Golden Tiger 7.62x39 FMJBT Gel Test Results

[plouffedaddy]

Finished up the testing of the Golden Tiger 7.62x39 124gr FMJBT round. Here are the conditions and results.

Test conditions:
-16'' SGL21
-Test rounds fired from 15 feet
-"FBI spec" (Their term, not mine...) Clear Ballistics gel block

Chrono Data:
-2367 feet per second
-1542 foot pounds of energy

Results:
-1st shot tumbled out of the 2nd gel block
-2nd shot stopped at 29.5''
-Good tumbling can be seen along the wound track


Here's the video showing the test, the permanent cavity, both shots into the gel, and a discussion of the results:

 

[dcarch]

I am really, really liking that AK.

 

[plouffedaddy]

I am really, really liking that AK.

Thanks. I'm a fan as well.

 

[itsa pain]

I think the 39 is the best realistic combat round. what does your gun weigh? I like the rifle it seems it might be as heavy as a M1A scout

 

[JShirley]

I was going to say, your AK makes me laugh.

It is nice to see a test of a round others haven't tested, though.

John

 

[amd6547]

The Golden Tiger load has always been my favorite, though I can't say I have used them all.
GT always seemed very accurate for me...after I tried it the first time, bought case. Now, I'm afraid to shoot any. Prices now scare me.
I am wanting to try their 5.45...

 

[-v-]

What was the calibration on your blocks? While 4" for the first tumble seems reasonable, I've read that the M67-type bullet (which I make an educated guess is what the GT ammo is loaded with) start to tumble at 2" mark or even earlier. I'm just wondering if its a gel induced variable or normal ammo performance.

 

[MTMilitiaman]

What was the calibration on your blocks? While 4" for the first tumble seems reasonable, I've read that the M67-type bullet (which I make an educated guess is what the GT ammo is loaded with) start to tumble at 2" mark or even earlier. I'm just wondering if its a gel induced variable or normal ammo performance.

Really? I've always read that 4 to 5 inches was about average for the M67 pattern 7.62x39, as well as they commercial rounds with similar air pockets in the nose. The results from the Golden Tiger seems to support this and my own less formal testing shooting various mediums with several different types of steel cased FMJ.

For sure the lighter/faster 5.45mm round has developed a reputation for tumbling even faster. In addition to the typical 45 to 90 degree arc in the wound channel that the cartridge is famous for, it is also the only round of which I am aware that has been record completing two complete tumbling rotations in the width of a human torso.