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Those who have read my earlier posts on anything bullet related will know that I am a big fan of Barnes bullets, and that I use VOR-TX bullets almost exclusively. Until recently, I've never had any problems with these bullets, and they have generally exceeded my expectations.
The only issues I've had have been on a couple of recent hunts, where recovered bullets had lost all of their "petals", in circumstances where I wouldn't have expected that. But that was a couple of times and while I've been a bit surprised, I've sort of let it go. But it's bothered me nonetheless.
Well, today I was in Cabela's buying 4 boxes of VOR-TX bullets for an upcoming hunt. As I was waiting for the young lady to get the ammo, a gentleman next to me was showing a couple of Cabela's staffers some VOR-TX bullets. I couldn't hear the conversation, even though I tried (!). Finally, I just asked him if he had a problem with them, since I was about to buy 4 boxes.
He gave me an earful. He'd bought two boxes (7mm). He showed me one box - unbelievable. The best cartridges had brass that was dented and nicked, generally on the shoulder, but sometimes on the body as well. And I mean obviously dented. Like someone had hit them with a hammer. The worst included a couple that were so dented and actually cut (one in a "v" shape) just around the crimp that I said I'd have thought they were unfireable. He then said he'd sent a picture to Barnes of one of the worst ones, and they immediately responded, telling him not to fire that one at least, since it would likely not hold up under the pressure. Over 2/3 of the ammo was compromised in some way.
I opened one box of the ones I was buying, and no issues, but will look at the other three later today.
I'm not surprised that some bullets get damaged during production. What does surprise me is that damaged - and I mean seriously damaged - bullets get packaged and sent to retail channels. Whatever happened to quality control? When you pay a premium price, you have a right to expect a premium product. I've never seen army surplus that looked as bad as this stuff. Is there something going on at Barnes?
I hope this doesn't become a trend. I'd really hate to (1) have to find another bullet I like as much, and (2) listen to all the "I told you so's" from people who felt just as strongly about their favourite brand!
The only issues I've had have been on a couple of recent hunts, where recovered bullets had lost all of their "petals", in circumstances where I wouldn't have expected that. But that was a couple of times and while I've been a bit surprised, I've sort of let it go. But it's bothered me nonetheless.
Well, today I was in Cabela's buying 4 boxes of VOR-TX bullets for an upcoming hunt. As I was waiting for the young lady to get the ammo, a gentleman next to me was showing a couple of Cabela's staffers some VOR-TX bullets. I couldn't hear the conversation, even though I tried (!). Finally, I just asked him if he had a problem with them, since I was about to buy 4 boxes.
He gave me an earful. He'd bought two boxes (7mm). He showed me one box - unbelievable. The best cartridges had brass that was dented and nicked, generally on the shoulder, but sometimes on the body as well. And I mean obviously dented. Like someone had hit them with a hammer. The worst included a couple that were so dented and actually cut (one in a "v" shape) just around the crimp that I said I'd have thought they were unfireable. He then said he'd sent a picture to Barnes of one of the worst ones, and they immediately responded, telling him not to fire that one at least, since it would likely not hold up under the pressure. Over 2/3 of the ammo was compromised in some way.
I opened one box of the ones I was buying, and no issues, but will look at the other three later today.
I'm not surprised that some bullets get damaged during production. What does surprise me is that damaged - and I mean seriously damaged - bullets get packaged and sent to retail channels. Whatever happened to quality control? When you pay a premium price, you have a right to expect a premium product. I've never seen army surplus that looked as bad as this stuff. Is there something going on at Barnes?
I hope this doesn't become a trend. I'd really hate to (1) have to find another bullet I like as much, and (2) listen to all the "I told you so's" from people who felt just as strongly about their favourite brand!