t performing well in a particular gun.

 

[John from MD]

Gun cleaning is just part of the process of shooting guns. Fact is, too many folks clean them way too much. In my case, unless it is my carry gun, they only get a brush out of the breech, bore snake though the barrel and external wipe down until next shooting.

Even when shooting suppressed, I don't clean them until 1500 rounds if I can.

 

[Worsley]

Gun cleaning is just part of the process of shooting guns. Fact is, too many folks clean them way too much. In my case, unless it is my carry gun, they only get a brush out of the breech, bore snake though the barrel and external wipe down until next shooting.

Even when shooting suppressed, I don't clean them until 1500 rounds if I can.

Exactly what I do, in fact to much oil makes a mess....

 

[Magnumite]

Buy what gets you the most productive pulls of the trigger. Major brands, of course, choices abound. About the only ammo I ever stayed away from was Wolf and other Russian stuff…that was dirty and more importantly, gave poorer results in all aspects. If you are looking at blasting grade ammo you won’t be getting stellar accuracy though some of it will surprise you.

As far as dirty goes, if it bothers you, field strip it.
Wipe out the slide, frame assembly, barrel, and recoil assembly.
Bore snake the barrel.
Oil all applicable points.
Reassemble, function test.
Wipe it down.

10-20 minutes spent with your ‘baby’.

One note, if you shoot at an indoor ranges, steel jacketed bullets and steel cases are not allowed. Also steel jacketed ammo is not allowed on many ranges where steel targets are utized.

 

[Mark75H]

Win white is definitely the dirtiest ammo I have ever shot. I actually use it to make guns dirty to demonstrate gun cleaning in my classes.
My joke line about Win white is I would only give it to someone I didn't like.

 

[Magnumite]

Win white is definitely the dirtiest ammo I have ever shot. I actually use it to make guns dirty to demonstrate gun cleaning in my classes.
My joke line about Win white is I would only give it to someone I didn't like.

Ha Ha! That’s one way to get ‘em back.

Last couple lots I shot were more inconsistent than usual, too. Winchester’s 22 LR ammo has be in doldrums since the 2012 craze.