If any of you folks have some .32 ACP Winchester 60 grain Silvertip HP loads, lot #17TH51, be sure to function test it, even if you've used this type of ammo without previous problems. Two 50 round boxes of ammo from this lot have shown multiple problems, with two squib loads and six rounds that required multiple firing pin strikes. That's an 8% failure rate, in guns that were reliable with all other ammo tested. The squib loads had just enough power to get the bullet out the muzzle, but the bullets failed to go through the target, and they were found laying on the ground in almost new condition in front of the target. They did not cycle the action. The most strikes required to fire a round was three, and the cartridge had to be rotated in the chamber to allow the pin to strike a new spot. This ammo was loaded straight from the box into clean guns, and the ammo had been stored in the proverbial "cool, dry place." The guns worked fine with Hydra-Shok, Gold Dot, and FMJ factory ammo available at the time.
Winchester is being notified by the dealer that sold the ammo, and if I hear anything worthwhile from the company, I'll be sure to post it.
Be safe, and remember Armed Forces Day.
