NCJ Number
149792
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 18 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1994) Pages: 62-64,66
Date Published
1994
Length
4 pages
Annotation
These guidelines are intended for use by law enforcement agencies in selecting training ammunition.
Abstract
Police administrators usually select the cheapest ammunition. As a result, range officers often do not receive the type of training ammunition they want and need. To write bid specifications, range officers should first determine what they need. They should avoid letting the ammunition company write the specifications. Instead, they should obtain samples from several companies. Training ammunition should closely resemble the duty load in bullet weight and velocity. However, quality training ammunition costs only a fraction of duty-grade. Alternatives include factory-fresh generic ammunition, Speer's Blazer handgun ammunition with aluminum cases, and remanufactured ammunition. The least expensive handgun ammunition is generally loaded with cast lead or swaged lead bullets, but swaged bullets should be avoided in auto pistol or Magnum revolver calibers and case lead bullets do not give excellent service in auto pistols. Range officers should be reasonable in their velocity and accuracy standards and should test the ammunition for accuracy, velocity, and reliability. They should also list pressure specifications and should require all bidders to submit proof that they carry at least $1 million worth of liability insurance. They should communicate their needs to administrators in charge of purchasing and should reject any ammunition that fails to meet specifications. Sample bid specifications