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

Shuewinspistolnra 2026 1
Shuewinspistolnra 2026 1

Jon Shue Wins Fourth Consecutive NRA National Pistol Title

Jon Shue claims his fourth consecutive NRA Precision Pistol national title with a 2659-156X Grand Aggregate at the Cardinal Shooting Center.

Vintage USPSA Scoring Overlays Reveal A Forgotten Rule

These vintage USPSA/NROI scoring overlays lack a .40-cal. gauge and feature mysterious “eyebrow” markings tied to a long-retired scoring rule.

Wilson Combat Marks 250 Years of American Independence with Limited Edition 1911 Series

Wilson Combat’s America 250th Limited Edition 1911 Series celebrates the Semiquincentennial with commemorative engraving, including 25 pistols hand-engraved by Wayne D’Angelo.

Review: SIG Sauer P211-GTO

USPSA’s Jake Martens reviews the SIG Sauer P211-GTO, a compensated, optics-ready double-stack 1911 that feeds from P320 magazines.

2026 NRA National Pistol Championship Underway at Cardinal Center

Competition is in full swing at the 2026 NRA Pistol Nationals in Marengo, Ohio, with Jon Shue chasing a fourth consecutive title.

Dead Air Launches Limited-Edition Sandman X Suppressors Honoring Night Stalkers, 5th Special Forces Group

Dead Air’s limited-edition Sandman X suppressors honor the Night Stalkers and 5th Special Forces Group while supporting veteran organizations.

Interests



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