Has anyone found a good reliable source for top quality rimfire ammo in NSW. I ask this as I have herd of lot of people struggling to find the really good stuff and end up with the rubbish of what left after the top shooters have picked over the new stock.
It seems some suppliers do not carry a great deal of stock of say Eley, Lapua or RWS to be able to buy a couple of boxes and go and do your testing and then return to buy a case etc - normally its all gone or they have half a brick left.
I know some have been to the Eley or Lapua factory to try to get around this problem but this seems extreme.
At look at the stock on hand book at one major supplier here in Sydney shows comments that batches of the ammo (Eley Match) had been returned and exchanged for another lot!
My take on it is the guys in the "know" get themselves on the list to be called when a new shipment arrives and pick out a case or two of the speed or machine # they like and head out for testing - If the batch does not live upto expectation they return it for their next choice hoping it to be better. The end result is the average "joe" (read you and me) comes along a few weeks later and is buying ammo which has been sold and then return to the shop for exchange, so if effect we are buying someone else's rubbish!
The other trick going around is a club\group will buy multiple cases and different lots of a brand and then test it themsleves, the rejects are offered to other club members or even other clubs at cost price - sounds like a bargain to most, but again the best of the lots are already taken.
Of course you may just be lucky that the lots works for you in your gun, but normally these guys are buying on behalf of a club and small group of like minded shooters who each test the ammo.
Have any of you seen this sort of thing before or is it just a new thing, would love to hear your experiences and if you have a good suppier then let us know - Because if you live in Sydney then you will have certainly come across the bad suppliers.
Regards
Dave
G"day,
Thats a bit of a loaded question that one, as one mans rubbish may be anothers top choice.
Our local sports store gets four-five cases of eley match at a time and we usually all have a look and see whats in stock,sometimes you just have to make do with whats available.
If you find something your gun likes get the shop owner to ring the supplier and see if theres a case of that batch sitting in the wharehouse.??
Regards
Native
Dave
It’s the same for everyone, good ammo that works in our barrels is had to find. Some of the things you are talking about have always gone on and because finding good ammo is not easy, people have got organised. The idea that the top guys are getting in first, we’ll its not the BR guys maybe its the prone shooters.
I know what you mean about finding ammo in Sydney after years of chasing my tail in ever decreasing circles and I seemed to be spending more and more on test lots so I just bit the bullet and bought a plane ticket to Germany and tested at the factory and ordered enough to last a few years. In my case its worked out cheaper and less stressful and when that ammo runs out I’ll go back and do it again.
Peter
RBA HoF #1 (2007)
Thanks Peter and Bill
Your right Peter the Benchrest guys normally buy for juts themselves and the smallbores clubs with the prone shoters get together and buy thru the clubs. It would be great if some more selection reached us, then we could test and select and shoot. Seems like RWS has improved their ammo as well which can only be good for shooters.
Not sure that I am prepared to jump on a plane to get some ammo, but would certainly take the rifle if I am heading that way.
Regards
Dave
Hi Dave,
Allow me to add my two bob's worth
Given that you're in in NSW (but I don't know where), relying on your local retailer is a waste of time - simply because they will stock what they sell most of which is the cheap rubbish for plinking or bunny busting. If you're seeking the most reliable source, with the best range of good quality target rimfire ammo, then the ISSC at Cecil Park is the answer.
They do certainly get swamped when stock comes in but if you know what you want - and you're on their e-mail list - you can get exactly what (and as much as) you want of it
Major advantage is that their pricing is consistently up 15% to 20% cheaper than retail shops.
That said - I would suggest that you speak to your club armourer as most clubs (like mine) - support their members by selling ammo and (if I can get what I want) I'd rather see the profit go back to my club, so ask them first
So - do your homework - make a choice and then chase it. It's certianly worth the effort and you will be rewarded but you need to be patient.
Cheers mate
Cary