Need help with .308 ammo selection...

S

San Francisquito Bill

New member
Hi all!

In November, I'll be taking a tactical rifle course that requires about 300 rounds. I'll be bringing my Springfield M1A Scout, as that is the only semi-auto rifle that I have.

Now, I haven't even picked up my rifle yet (It's on layaway), so I also need some ammo to practice with before the class, so that I am somewhat familiar with my weapon and its function, the sights, etc.

So, here's my question:

Does anyone here know soem good deals on .308 ammo. I saw some cheap West German ammo for about $40.00 per 300rds--Any good?--I also noted that this price is before shipping. I shipping really expensive?

What about case prices (1000 rounds)?

Basically, this rifle is really expensive for me, and I don't want to hurt it using low-end ammo. However, I do need a substantial amount, and cost is a factor. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a bunch!
 
If your going to shoot that M1A the way it was meant to be shot you need to think about buy ammo by the 1000 round case right now! I've had real good luck with milsurp ammo in my M1A. I've always followed these rules:

1. It's gotta be packed in the original boxes and sealed in plastic battle packs. This is how most of it is imported. Never, ever, buy loose ammo shipped in bulk containers.

2. Make sure it's non-corrosive.

3. Don't buy ammo more than 30 years old. Milspec ammo always has the date on the headstamp. Anything older than 1970 belongs in a museum not your rifle. There are exceptions to this rule but I'd want to be real sure about the ammo before I bought a whole ton of it.

4. It's nice if it's NATO spec, the headstamp will have a little cross in a circle.

5. Boxer primmed ammo is better even if you don't reload, the cases are worth something to people who do.

I've had cases of Spanish, Venisualian, Turkish, Argentinean, British, and some I can't remember. It's all been good. Expect to pay around $180 or less per 1000, prices vary but I would pay more than that.
 
British Radway Green is available for between $140 and $170 per thousand, with a bit more for shipping. I get groups of just over an inch to around three inches, depending on the rifle I am using.

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Audemus jura nostra defendere
 
CAVIM 147 gr FMJ/BT is some pretty good stuff that is non-corrosive and boxer primed. YOu can find it at widner's for about $160. http://www.wideners.com/

The IMI match 147 gr. FMJ/BT I hear is good stuff too. I think the cheapest price I have seen for it is from www.cheaperthandirt.com and then this other place I saw it cheap for the west coast. I think it was from MiWall corp. I don't know how to get a hold of them off hand.

Good luck. I suggest you get into reloading, the sooner the better. You can make some really quality stuff cheaper than buying the surplus.
 
Be careful of the IMI. A lot of what I've seen is loose shipped, I've heard it's "recalled" military ammo that the Israelis have issued to their troops. It's the Middle East after all. They've got thousands of tanks, APCs, jeeps, & whatnot sitting around with full battle loads ready to go at the drop of a hat. Once a year or so they pull the ammo, collect it all up, delink it, and sell it off as surplus. God knows what kind of temperature fluctuations and extremes it's been subjected to, plus it's all mixed lots, a real mish-mash. Caveat Emptor. Now, if that's not the case go for it, virgin (for lack of a better term) IMI ammo (IMI's NATO headstamp code is TZZ) is some of best you can buy. -- Kernel
 
SFB, One of the guys here on TFL (Catman) told me to check out hirtenberger ammo from hirtenberg, austria. I have been shooting it out of my M1A and have been very pleased with the results. You can regularly order it or find it at gun shows for $165.00 a case. The last show I was at here in Ohio I found it for $140.00 a case. It was late on Sunday and close to closing time. I guess they didn't want to have to carry it out to the truck.

A lot of good information up above. If you buy by the case you will always get a better deal. I reload my ammo for my other guns and at these prices I'm not sure I will reload more my M1A. Enjoy your new rifle, you will love it.
 
AIM has the hirtenberg

.308 Made by Hirtenberger of Austria
Boxer primed reloadable, FMJ, Non-Corr, Brass cased, 147grn. There is no finer .308 surplus ammo available in the world today!
Original long term packaging...200rd sealed air/watertight battle packs inside 1,000rd wood crate.

1000rd $169.50 3 cases @ $163.50ea 5 cases @ $159.50 10 cases or more @ $155.00ea
http://www.aimsurplus.com/riflecal/index.html
 
Get the Radway Green from AMMOMAN http://www.ammoman.com/ The nice thing about RG is that since its Berdan primed you have no reason to pick up your brass for reloading. Just leave it at the range and don't worry about it. It's fairly accurate BTW. RG is good stuff.
 
How in the world is cluttering up the range for everyone else a plus?
 
Has anyone had any experience with the mid 80's South African .308 ammo currently available?

AIM has it for roughly $18 per battle pack.

Classic Arms also has it for short money.

Anyone?

Ben

P.S. Best of luck with your new rifle, and the tac course.
 
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