First Impressions of BarnauL Polycoated Steel Case Rifle Ammunition .30-06 Sprg 168 gr FMJ 2612 fps BRN 3006SPR FMJ168C $47.60 Off
In the world of rifle ammunition, the .30-06 Springfield is a legend, a cartridge steeped in history and renowned for its versatility. When I heard BarnauL, a manufacturer known for its budget-friendly offerings, was producing this iconic round with a polycoated steel case, I was intrigued. Could they deliver reliable performance without breaking the bank?
My search for a more affordable option for high-volume range training led me to the BarnauL .30-06. The rising cost of brass-cased ammunition made extended practice sessions increasingly prohibitive. I needed a reliable, consistent round that wouldn’t empty my wallet after every outing.
The arrival of the case of BarnauL ammunition was…underwhelming, to be frank. The packaging was basic, a plain cardboard box containing the 500 rounds. Picking up a single cartridge, the polycoated steel case felt noticeably different from the brass I was accustomed to. It certainly felt like budget ammunition. Comparing it to my usual Federal Gold Medal Match .30-06 rounds, the difference in perceived quality was significant, but so was the price.
Compared to Federal, Winchester, and even PPU brass-cased .30-06, the BarnauL was significantly more affordable. The allure of saving money while still enjoying my Springfield rifle outweighed my initial reservations. I went into this with cautious optimism.
My first impression was a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. The price was right, but would the performance match? Only time, and a trip to the range, would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting BarnauL Polycoated Steel Case Rifle Ammunition .30-06 Sprg 168 gr FMJ 2612 fps BRN 3006SPR FMJ168C $47.60 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the BarnauL .30-06 took place at my local shooting range, under clear, sunny skies. I used my trusty Springfield M1 Garand and a bolt-action Remington 700 for the trials. I set up targets at 100 and 200 yards to assess accuracy and function.
The first few rounds through the M1 Garand were…eventful. The rifle cycled, but felt sluggish, with noticeably more recoil than with brass-cased ammunition. The Remington 700 handled the rounds with greater ease, but extraction felt a little stickier than usual. There were no failures to feed in either rifle, but I immediately noticed the difference in performance compared to what I was used to.
After the first 50 rounds, I examined the rifles more closely. The M1 Garand, in particular, showed signs of increased fouling, which I expected from steel-cased ammunition. The poly coating seemed to do its job in preventing rust, but the chambers of both rifles required more cleaning than usual after firing brass. The primers looked normal, with no signs of over-pressure or excessive wear.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and approximately 300 rounds of the BarnauL .30-06, I have a better understanding of its reliability. The ammunition proved to be consistently functional in both my rifles, with no failures to fire. The accuracy, however, did start to degrade somewhat at longer distances.
Durability-wise, the ammunition itself is fine. The steel cases show no signs of corrosion, even after being stored in less-than-ideal conditions. However, the increased wear on the rifles’ extractors is a concern. I now clean my rifles immediately after using this ammunition to mitigate any potential long-term damage.
Compared to my previous experiences with premium brass-cased .30-06, the BarnauL falls short in terms of accuracy and smoothness of operation. But given the price difference, it’s an acceptable trade-off for high-volume practice. It’s certainly not match-grade ammunition, but it goes bang every time, and that is worth something.
Breaking Down the Features of BarnauL Polycoated Steel Case Rifle Ammunition .30-06 Sprg 168 gr FMJ 2612 fps BRN 3006SPR FMJ168C $47.60 Off
Specifications
The BarnauL Polycoated Steel Case Rifle Ammunition .30-06 Sprg boasts several key specifications. It’s a .30-06 Springfield caliber round, the quintessential American hunting and military cartridge. Each round contains a 168-grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullet, designed for reliable feeding and consistent performance. The steel cartridge case is coated with a polymer to aid in extraction and prevent corrosion. The muzzle velocity is rated at 2612 fps, delivering a muzzle energy of 2543 ft-lbs. The box contains 500 rounds.
These specifications are significant for several reasons. The 168-grain FMJ bullet weight is a good compromise for both target shooting and hunting medium-sized game. The steel case, while less expensive than brass, can cause increased wear on your firearm’s extractor, and requires more thorough cleaning afterward. The muzzle velocity is standard for .30-06 ammunition, providing sufficient energy for most applications. The G1 Ballistic Coefficient of .479 isn’t great but is good enough for plinking.
Performance & Functionality
The BarnauL .30-06 generally performs its primary function: it fires reliably. The ammunition exhibited no failures to fire during my testing. However, the accuracy is not on par with premium brass-cased ammunition. At 100 yards, I could consistently achieve groupings of around 2-3 inches, acceptable for practice.
The strength of this ammunition lies in its affordability and reliability. The weakness is certainly the accuracy. It meets expectations as a budget-friendly option for high-volume range sessions, but does not exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the BarnauL .30-06 is purely utilitarian. The polycoated steel case is functional but lacks the aesthetic appeal of brass. The weight is comparable to other .30-06 rounds.
From a user perspective, there is no real learning curve. The ammunition loads and fires like any other .30-06 round.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the ammunition itself appears to be adequate. The poly coating seems to protect the steel case from corrosion. However, the potential long-term impact on a firearm’s extractor is a concern, and requires more diligence in cleaning and maintenance.
The case mouth is sealed. The bullet is seated well.
Accessories and Customization Options
This ammunition doesn’t require any specific accessories for use. It’s compatible with any firearm chambered in .30-06 Springfield. Aftermarket accessories for your rifle, such as improved sights or triggers, can certainly enhance the overall shooting experience with this ammunition.
This ammunition is not designed for customization. What you see is what you get.
Pros and Cons of BarnauL Polycoated Steel Case Rifle Ammunition .30-06 Sprg 168 gr FMJ 2612 fps BRN 3006SPR FMJ168C $47.60 Off
Pros
- Affordable: Significantly cheaper than brass-cased .30-06 ammunition.
- Reliable: Consistent ignition and cycling in multiple rifles.
- Functional: Suitable for high-volume range practice and training.
- Versatile: 168-grain FMJ bullet suitable for target shooting and medium game hunting.
- Available: Readily found online and in stores.
Cons
- Accuracy: Less accurate than premium brass-cased ammunition.
- Increased Wear: Steel cases can cause accelerated wear on extractors.
- Cleaning: Requires more frequent and thorough cleaning due to increased fouling.
Who Should Buy BarnauL Polycoated Steel Case Rifle Ammunition .30-06 Sprg 168 gr FMJ 2612 fps BRN 3006SPR FMJ168C $47.60 Off?
The BarnauL .30-06 is perfect for high-volume target shooters and recreational plinkers who want to save money. It’s also suitable for hunters who need to practice frequently with their rifles but don’t want to spend a fortune on ammunition. It might also be a consideration for people with bolt action rifles or rifles with beefy extractors.
This ammunition is not ideal for competitive shooters or those seeking maximum accuracy. It’s also not recommended for those who are unwilling to clean their firearms diligently after each use.
A must-have accessory is a good quality bore cleaner and solvent. Keep your rifle clean.
Conclusion on BarnauL Polycoated Steel Case Rifle Ammunition .30-06 Sprg 168 gr FMJ 2612 fps BRN 3006SPR FMJ168C $47.60 Off
The BarnauL Polycoated Steel Case Rifle Ammunition .30-06 Sprg is a budget-friendly option for high-volume shooting. While it may not offer the same level of accuracy or smoothness as premium brass-cased ammunition, its affordability and reliability make it a viable choice for many shooters. The BarnauL ammunition represents a good value proposition.
I would recommend this ammunition to those who prioritize cost savings over ultimate accuracy and are willing to maintain their firearms meticulously. If you need to put rounds downrange without breaking the bank, the BarnauL .30-06 is worth considering. Give it a try and see if it fits your needs.