Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

 

Q:   Is Stars & Stripes Ammunition's ammo reloads?

A: Absolutely not.  All of our ammunition is premium new product, manufactured on our own equipment to our exacting standards.

 

Q: Is Stars & Stripes Ammunition's ammo safe to fire in any firearm?

A: All of our ammunition meets American SAAMI and European CIP standards for pressures and cartridge dimensions, where supported by such agencies, and is safe to fire in any firearm in good working condition and originally chambered for the cartridge being used.  Certain custom ammo and wildcat ammo are manufactured for a specific firearm and labeled as Non-Standard, and should never be shared with anyone else having a similar caliber, or used in any firearm other than the one it was designed for.  Non-standard ammo is only safe for the firearm it was designed for.  In addition, many custom made firearms have non-standard headspacing, chambers, rifling form, and barrel throats and the use of ANY ammo, other than that made specifically for that firearm may be unsafe to use.

Q:  Are there any guarantees on Stars & Stripes Ammunition's ammo?

A:  Yes.  All ammo is guaranteed to fire and function.  With the exception of  wildcat cartridges and other one off experimentals, all of our product is also guaranteed for consistency. 

 

Q:  What makes custom ammo so much better than factory ammunition?

A: Custom ammunition's main advantage is exceptionally high consistency from shot to shot, more accuracy, better terminal performance, added cleanliness, and the ability for the customer to buy ammunition that meets very specific needs.

 

Q:  Why does custom ammunition cost more?

A:  In some cases custom ammo actually costs less than comparable premium factory brands.  Largely, any higher prices are brought on by the use of higher quality components that exceed mass produced factory ammo specs for quality and performance.  Another factor is that custom ammo is hand made in small quantities.  Where obsolete and unobtainable cartridges are concerned, the price of a single package of our ammo can cost less than buying a single collector's cartridge!

 

Q:   What choices in components does the customer have?

A:  The customer can select from any quality premium bullet, and in some cases the customer can order specific match quality brass cases.  Match preparation of all components can also be ordered for those seeking the highest degree of accuracy.  There are also numerous custom bullet makers who can make bullets that will meet very exact requirements.  We have affiliation with several custom bulletsmiths to fulfill any niche market needs.  Within the limits of safety and quality components, any option can be exercised with custom ammo.

 

Q:  Why should I use a premium bullet, after all, isn't a bullet a bullet?

A: A bullet isn't just a bullet.  Under any circumstances a premium bullet will out perform any OEM or other generic bullet.  All premium bullets are designed to meet very specific shooting or hunting needs, and will perform better under the conditions they are designed to meet.  However, sometimes too much of a good thing is bad so premium bullets need to be carefully selected and applied to the circumstances.  By choosing the appropriate bullet for the task at hand, the shooter greatly increases their odds for success.

 

Q: What makes semi-custom production ammo better than comparable premium factory brands?

A:  As with custom ammo, semi-custom is all hand made but is made with premium components.  One of the biggest factors in the price difference between our ammo and mass produced ammo are the quality of the components.  The components used in that really inexpensive ammo may have no degree of uniformity, and the  reliability of the bullet could cost you game in the worst possible way, maybe even your life.  The old adage "You get what you pay for" applies here more than ever.

 

Q: How can I be certain this product will live up to its claims?

A:  We do offer free samples in all popular standard calibers and popular bullet weights.  Most magnums are excluded from this, as are all full custom, blackpowder, and obsolete ammo.  All samples are given out on an as available basis.  Bullet style and weights are our choosing.  Samples are only to introduce you to our product, and are safe to fire in any firearm in good working condition and originally chambered for the caliber being used.  Contact us for availability.

 

Q:  What game can be hunted with Stars & Stripes Ammunition?

A: Bullet selection is critical here, but it is safe to say that with proper bullet selection you will be able to take game at the upper limits of your rifle's and cartridge's capabilities.  A little common sense must be used here, if you use a caliber or cartridge that is unsuitable for your intended quarry, then you may suffer unsatisfactory results.  Custom ammunition and a premium bullet won't make a magical lightning bolt out of an underpowered and or unsuitable cartridge.  Unless you are a very experienced marksman/hunter, use a cartridge/bullet combination that is appropriate for the game at hand, in the very least for the game animal's sake.