What Makes Century Arms Turkish Ammo 8mm 155gr Fmjbt 1050rd Case Surplus Corrosive AM8005 $49.31 Off Stand Out?
The Century Arms Turkish Ammo 8mm 155gr Fmjbt 1050rd Case Surplus Corrosive AM8005 $49.31 Off is a bulk offering of 8mm Mauser ammunition, a caliber with a rich history and continued relevance. Marketed as surplus, this ammo promises a cost-effective solution for shooters seeking to feed their vintage military rifles or modern firearms chambered in this potent round. The sheer volume of 1050 rounds per case is appealing to those who engage in frequent target practice or anticipate longer-term storage needs.
My journey to acquire the Century Arms Turkish Ammo 8mm 155gr Fmjbt 1050rd Case Surplus Corrosive AM8005 $49.31 Off stemmed from a desire to revitalize my collection of Mauser rifles. The rising cost of commercially produced ammunition made regular range trips an increasingly expensive endeavor. I was on the hunt for an affordable alternative that would allow me to enjoy shooting these historical firearms without breaking the bank.
Upon receiving the case, my initial impression was one of utilitarian simplicity. The packaging was straightforward, reflecting the no-frills nature of surplus ammunition. The weight of the case was substantial, a testament to the quantity of rounds contained within. A quick visual inspection revealed brass casings and Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail (FMJBT) projectiles, indicative of its intended purpose for target shooting.
Compared to modern commercial 8mm ammunition like Prvi Partizan or Sellier & Bellot, the Century Arms offering is distinctly different. Those brands prioritize consistent performance and non-corrosive primers, commanding a higher price point. Other surplus options exist, but the Century Arms ammo was attractive due to its perceived availability and price per round at the time.
My first impression was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. The price was undeniably appealing, but the “corrosive” designation raised concerns about the necessary post-shooting cleaning regimen. I was eager to test its performance in my rifles, while also prepared to deal with the potential downsides of corrosive ammunition.
Real-World Testing: Putting Century Arms Turkish Ammo 8mm 155gr Fmjbt 1050rd Case Surplus Corrosive AM8005 $49.31 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Century Arms Turkish Ammo 8mm 155gr Fmjbt 1050rd Case Surplus Corrosive AM8005 $49.31 Off primarily at an outdoor shooting range. Conditions were relatively dry and temperate, ideal for initial testing and evaluation. My primary test platform was a Czech VZ-24 Mauser rifle, known for its reliability and accuracy.
The ammunition fed and chambered without any noticeable issues. Upon firing, the recoil felt typical for an 8mm Mauser, with a moderate report. Functionality was consistent across the first few magazines. However, the pungent smell and copious smoke emanating from the muzzle were immediate indicators of its surplus, and corrosive, nature.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several hundred rounds, the Century Arms ammunition continued to function reliably in my VZ-24. There were no instances of misfires or failures to extract. However, the corrosive nature demanded diligent cleaning of the rifle immediately after each shooting session.
Over time, I observed a slight build-up of residue in the bore, requiring more vigorous scrubbing to remove. While the brass casings appeared to hold up well, I made sure to inspect them closely for any signs of cracks or defects before each use. Compared to modern non-corrosive ammunition, the Century Arms offering requires significantly more attention to maintenance, but delivers at a much cheaper price.
Breaking Down the Features of Century Arms Turkish Ammo 8mm 155gr Fmjbt 1050rd Case Surplus Corrosive AM8005 $49.31 Off
Specifications
Manufacturer: Century Arms.
Caliber: 8X57mm JS (8mm Mauser).
Number of Rounds: 1050.
Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ).
Bullet Weight: 155 grain. This projectile weight is standard for many 8mm Mauser loads, offering a good balance between velocity and energy.
Dimensions: 9.35 X 10.70 X 11.55 in. This provides a relative idea of the case size for storage planning.
Height: 9.3 in. (Case Height).
Surplus: This signifies that the ammunition was originally produced for military or government use, potentially affecting quality control standards compared to new manufactured rounds.
Corrosive Primers: This is a critical specification. It necessitates thorough cleaning of the firearm after use to prevent rust and damage.
Performance & Functionality
The Century Arms Turkish Ammo 8mm 155gr Fmjbt 1050rd Case Surplus Corrosive AM8005 $49.31 Off performs adequately for its intended purpose of target practice. Accuracy is acceptable at typical ranges for surplus ammunition. The reliability is generally good, with minimal reported issues of misfires or failures to extract in my experience.
The key weakness is the corrosive nature of the primers. Shooters must be prepared to dedicate time and resources to cleaning their firearms after each use. For the price, this is a tradeoff that some will find acceptable, especially if they enjoy the ritual of cleaning their firearms.
Overall, the ammunition meets expectations for surplus ammunition. It provides a cost-effective way to shoot 8mm Mauser rifles, but requires extra care and attention.
Design & Ergonomics
As surplus ammunition, the Century Arms offering prioritizes function over aesthetics. The brass casings are generally clean and in good condition. The FMJBT projectiles are consistently shaped.
There is no specific ergonomic design to consider with ammunition. However, the weight of the 1050-round case should be noted, as it requires proper handling.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the Century Arms Turkish Ammo 8mm 155gr Fmjbt 1050rd Case Surplus Corrosive AM8005 $49.31 Off depends largely on proper storage. The ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent corrosion and degradation. Given correct storage, the rounds should be viable for many years.
Maintenance primarily concerns the firearms used with this ammunition. Rigorous cleaning is essential after each use to neutralize the corrosive salts deposited by the primers. This requires hot soapy water followed by proper oiling to prevent rust.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no direct accessories or customization options for the Century Arms Turkish Ammo 8mm 155gr Fmjbt 1050rd Case Surplus Corrosive AM8005 $49.31 Off itself. However, users may wish to invest in cleaning supplies and solvents designed to neutralize corrosive residue. Examples include ammonia-based bore cleaners or specialized corrosive-ammo cleaning kits.
The ammunition is generally compatible with any firearm chambered in 8mm Mauser. However, it is crucial to verify the firearm’s condition and suitability for use with surplus ammunition.
Pros and Cons of Century Arms Turkish Ammo 8mm 155gr Fmjbt 1050rd Case Surplus Corrosive AM8005 $49.31 Off
Pros
- Extremely affordable price per round. This makes it an attractive option for high-volume shooters on a budget.
- Large quantity (1050 rounds). Perfect for stocking up or extended range sessions.
- Reliable functionality. Minimal reported issues of misfires or failures to extract.
- Suitable for a variety of 8mm Mauser rifles. Versatile and compatible with most firearms chambered in the caliber.
- FMJBT projectile. Good ballistic coefficient for reasonable accuracy at longer ranges.
Cons
- Corrosive primers. Requires meticulous cleaning after each use to prevent rust.
- Surplus ammunition. May exhibit inconsistencies in performance compared to new production ammunition.
Who Should Buy Century Arms Turkish Ammo 8mm 155gr Fmjbt 1050rd Case Surplus Corrosive AM8005 $49.31 Off?
The Century Arms Turkish Ammo 8mm 155gr Fmjbt 1050rd Case Surplus Corrosive AM8005 $49.31 Off is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who enjoy vintage military rifles and are willing to commit to diligent cleaning. It’s also suitable for those seeking to stockpile ammunition for long-term storage.
This product should be avoided by shooters who are unwilling to clean their firearms thoroughly after each use or prioritize absolute consistency and accuracy above all else. It might not be the best choice for precision shooting competitions or for those who own firearms that are difficult to disassemble and clean.
A must-have accessory is a quality bore cleaner specifically designed to neutralize corrosive salts, along with appropriate brushes and patches.
Conclusion on Century Arms Turkish Ammo 8mm 155gr Fmjbt 1050rd Case Surplus Corrosive AM8005 $49.31 Off
The Century Arms Turkish Ammo 8mm 155gr Fmjbt 1050rd Case Surplus Corrosive AM8005 $49.31 Off represents a classic trade-off: affordability versus convenience. For shooters who understand and accept the responsibilities associated with corrosive ammunition, it offers a compelling value proposition.
The price is certainly justified if you are prepared to clean your rifles after use. I would personally recommend it to fellow Mauser enthusiasts who prioritize shooting frequently without emptying their wallets.
If you’re ready to embrace the discipline of post-shooting cleaning and are looking for a cost-effective way to feed your 8mm Mauser, this ammunition is worth considering. Just remember to stock up on cleaning supplies along with the ammo!