Magtech 38 special JHP?????

DrJ · June 26th, 2009, 09:55 PM

Bought a box of Magtech "guardian gold" 38 special +P, 125 gr, JHP today ($20 for 20). Tried them out in my new S&W 642, and am EXTREMELY disappointed!

I almost can't believe it, but 8 out of 20 wouldn't fire!!!! Even with multiple hits, only 1 of the 8 eventually fired. (Which brings up another question - what do you do to dispose of misfired but potentially live ammo??) The gun is pretty new, but I've run about 30 rounds of Remington target loads through it without a misfire. Needless to say, since I bought the JHP's as personal defense rounds, a failure rate of 40% is WAY unacceptable. So the question is, has anyone else had a similar experience, or is it just me? And what would you recommend for 38 special personal defense rounds?

Superhouse 15 · June 26th, 2009, 10:15 PM

If other ammo is reliable (meaning your gun hasn't been "gunsmithed" to the point of unreliability) a strong letter to Magtech is in order. Include the lot number from the box, maybe it will result in a recall. They should replace your ammo or refund you some money. That performance is way unacceptable.

I prefer Nyclads or 110gr Hydra Shok in non +p. Gold Dot 135gr, Winchester 158gr LSWCHP, or Gold Saber 125gr in +p. I have a few boxes of Federal +p+ 110gr if I need more than +p. There are plenty of opinions out there on defensive ammo.

Most ranges have a bucket for unfired dud rounds. Soaking them in oil or water to deactivate them is totally a myth. Maybe bury them or get them to the bottom of a river or a lake.

JD · June 26th, 2009, 10:59 PM

FWIW I dismantle the duds with a pair of pliers and a vice grip after they have sat a while.

I have a dislike toward Magtech revolver ammo after witnessing a friend have to remove his cylinder and pound out the spent casings with a cleaning rod and a mallet after the brass over expanded in the chambers...

farronwolf · June 26th, 2009, 11:22 PM

The Magtech SD ammo has been less than stellar from my experience. Not just what you experienced, but not very good expansion from their JHP or solid copper bullets.

Like JD suggested I would pull the bullet pour the powder out and burn it in the driveway or someplace safe. How you get the primer out is up to you. You could put some oil, or other liquid down in the case and let it soak before getting rid of it or attempt to set it off or remove it in a control situation. That is your call.

Don't tell anyone but I have removed live primers from cases without incident.

Brady · June 26th, 2009, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superhouse 15

If other ammo is reliable (meaning your gun hasn't been "gunsmithed" to the point of unreliability) a strong letter to Magtech is in order. Include the lot number from the box, maybe it will result in a recall. They should replace your ammo or refund you some money. That performance is way unacceptable.

+1
That said,
I shot some Magtech 38 Sp +P 158gr SJHP in my Taurus 85UL when proving it. The spent brass did stick a bit in the cylinder but was removed with little real difficulty. This stuff rocked in the Ultra-Lite! Granddaughter was especially impressed with the smoke and muzzle flash from that snubby (2" barrel). Although it was dirty, I had no failures out of 50 rounds.

Brady · August 25th, 2009, 03:15 PM

Bought another box of Magtech 38 Sp +P 158gr SJHP to continue proving my Taurus 85UL. Only shot about 1/2 the box and had 4 misfires. Shot 2 cylinders of it in my Dan Wesson and it misfired 3 times as well. Problem with the primers? The brass stuck like crazy in both cylinders too. I've had only limited experience with magtech and this is the first time I've had trouble with them. While I never did before, I know now not to use it as carry ammo. And it was expensive to boot.

PastorPack · August 25th, 2009, 03:36 PM

Thanks for the post. I'll file this one away in the "learn from others' experience" file.

JT · August 25th, 2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD

FWIW I dismantle the duds with a pair of pliers and a vice grip after they have sat a while.

That's what I do. Then I pour out the powder and light it with a match.

dukalmighty · August 25th, 2009, 08:01 PM

Sounds like ammo to run away from

Rugergirl · August 25th, 2009, 08:13 PM

I've never tried Magtech defensive ammo but I've used some target loads. Dirty stuff, I avoid it.
As far as defensive ammo, I feed my .38 nothing but Federal Nyclad, rated as one of the best defensive rounds for a snubbie. Second choice would be CorBon DPX.

June 26th, 2009, 09:55 PM	#1
DrJ Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: SC Posts: 31	Magtech 38 special JHP????? Bought a box of Magtech "guardian gold" 38 special +P, 125 gr, JHP today ($20 for 20). Tried them out in my new S&W 642, and am EXTREMELY disappointed! I almost can't believe it, but 8 out of 20 wouldn't fire!!!! Even with multiple hits, only 1 of the 8 eventually fired. (Which brings up another question - what do you do to dispose of misfired but potentially live ammo??) The gun is pretty new, but I've run about 30 rounds of Remington target loads through it without a misfire. Needless to say, since I bought the JHP's as personal defense rounds, a failure rate of 40% is WAY unacceptable. So the question is, has anyone else had a similar experience, or is it just me? And what would you recommend for 38 special personal defense rounds?

June 26th, 2009, 10:59 PM	#3
JD Senior Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Central Iowa Posts: 11,653	FWIW I dismantle the duds with a pair of pliers and a vice grip after they have sat a while. I have a dislike toward Magtech revolver ammo after witnessing a friend have to remove his cylinder and pound out the spent casings with a cleaning rod and a mallet after the brass over expanded in the chambers... __________________ Some Things Need to be Addressed... Iowa Carry.ORG: Promoting Weapons Carry Reform in Iowa Forum Customs & Courtesies

June 26th, 2009, 11:22 PM	#4
farronwolf VIP Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 2,612	The Magtech SD ammo has been less than stellar from my experience. Not just what you experienced, but not very good expansion from their JHP or solid copper bullets. Like JD suggested I would pull the bullet pour the powder out and burn it in the driveway or someplace safe. How you get the primer out is up to you. You could put some oil, or other liquid down in the case and let it soak before getting rid of it or attempt to set it off or remove it in a control situation. That is your call. Don't tell anyone but I have removed live primers from cases without incident. __________________ Just remember that shot placement is much more important with what you carry than how big a bang you get with each trigger pull.

August 25th, 2009, 03:15 PM	#6
Brady Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 114	re-visit Bought another box of Magtech 38 Sp +P 158gr SJHP to continue proving my Taurus 85UL. Only shot about 1/2 the box and had 4 misfires. Shot 2 cylinders of it in my Dan Wesson and it misfired 3 times as well. Problem with the primers? The brass stuck like crazy in both cylinders too. I've had only limited experience with magtech and this is the first time I've had trouble with them. While I never did before, I know now not to use it as carry ammo. And it was expensive to boot. __________________ ...he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one. Luke 22:36 USN; NRA; GOA - http://gunowners.org; GRGR-SC - http://www.scfirearms.org

August 25th, 2009, 03:36 PM	#7
PastorPack Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 1,124	Thanks for the post. I'll file this one away in the "learn from others' experience" file. __________________ God is love (1 John 4:8)

June 26th, 2009, 10:15 PM	#2
Superhouse 15 Distinguished Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 1,509	If other ammo is reliable (meaning your gun hasn't been "gunsmithed" to the point of unreliability) a strong letter to Magtech is in order. Include the lot number from the box, maybe it will result in a recall. They should replace your ammo or refund you some money. That performance is way unacceptable. I prefer Nyclads or 110gr Hydra Shok in non +p. Gold Dot 135gr, Winchester 158gr LSWCHP, or Gold Saber 125gr in +p. I have a few boxes of Federal +p+ 110gr if I need more than +p. There are plenty of opinions out there on defensive ammo. Most ranges have a bucket for unfired dud rounds. Soaking them in oil or water to deactivate them is totally a myth. Maybe bury them or get them to the bottom of a river or a lake.

August 25th, 2009, 08:01 PM	#9
dukalmighty VIP Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: texas Posts: 6,386	Sounds like ammo to run away from __________________ I like Poetry,Long Walks On The Beach,And Poking Dead Things With A Stick

August 25th, 2009, 08:13 PM	#10
Rugergirl Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,193	I've never tried Magtech defensive ammo but I've used some target loads. Dirty stuff, I avoid it. As far as defensive ammo, I feed my .38 nothing but Federal Nyclad, rated as one of the best defensive rounds for a snubbie. Second choice would be CorBon DPX. __________________ Disclaimer: The posts made by this member are only the members opinion, not a reflection on anyone else, nor the group, and should not be cause for anyone to get their undergarments wedged in an uncomfortable position.

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