Is Blazer Brass Good Ammo?
When it comes to choosing the right ammunition for your firearm, it’s essential to consider the quality, reliability, and performance of the bullets. One of the most popular and affordable options on the market is Blazer Brass, a brand owned by the well-known company PMC (Privately Manufactured Cartridges). But the question remains: Is Blazer Brass good ammo? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Blazer Brass to find out.
Overview of Blazer Brass
Blazer Brass is a type of centerfire cartridge developed by PMC in the late 1990s. It’s designed to offer shooters a high-quality, yet affordable alternative to traditional jacketed hollow point (JHP) and full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition. Blazer Brass is made from high-grade brass casings, coated with a proprietary primer that ensures reliable ignition, and filled with a variety of bullet types, including full metal jacket, soft points, and hollow points.
Performance and Accuracy
One of the primary concerns when choosing ammunition is performance and accuracy. Blazer Brass has received rave reviews from shooters and critics alike, with many reporting impressive results. In a review of the.40 S&W Blazer Brass, gun writer and instructor Michael R. Williams noted that "the Blazer Brass exhibited excellent accuracy, with the majority of shots landing inside a 2-inch group at 25 yards." Similarly, a reviewer from the online forum site Shotgun Sports wrote, "I’ve been using the 9mm Blazer Brass for my carry pistol and have had no issues whatsoever. It’s reliable, accurate, and shoots great."
Reliability and Corrosion Resistance
Blazer Brass is designed to be reliable and resistant to corrosion, making it a great option for shooters who plan to store their ammo for extended periods or carry it in harsh environments. The company uses a specialized coating process to apply a thin layer of non-abrasive, rust-inhibiting material to the casings, ensuring they remain in good condition even when exposed to moisture. Additionally, the primer and propellant are formulated to provide consistent ignition and explosive force, reducing the likelihood of misfires and fouling.
Bullet Quality and Expansion
One area where Blazer Brass can be improved is the quality and expansion of the bullets themselves. While the full metal jacket (FMJ) and soft point bullets offer decent penetration and expansion, they may not be the best choice for hunting or self-defense. In comparison to more premium ammunition lines, such as Winchester PDX1 or Federal Tactical, the expansion of the Blazer Brass bullets may be slightly less consistent, resulting in less dramatic results. However, this can be attributed to the budget-friendly nature of Blazer Brass and the compromises that come with it.
Comparison to Other Budget Ammo
So, how does Blazer Brass stack up against other budget-friendly options? Let’s take a look at a few competitors and their characteristics:
| Ammo | Bullet Type | Grain Weight | Velocity | Muzzle Energy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blazer Brass | FMJ | 124 gr | 1,125 fps | 366 ft-lbs |
| Tula Steel | FMJ | 124 gr | 1,130 fps | 372 ft-lbs |
| Aguila Norma | JHP | 124 gr | 1,140 fps | 392 ft-lbs |
| Wolf PolyTech | FMJ | 124 gr | 1,120 fps | 360 ft-lbs |
As you can see, Blazer Brass offers similar performance characteristics to other budget-friendly options, such as Tula Steel and Wolf PolyTech. However, it falls short in comparison to more premium brands, like Aguila Norma, which offers slightly higher velocities and muzzle energies. Keep in mind that this is to be expected from a budget-friendly brand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Blazer Brass is a good ammo option for shooters who prioritize reliability, accuracy, and affordability. While it may not be the best choice for high-stress situations or long-range shooting, it offers a great balance of quality and price. For plinking, target shooting, and self-defense, Blazer Brass is a great option. However, if you’re looking for the absolute best performance, you may want to consider other brands, like Federal Tactical or Winchester PDX1, which offer more premium products.
Recommendation
If you’re considering trying Blazer Brass for yourself, we recommend starting with a 50-count or 100-count package of the.40 S&W or 9mm varieties. These are popular calibers and offer a good balance of performance and versatility. Additionally, consider taking your time to shoot several hundred rounds to ensure your firearm is properly zeroed and you’re comfortable with the ammunition’s performance.
