Magtech Ammo Review: Brazilian Cartridges to Fill Your Ammo Can
When you’re shopping for quality ammo at a good price for target practice or plinking, brands like Winchester, PMC, Fiocchi, and Remington are all popular choices. However, money can sometimes be tight – and with ammo budgets shrinking seemingly every week, you don’t just need good ammo. You need it for a good price, too!
While all those other manufacturers are excellent options, have you considered Magtech ammunition?
Magtech has produced high-quality self-defense and range ammo since 1990 and currently exports to over 100 countries worldwide. Yet many shooters don’t consider it when they are making bulk ammo purchases.
In this Magtech ammo review, we will take a hard look at this Brazilian ammo manufacturer and explain why you shouldn’t be concerned about loading your mags full of Magtech rifle or pistol ammo.
Is Magtech Ammo Good?
Magtech produces quality ammo at a good price for target shooting, plinking, and self-defense. Strict quality controls ensure that Magtech ammo is consistent and reliable, ensuring you don’t hear a ‘click’ when you pull the trigger.
Pros and Cons
No manufacturer is perfect. Here are some of the pros and cons of Magtech ammunition you should be aware of.
Pros
- Reliable
- Great prices
- Brass cases
- FMJ and JHP handgun ammunition
- Consistent muzzle velocities
Cons
- Low accessibility during shortages
- A little dirty
Which Calibers Are Available?
Magtech offers a wide variety of rimfire, centerfire rifle, and centerfire handgun ammunition in different chamberings. Here are some of their most popular factory loads:
- 22 LR
- 9mm Luger
- 40 S&W
- 45 ACP
- 223 Remington/5.56 NATO
- 308 Winchester
- 38 Special
- 357 Magnum
- 45 Colt
- 300 AAC Blackout
- 6.5 Creedmoor
- 25 Auto
- 380 Auto
- 44-40 Winchester
- 10mm Auto
- 45 GAP
- 44 S&W Special
- 44 Magnum
- 30 Carbine
- 22 Short
- 454 Casull
- 500 S&W Magnum
- 50 BMG
Magtech Ammo History and Important Information
The Magtech brand was established in 1990, and has produced high-quality ammunition ever since. Located in São Paulo, Brazil, Magtech is wholly owned by one of the largest ammunition manufactures in the world: Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos (CBC).
CBC owns other ammo manufacturers, including MEN in Germany. The CBC ammo plant in Brazil is a state-of-the-art facility that utilizes vertical integration, meaning that all ammunition components are made on-site.
Magtech produces the propellant, Boxer primers, brass cases, and projectiles that they load in their own ammo and sell for reloading.
CBC Global Ammunition has an interesting story. It was founded in Brazil in 1926 by two Italian immigrants who shared a passion for reloading. The pair started making hunting ammo in a small shed in São Paulo. Their fame grew quickly, and their operation expanded to large-scale production.
CBC was one of the major providers of ammunition to the military during Brazilian Civil War in 1932. As WWII began to expand in Europe, the Brazilian military contracted CBC to manufacture ammo for its potential entry. This led to the purchase of a large 440-acre plot of land that later became the company’s headquarters.
In 1966, CBC began exporting arms and ammunition internationally, with the United States being the primary importer of its single-shot rifles. In 1990, CBC established the Magtech brand, acquired MEN in Germany, and Sellier & Bellot in the Czech Republic.
In 2015, CBC acquired the majority of voting shares in the Brazilian firearms manufacturer Taurus. This solidified the company as one of the largest firearms and ammunition exporters in the world, trailing only Vista Outdoors and Winchester.
CBC ammunition is currently used by the United Nations, NATO, and law enforcement agencies around the world.
Where Is Magtech Ammo Made?
Magtech ammunition is manufactured in three CBC ammo plants in Brazil, with the largest plant located in São Paulo. CBC is the sole distributor of Magtech ammo in the United States, where their headquarters is located near Minneapolis.
FAQ
What year was Magtech founded?
The Magtech brand was founded in 1990. However, Magtech is a subsidiary of CBC, which was founded in 1926.
What is Magtech ammo made of?
Magtech uses vertical integration, which means that they manufacture all of their ammunition’s components in-house. Magtech produces high-quality brass cases, primers, projectiles, and powders for all of their loaded ammunition.
Is Magtech clean ammo?
Some shooters report Magtech ammo as being dirty. However, in my experience it is no more dirty than Winchester, Remington, or Fiocchi.
Is Magtech ammo reliable?
Yes, Magtech is known for their reliability around the globe. It exports ammunition to over 100 different countries, and supplies of military-grade ammo to NATO alliance and law enforcement agencies across the globe.
Is Magtech ammo accurate?
Magtech ammo is accurate enough for target practice and plinking. Even when it is not match grade, but it is extremely reliable.
Is Magtech ammo corrosive?
No, Magtech ammo is loaded with non-corrosive Boxer primers.
What primers does Magtech ammunition use?
Magtech loads its own brand of non-corrosive Boxer primers it all its centerfire ammunition. If you’re into handloading, those primers are also available for purchase.
Are Magtech cases good for reloading?
Yes! Magtech manufactures high-quality brass cases that are Boxer primed, which are perfect for reloading.
Which Magtech 9mm ammo works best in a Glock?
My personal favorite Magtech ammo for my Glock 17 is 9mm Luger 115 grain full metal jacket (FMJ). I’ve found this load to be extremely reliable (hardly any misfires or jams), and the 115 grain FMJ is perfect for target shooting. For self-defense I’d go with the Magtech 124 grain Guardian Gold jacketed hollow point (JHP).
Is Magtech 45 ACP ammo safe for a 1911?
Yes, Magtech handgun ammo is a great choice for your 1911. Their 230 grain full metal jacket ammo has always performed well in my Kimber 1911. I have nothing but good things to say about it. It’s 837 fps of muzzle velocity and low recoil are perfect for target practice and plinking.
