[LiquidTension]

I've been looking for a source for Barnaul 7.62x39 FMJ for a while now. I read a thread that was linked from this site a while ago that did a comparison between a bunch of different 7.62 ammo and the Barnaul was the most accurate. Problem is, I haven't been able to find any recently. Midway hasn't had any for months, and even though it says on their site that it will be available in the next week or so, they have been moving the date back for at least 2 months now. Anybody know where to find it for a decent price? It should only be about $80/case...

[joebogey]

You might try Dans Ammo. Do a search for the website.
I know they used to handle a lot of Barnaul.

[Logistar]

Barnaul is the most accurate thing I have found for my AK. I bought some a while back at Kiesler's. I didn't see any there the last time I went though.

Kiesler's (http://www.kieslersonline.com/)

[DWS1117]

I don't know if there are any Academy stores where you are, but I get it from there. It was about $2/box.

[Domino]

I have noticed the same thing to my dissapointment. I have also noticed that the Brown Bear 7.62X39 is VERY close to the Barnaul, I wonder if it's made by the same company. The exact same bullet is used with identical velocities, you will not be let down by Brown Bear.

[joebogey]

Thread says moved...
Moved to where?
Am I missing something here?


Nevermind :rolleyes:

[Drue]

Midway has it:

http://midwayusa.com


Drue

[jefnvk]

Sportsman's Guide has 500 rd cases left: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=121287

$47

[LiquidTension]

Midway does NOT have it, Dan's Ammo is out of stock, Kiesler's doesn't have it, and sportsmansguide only has JHP and SP, not FMJ. I'd already checked Kiesler's and Midway. Any other sources?

Tell me more about the Brown Bear. I ended up having to settle for 500rds of Wolf at the last show, much to my disappointment. The guy I bought it from told me that it comes out of the same factory as the Barnaul, which I'm pretty sure is not true. Anybody have a list of which ammo comes out of what factory, or better yet a link to some accuracy tests? I thought I had the link to the one I read, but I can't find it now.

[LiquidTension]

Finally found that accuracy test:

here (http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=4&f=54&t=56018)

[jnmullin]

I got my case of Barbual 7.62x39 from Widener's. Their website is www.wideners.com , but the site sucks. If you call them, they can tell you if they have any. Their number is 1-800-615-3006.

Hope this helps,
John

[Domino]

After checking the Box for confirmation the Brown Bear ammunition IS made at the JCS Barnaul Machine-Tool Plant as you can see HERE (http://www.gzanders.com/bearammo/). My father and I noticed a few years ago that our favorite 7.62X39 ammo called Red Hammer was suddenly unavailable without any warning. We later realized that Red Hammer was Barnaul ammmunition and that had just stopped using the Red Hammer name. I don't think Barnaul ammunition is going anywhere soon, they just continue to change the name of their products for whatever reason. I agree, Barnaul ammunition smokes Wolf in performance and accuracy and it is my favorite Russian brand.

[LiquidTension]

My only concern is that more than one type of ammo can come out of the same plant. Does anyone know for sure if Brown Bear is the same as the Barnaul with the picture of a guy with a rifle on the box?

[Domino]

When we had a chronograph (before my dad accidently killed it with his CZ-52) we had tested various types of 7.62X39 and the Brown Bear shot at the same velocities as the Barnaul (guy with a rifle on box) and the Red Hammer. Those 3 types ALL shot consistantly at around 2550 fps compared to the Wolf that was more like 2450 fps. After pulling and examining all of the bullets from Brown Bear, Barnaul, and Red Hammer 123g FMJ and HP they were identical in construction (different from Wolf). And as far as accuracy goes all types seem to shoot around 1.5-2.5" at 100 yards with our SKS rifles. As far as I can tell they are identical, but since there is a possibility that ammunition under the name Barnaul can come from 2 other factories you can never be 100% sure unless you speak Russian and want to make some long distance phone calls. My suggestion is to buy a box of Brown Bear and see what results you get with your gun. I would also like to add that I have been most impressed by the Barnaul .223 62g boat tail SP. It shoots amazingly well at under 1" at 100 yards and velocities of 3200 fps :what: out of my M17. Good Luck, and I hope I have been helpful

[LiquidTension]

How's that M17 treatin' ya? I've handled several and never liked the feel of it...but, to each his own.

I'll try the Brown Bear if I see it at the show this weekend.

[DWS1117]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is an M17? I've never heard one.

[Domino]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is an M17? I've never heard one.
The Bushmaster (http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/m17s/) website will tell you the most important info and you could do a search at this forum as well. Feel free to PM to ask me any questions.

How's that M17 treatin' ya? I've handled several and never liked the feel of it...but, to each his own.
Very well actually, It is my favorite rifle (although I don't own any AR's or AK's) and it hasn't failed to impress me yet. The ergonomics are great IMHO once you get used to the bullpup format, which some never do. The controls are identical to an AR and it runs great with some british 30rd steel mags I bought, as well as the new aluminum Bushmaster magazines. It requires absolutely NO cleaning to the gas system and only the occassional bolt/bore/chamber scrub, and is VERY accurate from the bench, 3/4" with Georgia Arms 68g match is the best so far. It is an unusual design that takes proper optics and getting used to achieve it's potential. As said many times before the trigger is the worst part, but I have little difficulty shooting well with it.

P.S. Just so you know, if you like the Brown Bear ammo, a good source for Bulk is Aim Surplus (http://www.aimsurplus.com/acatalog/Brown_Bear_7_62x39_FMJ.html)