Federal Syntech Ammo

[Doublehelix]

I just ordered some of the Federal Syntech coated-bullet cartridges (124 gr. 9mm). These are the "official ammo of USPSA", and I have wanted to try them for awhile just to see what the fuss is all about.

They are on sale at MidwayUSA for $11.69 for a box of 50 (.23 per round). *Way* too pricey for my blood for anything permanent, but I keep putting off trying them due to the price. I finally ordered a few boxes just to try out.

Has anyone else tried these? Any benefits over good old-fashioned handloaded coated-bullet rounds? They talk about polymer coating and clean-burning powder, etc. I wonder how close they would be to something like coated Black Bullets under CFE Pistol or something similar?


https://www.federalpremium.com/produ...syntech/ae9sj2

 

[troy fairweather]

you could get 2 of RMR's best 9mm bullets with some money let over, and that's with out there discount. hope they work for you.

 

[Rule3]

They are for shooters who don't reload their own Polymer coated bullet ammo.

 

[Dudedog]

Looking forward to how the work out for you, please let us know when you have a chance.
I was thinking the 9mm were heavy for cal bullets 150s, so Federal is going with after power factor with heavier bullet/lower vel, which seems to be the popular way of doing it.
I prefer 124s over 147s even for matches, but need to try RMRs new 135gr FN FMJs might be the [erfect compromise between 124s/147s.

 

[Walkalong]

They are for shooters who don't reload their own Polymer coated bullet ammo.

I agree.

 

[Eugen]

I just picked up 2 100 round 115grn RN boxes of those 'lipstick red' projectiles out of wanting to try something different. LOL
I guess I'll soon find out how they load and shoot soon.

 

[Jonesy814]

What a scam sell ammo with a cheaper bullet than a fmj for more money

 

[Rule3]

I just picked up 2 100 round 115grn RN boxes of those 'lipstick red' projectiles out of wanting to try something different. LOL
I guess I'll soon find out how they load and shoot soon.

Would you pull one "for the team" and maybe post pictures of the bullet, even do a smash test to see how it compares to the Hi Tek coated bullets?

 

[Havok7416]

Would you pull one "for the team" and maybe post pictures of the bullet, even do a smash test to see how it compares to the Hi Tek coated bullets?

He's referring to Acme I believe (they mention lipstick red on their website). Note that he mentions he has to load them.

 

[Doublehelix]

OK, so I just found out that the 124 gr. bullets I bought are NOT the ones that are used for USPSA. Ugh.

Apparently, they make "Syntech" and "Action Pistol Syntech", which are different cartridges. As @Dudedog points out, the Action Pistol rounds are 150 gr. instead of 124 gr. Dang. Money down the toilet...

Now I gotta try some of the 150 gr. bullets so that I can compare. It's only money, right??? I have now ordered a few boxes of the 150 gr. cartridges as well.

Dang, I am not happy with myself for not studying this more closely. I have not bought any commercial centerfire rounds in a long time, other than some .38 spl to get up and running with a new wheelgun. Now I have bought 2 batches, and both of them in 9mm where I crank them out by the 1,000's. Am I an idiot or what??? (No need for replies on that, thank you!)

I'll compare them and report back since they are already on their way. It will be an experiment. I can compare them to some of my RMR JHP loads in both 124 and 147.

 

[Doublehelix]

Note that he mentions he has to load them.

Yes, Federal also sells the projectiles as stand alone, but so far I have only seen the 115 gr. ones.

 

[Eugen]

Doublehelix, these are the exact projectiles I purchased at a large gun shop in KY yesterday. I'm a novice handloader and am excited to try something different. I hope to get the time to reload a batch and, weather permitting, get to the range with my Browning Hi Power.

Yes, Federal also sells the projectiles as stand alone, but so far I have only seen the 115 gr. ones.

 

[Havok7416]

Yes, Federal also sells the projectiles as stand alone, but so far I have only seen the 115 gr. ones.

I apologize to Rule3 in that case. I wasn't aware of the bullets being sold as components. That would of course alleviate the need to tear them down though.

Now I need to track some of the 150s down...

 

[Rule3]

I am so confused if any one has the Federal Syntech bullets please post a pic of the projectile
Maybe smash one to test the coating?

 

[LiveLife]

Pictures of cut bullet and recovered fired bullet at linked article - http://ontargetmagazine.com/2016/04/federal-american-eagle-syntech-ammunition/

9mm 150 gr FP bullet looks like the TCFP bullet shown below but with longer nose

Cut bullet showing completely covered lead core - http://v7b7b3s9.ssl.hwcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Fed-2A-696x202.jpg

Recovered RN fired bullet showing intact coating - http://v7b7b3s9.ssl.hwcdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Fed-3-300x198.jpg

Guns & Ammo article with video and cut bullet pictures - http://www.gunsandammo.com/editorial/first-look-american-eagle-syntech-ammo/248638


New for 2019, Syntech HP, Syntech PCC, Syntech Training Match - https://www.range365.com/g00/3_c-4d...c27x26p87j.thyrx3dpthnl_$/$/$/$/$/$/$/$/$/$/$

Source article for Syntech HP/PCC/TM - https://www.range365.com/federal-la...ooters-hunters-and-personal-protection#page-5

 

[Doublehelix]

I am so confused if any one has the Federal Syntech bullets please post a pic of the projectile
Maybe smash one to test the coating?

Once mine arrive, I can pull one (or more) of the bullets and smash it. Can you describe the method? Hammer? Vice? Something totally different?

I have several other brands of coated bullets here (Bayou, Black, Blue, Eggleston, etc.) that I could compare them to.

 

[Havok7416]

Once mine arrive, I can pull one (or more) of the bullets and smash it. Can you describe the method? Hammer? Vice? Something totally different?

I have several other brands of coated bullets here (Bayou, Black, Blue, Eggleston, etc.) that I could compare them to.

To keep the coating intact you will have to use a kinetic puller. A collet puller will also work, but you risk swaging the coating to the core and impairing your results.

 

[Rule3]

Once mine arrive, I can pull one (or more) of the bullets and smash it. Can you describe the method? Hammer? Vice? Something totally different?

I have several other brands of coated bullets here (Bayou, Black, Blue, Eggleston, etc.) that I could compare them to.

I have smashed them with a hammer top to bottom, side ways and crushed in a vice (MBC Coated and Bayou) Torched them with a propane torch
Whatever form of destruction you like.
I can't find my pictures put them in the wrong file or something

 

[Havok7416]

When it comes to smashing them a hammer works great. As Rule3 mentioned above, the torch is pretty cool too. Usually creates a pinhole and the lead leaks out.

 

[Doublehelix]

I have smashed them with a hammer top to bottom, side ways and crushed in a vice (MBC Coated and Bayou) Torched them with a propane torch
Whatever form of destruction you like.
I can't find my pictures put them in the wrong file or something

When it comes to smashing them a hammer works great. As Rule3 mentioned above, the torch is pretty cool too. Usually creates a pinhole and the lead leaks out.

I can do this, but I have to ask... what is the purpose? Is there some reason behind the smash test besides the fun factor?

 

[Havok7416]

You are testing the coating to ensure it is properly bonded to the lead. If it is not, it will come off and make a big mess. Further, since the coating acts as lube for the bullet, failure to adhere to the lead may result in leading somewhere down the barrel.

 

[Doublehelix]

You are testing the coating to ensure it is properly bonded to the lead. If it is not, it will come off and make a big mess. Further, since the coating acts as lube for the bullet, failure to adhere to the lead may result in leading somewhere down the barrel.

Gotcha. Makes sense. As soon as I get some, I will smash a few for science!!!

 

[Demi-human]

For Science!

 

[.455_Hunter]

And this product differs from the old Nyclad how?

 

[Demi-human]

They are red now. Not blue.

Lead is still lead, so probably the coating formulation.