I know troy will remember me asking this question.  I go to my range and they do not want steel bullets.  they are afraid it will start fires.  I have w. german ammo that does not pass the magnet test.  any ideas what brand to purchase, and from where.  I need to buy 2,000-3,000 rounds for storage and range time.  thank you in advance.  My M1A wants to be fondled more often.

South African surplus 308 in 140 rounds battle pack are good for what you are looking to do. JG Sales or AIM both carry it. Good clean ammo, fires out of my M1A w/o any problem.

Will south african ammo pass the steel test.  Is there any military surplus that would?

The Australian is great ammo that passes the magnet test.  A bit more accurate than the Port but without the iron core.  A little more expensive but is packed on stripper clips in bandoliers in ammo cans.
Lloyd

The Portugese stuff is not steel-cored. The jacket is thin steel with a lead core.

Westfork:

Where can I find the Australian ammo? Ports are steel jacketed and Hertenburger (Austrian) are pretty much the same. They are accurate ammo but most of outdoor range in Southern CA don't allow you to shot that. I have being using South African and it's good (at least no steel on anything, passed range master's magnet test), but would like to try something different to see how much better it can be.

rhatland:

SA .308 will pass the magnet test for sure. It survived my magnet and range master's magnet. I will go home and check the head stamp on some of the ammo that I have left.

Box Marked:
20 RD
7.62x51mm
BALL
M1A2
546
A/84

Headstamped:
12 on one side and 84 on the other side. Crimped primer pocket with purple sealent.

Sorry for the mistake on the Portuguese bullet -just meant to say there was definitely ferrous material in there.
I have been asked a couple times about Aussie sources so here is a copy of an email:

The best price for this ammo depends a lot on where you live because of the freight. I am in the upper Midwest and purchased from L.C.
Enterprises - great service!
[url]http://www.dealerease.com/catalog/product.asp?pid=1008597&ret_id=140211[/url]
Delivered price was $149.58 per case (included wooden crate).

In California Miwall has it.
[url]http://www.miwallcorp.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=mwcorp&Product_Code=68153-ADI308FMJ[/url]
I think they ship the cans without the crate to save on shipping.

In Pennsylvania there is Dan,s
[url]http://www.dansammo.com/ammo.asp[/url]

Midway has some
[url]http://www.midwayusa.com/midwayusa/applications/eproductpage.exe/showproductsaleitemid=295884&CustNum=100434615&EblastID=6202003[/url]

Ammoman has it
[url]www.ammoman.com[/url]

I understand the CMP (Civilian Marksman
Program) took 60% of the shipment and will offer it on their site.

Best bet would be to get in on one of the group buys on falfiles.com if you are in the right area.  Some members claim some of the buys worked out to less than $125/case delivered.  I know one for Ohio is being formed right now.
Lloyd

You might also check Kiesler's at [URL]www.kieslersonline.com[/URL] =

They have a special right now at 200 rds for 44.95 in clips and bandoliers.  Don't know if that's a good price or not, but I'm tempted and I like their service.