The SKS and Tula Ammunition Report

I purchased 2 boxes of Tula ammunition awhile and started testing it.

As I recall, I took 20 bullets, separated, and measured the components. Bullet weight ranged from 121 to 128gr. Bullet base to ogive varied from 1.303 to 1.321". Case weight was either 103 or 106gr. And powder weight ranged from 24.1-24.4gr. I took the most consistent components and average powder weight of 24.2gr and reassembled 10 bullets. The group was the same. So, I did a ladder test and found the node use about 24.5gr.

Yesterday I returned to the range and compared groups printed using factory loads, the new load with 24.5gr of Tula Powder and two more test loads using Speer and Barnes 123gr bullets with the Tula powder. The three groups were the same at 50 yards and better than the factory printed group. I'll test the same loads at 100 yards in November or December.

I hope someone finds this interesting.

I do find this interesting and will pass it on to my brother who shoots tons of this stuff. Me personally you would have to point the firearm at my head to get me to use Russian ammo in anything. I happen to be a diehard reloader and the only factory ammo I use is .22LR. Incidentally I don't use Russian components either because to me their quality sux. Your bullet measurements speak volumes for their quality control.

Just a pet peeve of mine but would you please call them rounds and not bullets when referring to them fully assembled. A bullet is a component of but not a finished round.

Thanks for the correction Oldfoneguy, I'll be more careful in the future.

I like reloading a lot too.