Category: steel-cased

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2011 ammo Fusion Firearms range ammo recoil spring steel-cased XP Comp XP Pro

I Changed the XP Comp’s Recoil Spring to 10-lb!

The last two range visits, I’ve been shooting my XP Comp 2011, attempting to test/review from an owner standpoint.

I’ve been shooting steel-cased ammo lately, specifically Magtech 115-gr FMJ. My Alpha Foxtrot Attila just eats up that ammo, without complaint. Both of my Fusion Firearms 2011s hate that ammo, though. I’ve both the XP Pro and XP Comp. While they eat will shoot the ammo, they ocassionally will not fully go back into battery (sometimes, but not always).s

The last range visit, I actually anticipated the issue and bought some brass-cased Federal 115-gr FMJ. I shot much of that ammo through both XPs, without issue (50 rounds of it). Whenever I’d swap back to the Magtech (purposely attempting to determine if it was an ammo issue), the failures would occur, so I know this is due to the ammo.

Now, this particular make/model of ammo is using polished steel casings, so it’s not the case coating that’s the issue. I think the ammo is slightly underpowered – most steel-cased ammo is cheaply made.

A while back, I bought a spring kit from Fusion Firearms. That kit comes with 7-, 9-, 10-, and 13-lb springs. The XP Comp comes with an 8-lb spring. As I didn’t think the 9-lb spring would cure the issue, I opted to install the 10-lb spring instead.

I also conducted research and the above is a satisfactory solution. Alternative solutions would be to switch to a better ammo type (brass cased or a make/model with a known good reliability history).

I do not blame the ammo as the cause of this issue, as most guns with comps will have light sprints and this is a known thing with the XP Comp. As well, the XP Pro has light springs from the factory, so that’s why it was exhibiting the same issue.

My fix will hopefully resolve the issue (at least with the XP Comp.

While I love Magtech ammo, I might need to switch to something with a bit more power, at least until the XP reaches 1000 rounds. I may go back to Winchester White Box, as it has power.

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ammo Cabelas range range ammo steel-cased

I’ve More Ammo Now – Steel Cased Magtech!

I’d been feeding my range money for their range ammo – I’d been buying ammo from Cabelas, but there’s no need of Cabela’s ammo prices are similar to my range’s ammo prices.

Even so, I usually try to buy ammo in bulk (1000 rounds). I used to buy from Bereli, mainly because they included shipping fees in the ammo pricing, but their prices have dramatically increased, from $230/case to $295/case!

I ended up buying Magtech zinc-plated steel case 115-grain for $199, with $12 tax and $29.95 shipping, for a total of $242.

Why Magtech? Magtech is good ammo (made in Brazil). Why steel cased? Why not? I’ve used steel cased ammo without issue in the past – mainly Blazer and Tula. I’ll post up if I’ve issues, though.

Per Gemini:


Magtech uses zinc coatings on their steel-cased ammunition primarily to prevent corrosion and to improve reliability. The zinc plating acts as a slick, protective barrier that ensures smooth feeding and ejection while leaving less fouling in your firearm’s chamber compared to traditional polymer or lacquer coatings. [1, 2]

The main reasons for this zinc coating include:

  • Corrosion Resistance: Zinc plating protects the raw steel casing from rusting, even in humid environments or during long-term storage. [1, 2, 3]
  • Smooth Functioning: It creates a sleek, low-friction surface. This allows the rounds to slide smoothly out of the magazine and extract flawlessly from a hot barrel without the gummy residue left by lacquer coatings. [1, 2]
  • Cleanliness: It burns cleaner than traditional coatings, reducing the amount of carbon buildup and gunk in your firearm. [1, 2]
  • Easy Cleanup: Because the casing is plated in steel/zinc, you can conveniently use a magnetic sweep-up stick to quickly gather your brass at the range. [1]

Because of these benefits, Magtech’s zinc-coated steel rounds are highly favored as affordable training and range ammunition. [1, 2]

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Alien Gear ammo grip module assembly N82 Tactical P320 PX4 Storm steel-cased Wolf

Ammo, Mags, and Holster Received!

I didn’t have a good picture of the gun…I only had the pictures I took the day I picked up the gun from the gun shop.

I now have three extra mags for it (five total).  That arrived yesterday, along with 1000 rounds of Wolf 9mm 115-grain FMJ ammo.

The N82 Tactical Professional holster also arrived.  I’m not in love with it.  It doesn’t fit like the one for my Bersa.  The hard shell is large and bulky, because the gun is large and bulky, I guess, but my Alien Gear feels more comfortable.  Because of the large shell, it is difficult to put on my hip…it’s very difficult to fit it in the gap between my body and waistband of my pants, and I’ve a good 1″+ of space.  I’m trying to give it time to grow on me…it’s not really going to break in enough for me to begin to like it.  It’s a shame because it’s a nice holster.  I like the retention system.  I like the professional look and feel of the holster.  I like the way you can adjust cant.  It’s just larger than I thought.

I suppose since the ammo and magazines have arrived, I’ve no excuse to not visit the range tomorrow.

My P320 subcompact grip assembly arrive today.  I can already tell that it’s the better size just by gripping it in my hand.  I’ll swap out the gun’s slide and  FCU tomorrow and maybe use a tape measure to get measurements (I’ve no calipers).

Oh, I’m still awaiting my stealth controls to arrive.  I’ve no idea when they’ll show or how they’ll show.  It’ll arrive via USPS, almost certainly…I don’t know when, though.  I’m thinking I might keep the PX4 as an F-type.  F-type isn’t bothering me like I thought it would, since I just keep it off of safe.