Recall: Sig Sauer 9mm 115 grain FMJ

A recall has been issued by Sig Sauer for a specific lot number of their 9x19mm Parabellum ammunition. According to the manufacturer, the lot on question has inconsistent powder which can result in potentially danger failures. This appears to be a voluntary recall.

Sig Sauer Elite Ball 9mm 115 grain FMJ — The respected manufacturer has issued a product recall for a certain lot number of its Elite Ball 9mm 115 grain FMJ ammunition. (Photo credit: Sig Sauer)

From the company regarding the product recall:

Sig Sauer has determined that portions of Lot No. JDAR0815 of SIG SAUER 9MM, 115gr, Elite Ball, FMJ (SKU E9MMB1-50), may have powder charge variations that could result in a bullet remaining in the barrel (i.e., a bullet-in-bore obstruction). Firing a subsequent bullet into a bore obstruction could cause firearm damage, rendering the firearm inoperable and subjecting the shooter and bystanders to a risk of serious personal injury.

Ammunition from this lot should be removed from use immediately and segregated from other ammunition until it can be returned to SIG SAUER.

DO NOT USE LOT NUMBER: JDAR0815

The lot number can be found on the inside flap of the individual boxes of ammunition.

Sig Sauer recall Elite Ball 9mm 115 grain FMJ lot information — Sig Sauer provided the above image detailing where to find the lot information on cases and boxes of their ammunition. Please check your boxes to be sure you don’t have this lot number on hand. (Photo credit: Sig Sauer)

Again, it is important to note this is a lot-specific recall for one particular load, the 9mm 115 grain Full Metal Jacket. This recall does not currently affect other calibers or bullet types. For example, if your ammunition is Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) rather than Full Metal Jacket (FMJ), it is not affected by this recall.

Use of the recalled ammunition can result in failures such as squibs, according to the ammunition manufacturer. Squib rounds can cause catastrophic failures.

An example of a squib load as seen through the barrel of the gun. This is not an image of Sig Sauer ammunition. (Photo credit: Tactical Training Center)

When a squib round fires, it typically does not sound the same as a normal round of ammunition, so failure to hear the crisp “bang” you’re used to can suggest a squib round, meaning a bullet is stuck in the barrel of the gun. Continuing to fire more rounds behind a squib can be dangerous.

An example of squib loads when the shooter continued firing, causing multiple bullets to become stuck in the barrel of the gun, which in turn caused a catastrophic failure. This is not an example of Sig Sauer ammunition. (Photo credit: Brownells)

If you have any amount of the recalled ammunition in your possession, follow the guidelines released by Sig Sauer for returning it to them. It’s not wise to try to fire recalled rounds through your gun even if you’ve already used part of the box and it has “been just fine.” It’s better to be cautious and adhere to the recall by returning it rather than using it.