Performance-failure production in that grade will never leave the factory. It just doesn't (but see the edit). "Factory seconds", which are principally production with cosmetic imperfections, often does. Usually for a contract buy that was rejected in whole or part. And it should be so marked on the carton.
Edit: I will add this, as it is a sensitive subject for some. I am not saying that bad ammunition does not occasionally escape past QA at the factory. I recall Olin having an incident several years back where a number of consumer-grade lots got past production and reached sales channels. But the normal remedy is to recall the lots (which is what Olin did), and not let them continue through the distribution chain into the field. But generally speaking, the top manufacturers of the LE-grade and government contract production are very careful about in-house random testing before the container(s) leave the factory. The purchasing entity on a larger contract will then often conduct it's own random sampling upon delivery and before acceptance. And if there's a problem, the entire lot goes back. Then the manufacturer will either re-mark it for sale as a second (if it's a cosmetic failure), or destroy the lot if it was a meaningful performance failure. They will not just turn around and push it back out as factory A-stock. That's to clarify what I meant by "never leaving the factory".
A reputable seller will indicate whether they are peddling factory seconds or not. Midway has a huge lot of 223 Rem. tactical in seconds available right now. Clearly marked as factory seconds (rejects for contract delivery), and still priced an arm and a leg. It will fire just fine. It would fire even better if it were priced at 25-28 cents like it would have been ten months ago.
Federal Factory Second Law Enforcement Tactical Ammo 223 Remington 62
Federal Law Enforcement Ammunition is custom made for your Urban Rifle. This Tactical ammo was specifically designed for use in semi-automatic rifles or...
www.midwayusa.com
Always buy your carry load from a reputable source. Don't buy factory seconds for carry, only for practice. Factory seconds can be a great practice bargain. Just not these days.
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) she told me to drive as she was sleepy. Down the 5 aka the Grapevine I barreled and all was well until Valencia when she came to and told me I would be driving through downtown LA on a Friday night. Not sure who had the whiter knuckles that night! 
