I recently purchased a Performance Center SW Shield last week in 9mm. I decided to try some different types of ammunition this week. I usually shoot Tula 40sw with no concerns with some other guns, so I thought I would try the New Winchester Forged 9mm, as there was no Tula 9mm on the shelf. I picked them up at a local big box store for around $30 for 150 rounds.
Upon first appearance... The cases feel a little sticky, as there is a coating on them to reduce "friction" and corrosion. They are a dull gray color, and are difficult to see in the Loaded chamber hole on the Shield (as expected).
The first few magazines feed pretty well. I did notice more "stuff" flying in the air through the ports on the Performance Center Shield than I did with remanufactured 9mm that I was comparing it with.
Then I had a FTE... The Case was very stuck in the breech. It took some force to rack the slide and remove it. This happened not once, but 3 (three) times in the 300 rds that I took with me.
After my range time was done, the gun was dirty. It does have a ported barrel so being more dirty than other guns appears to be normal. I did not find the gun to be any dirtier than expected (or that I have seen in my other guns).
I will say that my experience with other brands of steel cased ammunition in other guns was very good... maybe the Shield is a little finicky, I am not sure yet. For now, I am going to have to say that I will not be taking the Winchester Forged 9mm with me to the range again and will be sticking to remanufactured brass or new brass ammunition for the time being.
If you have had some similar issues, I would like to hear them. Either with the Shield or with Steel Cased ammunition.
Here is a quick standard intro to the new Winchester Forged 9mm ammunition.
First Look: Winchester USA Forged 9mm - Guns & Ammo
Upon first appearance... The cases feel a little sticky, as there is a coating on them to reduce "friction" and corrosion. They are a dull gray color, and are difficult to see in the Loaded chamber hole on the Shield (as expected).
The first few magazines feed pretty well. I did notice more "stuff" flying in the air through the ports on the Performance Center Shield than I did with remanufactured 9mm that I was comparing it with.
Then I had a FTE... The Case was very stuck in the breech. It took some force to rack the slide and remove it. This happened not once, but 3 (three) times in the 300 rds that I took with me.
After my range time was done, the gun was dirty. It does have a ported barrel so being more dirty than other guns appears to be normal. I did not find the gun to be any dirtier than expected (or that I have seen in my other guns).
I will say that my experience with other brands of steel cased ammunition in other guns was very good... maybe the Shield is a little finicky, I am not sure yet. For now, I am going to have to say that I will not be taking the Winchester Forged 9mm with me to the range again and will be sticking to remanufactured brass or new brass ammunition for the time being.
If you have had some similar issues, I would like to hear them. Either with the Shield or with Steel Cased ammunition.
Here is a quick standard intro to the new Winchester Forged 9mm ammunition.
First Look: Winchester USA Forged 9mm - Guns & Ammo