Quick and Dirty Russian 7.62mm Ammunition Test Results

by
posted on June 7, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
barnaul1.jpg
A recent press release from MKS Supply of Dayton, OH, announced the results of a self-described "quick and dirty" 7.62x39mm Barnaul ammo test.

In the last few years, Barnaul 7.62x39mm and 7.62x54R ammo has been available in the United States. These two 7.62mm rounds are loaded into high-temperature resistant, lacquer-coated steel cases with the primer water sealed.

First, some background on Barnaul as an ammo manufacturer. The original government-owned Arsenal P began production in the 1880s in St. Petersburg. Due to World War I and later on, the Russian Civil War, it was moved to Podolsk. In 1941, the plant was evacuated and relocated to Barnaul, Russia, where it remains today. About 20 years ago, Barnaul became a privately-owned company that manufactures high-quality ammunition for the Russian Special Forces.

Using two original Russian SKS rifles, testers set up two NRA B-27 targets at 300 yards. The SKS rifles were zeroed at the same distance. Firing fairly quickly from the bench, they sent 10 rounds of Barnaul 7.62mm Russian ammunition from each rifle down range. They were holding (lower) taking the boiling mirage into effect and when it was blown away from the breeze, the rounds then went low due to the lower hold. However, the balance of the hits were in the 8- and 9-rings, with four in the 10-ring.

According to the testers (one of which is a Distinguished Rifleman):

"We were not trying for anything real precise, just a quick and dirty rattle battle field test ... This demonstrated to us that 7.62x39mm Barnaul ammunition shoots very well out of decent surplus original military rifles."

Available cartridges are listed below (no suggested retail pricing available):

7.62x39mm

  • 123-grain FMJ (2540 fps)
  • 123-grain HP (2540 fps)
  • 125-grain Soft Point (2530 fps)

7.62x54mm Rimmed
  • 148-grain FMJ (2785 fps)
  • 174-grain FMJ (2558 fps)
  • 185-grain FMJ (2403 fps)
  • 203-grain Soft Point (2330 fps)

Learn more at BarnaulAmmo.com.

See more: How To Select A VMR (Vintage Military Rifle) That’s Best For You.

Latest

Rem Wethepeopleammo 1
Rem Wethepeopleammo 1

Remington Marks America’s 250th Anniversary With ‘We The People’ Limited-Edition Ammo

Remington unveils a limited-edition ammunition series honoring America’s 250th anniversary, pairing familiar calibers with commemorative packaging.

Beretta’s 500th Anniversary: Five Centuries of Italian Craftsmanship

As Beretta marks 500 years, the Italian gunmaker looks back to its origins while revealing how centuries of craft inform what comes next.

How to Duplicate .357 Magnum Factory Ballistics with Handloads

Extensive testing shows which powders and charge weights allow .357 Mag. handloads to reach factory velocities without exceeding published pressure limits.

New: Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P 10 mm M2.0 Carry Comp

Smith & Wesson’s latest Performance Center pistol blends ported recoil control, optics compatibility and 10 mm power into a carry‑ready, shooter‑focused design.

Federal Unveils New All-American Target Loads Aimed at Trap and Skeet Shooters

Federal expands its All-American target loads for 2026, adding refined 12- and 20-gauge options aimed squarely at serious trap and skeet shooters.

Review: Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56 mm F1 Riflescope

An in-depth review of the Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56 mm F1, highlighting its rugged build, Mil-XT reticle, premium glass and performance in competition and long-range shooting.



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.