Hey guys,

I took my P226 9mm to the range today. I typically use CCI Blazer Brass but the store has not been able to get them recently. Instead, they have CCI Blazer (aluminum casing? not reloadable).

Anyway, I've never used these before. They look/feel a little flimsy compared to the Brass version. But they seemed to shoot fine. I didn't have any problems with them. In fact, I think they are cleaner than the Brass version.

Usually, after a range session (few hundred rounds), I need to go wash powder and flakes off my forearms. But after using the aluminum cased rounds (about 200 rounds today), my hands and forearms were still clean and my P226 seemed cleaner than normal.

Anything bad about the CCI Blazer non-Brass version (I don't reload)? If not, they seem like a fine range round to use (cleaner, trouble free and cheaper).

Also, while I'm a little off to the left, can I ask for two things:

1) What would you normally call my grouping (other than needs more practice )? Shoot-n-C target is 5.5" diameter. The ruler is 6" long. I'm measuring the group to be about 2.5" across and about 3" in height. Can I call this a 3" group (85% of the shots are w/in these dimensions)? How many shots do you take before you can call something an X-sized group?

2) Can you experts post a couple of pics of "best of the best" type of groups at 7 and 10 yards? I'd like to see what I should aspire to -- give me some motivation on how much better I could get.

Thanks much!

Nice group. I've been using them for IDPA and USPSA matches for 2 years now with no problems at all.

Aluminum Blazer is really under-rated, particulary for high-volume training. It's really convenient to just pick up the range and toss the cases, instead of having to screw around with brass that is more expensive to begin with and a pain to ship to reloaders to try to recoup costs. Al Blazer functions just fine in everything I have ever shot it in, including a variety of MP5s which H&K specifically recommends against. And it is certainly accurate enough for defensive training. It's clean enough that guns will go a thousand plus rounds without actually requiring cleaning, which is definitely NOT the case with other ammo in it's price range, usually foreign.

I won't post any of my groups because I'm never satisfied with them. The only thing I aspire to is constant improvement.

I shoot thousands of rounds of Blazer aluminum in various loadings every year. I agree with sendec that it's much cleaner than many other inexpensive brands (but probably the same as Blazer brass).

When it comes to 9mm CCI Blazer alum case is just about all I am shooting anymore. I have always had very tight groups with it and it seems to be cleaner burning than WWB.

They are great. Just that they didn't work well for my CZ P-01, but I'd use them without any hesitation if it works well for the gun.

when we travel to teach a class, we don't bring or ship ammo. it's usually just cheaper to pick some up locally when we get there.

our first choice is always Blaser, either brass or aluminum, for it's combination of consistency, reliability and price.

Thanks guys. Sounds like I can buy Blazer aluminum with confidence. I'm gonna start to buy them in bulk -- 10% cheaper than Blazer Brass.

So, can I claim 3" groupings at 7 yards or is it still a stretch?

Nice shooting. I have shot many thousands of rounds on CCI Blazer aluminum through my pistols. If you're not looking to reload, there no reason to spend the extra on brass casings. They're clean, reliable and accurate.

It has been my experience that just about any brand of ammunition shot from any decent handgun
will shoot real good at 7 yards. The test would start a 25 yards at least. Having said that I personally have found that the blazer 9MM ammunition either one will hold the X ring at 25 yards if the shooter does a proper job. That's standing off hand, from sand bags the blazer will shoot even better. Just my two cents.

1.5" groups with a 2 hand grip at 15 yards is what I normally get using alum. cased Blazers in my P226. From a solid rest it will also shoot 1.5" groups at 25 yards. I normally only shoot these at the range. Occasionally I might shoot Wolf or some other ammo I got cheap.

Academy Sports has the Alum. Blazers on sale now. I picked up a case. The $7.49 plus tax price was hard to turn down. I use these also in the Beretta 92 and have never had a problem. The Academy ad said limit 10 boxes but if you ask you probably will be allowed to buy a few cases at that price.

quote:

Originally posted by Mississippi Dave:
1.5" groups with a 2 hand grip at 15 yards is what I normally get using alum. cased Blazers in my P226.

Wow!! How many rounds in the group? Okay, that's my goal. I wonder how many rounds / how long it will take for me to get there.....

I shoot 15 round groups with the p226. I do a lot of practice with my Mosquito before switching to the 9 mm. On an average trip to the range I will shoot 300 to 500 rounds of .22 then follow up with 100 to 150 rounds of 9 mm. That is unless I'm doing something special like a new gun or sighting in a scope etc. The trigger is so much nicer on the P226 then the Mosquito you will just shoot the P226 better. At least I do and so do a few others here. Besides .22 ammo is so much cheaper to fire. I like drills better with the .22 since if I don't get it right I just reload and try again. It doesn't break the bank with those rounds. The P226 is very accurate and in the right hands it is impressive. I have watched a very good shooter make mine shoot even better than I will ever dream of. There is always a better shooter some place it seems. Try different grips and stances. Watch your breathing and make sure you are locked in well. If you take aim close your eyes and then relax the open your eyes you will see if you are naturally square with your target. Once you get that part right you will start shooting better because you don't have to strain to get on target.