Is WWB the Same as NATO 9mm Ball?

[Steve in Utah]

I've heard that Winchester white box (bulk pack) 9mm ball is simply NATO contract over-run surplus ammo - is this true?

[chevrofreak]

no

[tjpet]

No.

WWB has less velocity. The rounds I've cronoed run between 1150-80fps. The WW NATO ammo breaks around 1225-50.

[Michigun]

I’d say no… #1 it is fairly weak ammo, #2 it is 115-grain & NATO always seems to be 124-grain or heavier & #3 it seems like it would be “sealed ammo” if it was NATO overrun.

[Mwinter]

in nightfire, I haven't found any "WalMart" ammo, from Winchester or anyone else, that has the very low muzzle flash of the 9mm NATO stuff from Federal and Winchester.

[Steve in Utah]

Thanks for the replies!

I now agree with the concensous that WWB is not NATO quality (as I was falsely told), but have noticed the Walmart also sells 147-gr. and 115-gr. ball side-by-side.

Perhaps the WWB Line is so popular that there is no need to wait for an over-run opportunity.

[Mwinter]

something else I've noticed, presumably due to 'looser' contract specs, the American-made NATO ammo is *less* accurate, from the 3 or 4 handguns I've tried it in, than factory Winchester and Federal (50rd) Q/AE and other commercial offerings.

It still works great, but if I want tiny groups or unknown distance plinks on small targets, I dont use NATO 9mm from either of the US manufacturers.

9mm NATO from overseas...that's a whole 'nuter wonderful story. A lot of the countries make JUNK, but if Hirtenberger, Lapua, Norma ever get any of their current production stuff in stateside (not that trans-nuclear L7A1 crud), I will be buying pallets of it.

I haven't tried any of the various 100rd 'value' packs...I figure they HAD to cut corners somewhere, and CCI Blazer is cheap enough (and works!) that I haven't had a need to get my spending down.

[WIG19]

Originally posted by tjpet
No. WWB has less velocity. The rounds I've cronoed run between 1150-80fps. The WW NATO ammo breaks around 1225-50.
Correctimundo; a 124gr at 1225fps; the preferred breakfast of G17's everywhere.^c

[gary newport]

Winchester does make a NATO 124 grain FMJ load in the Ranger (LEO) series. Outdoormarksman carries it.

[Brasso]

I've got some Win 124gr NATO (RA9124N). Is this the stuff that does 1225fps?

[gary newport]

Originally posted by Brasso
I've got some Win 124gr NATO (RA9124N). Is this the stuff that does 1225fps?

Don't know the claimed velocity--you might try the Winchester website. Its under the Law Enforcement page. I DO know that it feels pretty feisty when I fire a round!

[Brasso]

Found it. The claimed velocity is 1184fps. Close. It ought to work for target anyway, which is all I have it for.

[CCV]

Originally posted by Brasso
Found it. The claimed velocity is 1184fps. Close. It ought to work for target anyway, which is all I have it for.

That sounds about right.

[Jim]

Winchester 124 gr NATO from sbout 10 years ago chrono'd 1210 fps from my Browning, should be similar from a G17. Stuff from 1999 was a little slower, 1170 fps.

Basically, the same velocity as WWB 115 gr but with a 124 gr bullet. Plus sealed primers and sealed bullets. Cases have crimped in primers which make reloading more difficult, and the cases are slightly heavier which could make your loads slightly hotter.