Feed the beast! Russian-pattern firearms like this Polish WBP FOX AKM were designed for steel ammo and have no issues running it whatsoever.
November 27, 2018
By Jim Grant
For years, Barnaul has made a name for itself selling steel case, inexpensive pistol and rifle ammunition. Though, its offerings have been limited mostly to Soviet calibers and 5.56mm.
But recently, MKS Supply, Inc. announced that they would begin importing Barnaul-branded ammunition in additional calibers directly to the US market. Look below for the official press release.
“Barnaul has produced high quality ammunition for more than 70 years. It has been used all over the world, and the company currently produces a variety of privately labeled ammunition sold in the US market by multiple US companies.
Barnaul is one of the few privately owned Russian ammunition companies approved to supply ammunition to the Russian Army. Its high standards and extreme quality control measures have also earned Barnaul the privilege of supplying the Russian Special Forces with its superior ammunition.
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The Barnaul brand is new to the U.S. market, but it is known worldwide for providing premium ammunition at an affordable price. Barnaul uses steel casings and evolutionary machining techniques to produce economical ammunition in both polymer and lacquered finishes, while not compromising quality.”
Many shooters considered Barnaul to be the higher-end alternative to Wolf and Tula ammunition in the late 90s and early 2000s. Since the ammo tended to be loaded more consistently, though at a slight increase in price.
"Barnaul’s 7.62x39mm ammunition is well known in the mil-surp, and AK-community for being high quality and affordable." This author personally blasted through thousands of rounds of Barnaul in his youth, when other Russian manufactured 5.56/.223 ammunition frequently failed to extract from his 20-inch Bushmaster AR-15. (Though it was only $2.99 for 20 rounds back then!)
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Still, it’s nice that a company it making the effort to import brand-name Barnaul, since most re-branded ammo is more expensive. This effectively gives shooters on a tight budget more options for ammunition. The press release continues below.
“MKS Supply (exclusive marketer for both Hi-Point Firearms and Inland Manufacturing) will initially import the following Barnaul ammunition: 7.62x39, .223 (5.56x45 NATO inclusive), 6.5 Grendel, 5.45x 39, .308 (7.62x51 NATO), 7.62x54 rimmed, .30-06 Springfield, .45 ACP, and 9mm Browning/Luger/Makarov. Many of the listed calibers will also offer various bullet weights and bullet configurations, including FMJ, SP, HP, FMJBT, HPBT, and SPBT.”
Excellent news! One of the issues shooters of Russian calibers have faced in the past, is a lack of load variety. Sure, slight variations existed, like 123gr FMJ vs 124gr FMJ 7.62x39mm. But both of these loadings sure the exact same purpose.
While not as well known as their Soviet calibers, Barnaul’s 5.56mm rounds make great plinking and training ammunition. Hopefully these additional, “bullet weights and bullet configurations” will encompass not only hunting and defensive rounds, but also more exotic stuff like subsonic. The premise of affordable, subsonic 7.62x39mm for use with suppressors could elevate the AK to .300blk AR levels of tacticool.
MKS supply wrapped up the announcement discussing their booth location at next year’s SHOT Show. Where we’re certain to learn more about MKS Supply’s plans to import calibers as well as pricing.
