Tulammo Review: Don’t Buy Until You Read This – Is it Safe & Reliable?

Are you standing at the ammo counter, eyeing those economical boxes of Tulammo, but a nagging doubt keeps you from pulling the trigger? Many shooters face this dilemma, wondering if the cost savings are worth potential issues with their beloved firearms. You want to know if Tulammo is truly reliable, accurate, and a good value, or if it’s just a recipe for frustration and gun problems. This comprehensive review will cut through the noise, giving you the practical insights you need to make an informed decision.

Unpacking Tulammo: What Exactly Is It?

Tulammo is a brand of ammunition produced by the Tula Cartridge Plant in Russia, widely known for its affordability and steel-cased construction. This distinctive steel casing is often coated with a polymer or lacquer to aid in feeding and extraction. Understanding its basic composition is crucial before loading it into your firearm.

The Steel Casing Advantage (and Disadvantage)

The primary characteristic of Tulammo is its steel casing, which significantly reduces manufacturing costs compared to traditional brass. This material choice is a major factor in its budget-friendly price point. However, steel is less malleable than brass, which can impact how it performs in certain firearms.

Range Reliability: Can Tulammo Be Trusted?

When it comes to range performance, reliability is often the biggest question mark for steel-cased ammunition like Tulammo. Shooters frequently worry about feeding issues, extraction problems, or even failure to fire. Our hands-on experience suggests that modern Tulammo has improved, but consistency can still vary.

Feeding and Extraction Experiences

Many firearms, especially those designed for NATO specifications like AR-15s, are generally quite tolerant of steel-cased ammunition. However, some firearms, particularly those with tighter chambers or less robust extractors, might experience more hiccups. The polymer or lacquer coating on Tulammo is designed to help with smooth cycling.

Primer Quality and Misfires

Tulammo typically uses non-corrosive Berdan primers, which are less common in the U.S. market but perfectly functional. While misfires are less common with current production, they can still occur, though often at a rate comparable to some budget brass-cased options. A firm firing pin strike is always essential for reliable ignition.

Accuracy Assessment: Hitting Your Mark

For many shooters, practical accuracy is paramount, especially for plinking or general range use. While Tulammo isn’t typically marketed as match-grade ammunition, its accuracy for its intended purpose is often sufficient. Expect respectable group sizes, not necessarily precision.

Bullet Construction and Consistency

Tulammo bullets often feature a bi-metal jacket, which is a copper-plated steel jacket. This construction is another cost-saving measure but can lead to increased barrel wear over extended periods compared to pure copper jackets. Consistency in bullet weight and powder charge is generally acceptable for casual shooting.

Practical Accuracy for Different Uses

For casual plinking, target practice, or high-volume training, Tulammo’s accuracy is usually more than adequate. Don’t expect sub-MOA groups, but you should be able to consistently hit steel targets or keep respectable groups on paper. It’s not recommended for serious competition or precision shooting where every millisecond and millimeter count.

Value Proposition: Is Tulammo Worth Your Money?

The primary draw of Tulammo is its unbeatable price point, making it an attractive option for high-volume shooters. Comparing its cost to traditional brass ammunition often reveals significant savings per round. This economic advantage allows for more trigger time, which is invaluable for skill development.

Cost-Per-Round Analysis

When buying in bulk, the cost difference between Tulammo and many brass-cased alternatives becomes very apparent. For many calibers, you can often purchase 20-30% more Tulammo for the same price as premium brass. This makes it a go-to choice for budget-conscious range sessions.

Long-Term Value vs. Short-Term Savings

While the immediate savings are clear, some argue that the potential for increased firearm wear or the inability to reload steel cases negates the long-term value. However, for most shooters, the sheer volume of practice enabled by cheaper ammo far outweighs these theoretical concerns. The ability to shoot more often directly translates to improved proficiency.

Firearm Compatibility & Wear: Potential Concerns

One of the most debated topics surrounding Tulammo is its impact on firearm longevity. Concerns primarily revolve around the steel casing and the bi-metal jacket. Understanding these potential issues helps mitigate them.

Steel Casing and Chamber Wear

Some argue that steel casings can cause accelerated wear on a firearm’s extractor and ejector, and potentially the chamber itself. While this is a theoretical possibility, especially with older or softer steel casings, modern steel cases are designed to minimize this. Proper lubrication of your firearm is always paramount, regardless of ammo type.

Bi-Metal Jackets and Barrel Longevity

The bi-metal jacket of Tulammo bullets contains a steel core, which is harder than pure copper. This hardness can lead to faster barrel erosion over thousands of rounds compared to softer, pure copper-jacketed bullets. For the average shooter, this wear is negligible and will likely not become an issue within their firearm’s lifespan. High-volume shooters might consider the trade-off.

Tulammo vs. Brass: A Direct Comparison

To truly understand Tulammo’s place in the market, it’s helpful to compare it directly to its more traditional brass-cased counterparts. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, catering to different shooter priorities. This comparison will highlight the key distinctions.

The Upsides and Downsides of Tulammo

Making an informed decision means weighing the benefits against the drawbacks. Tulammo certainly has its place in the market, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s a quick breakdown of its key pros and cons.

Advantages of Tulammo Ammunition

• Exceptional Affordability: Allows for significantly more trigger time and practice.
• Widely Available: Easy to find in most sporting goods stores and online retailers.
• Reliable for Many Firearms: Modern production generally performs well in a wide range of popular firearms.
• Good for High-Volume Training: Perfect for plinking, drills, and general range use without breaking the bank.
• Non-Corrosive Primers: Reduces concerns about long-term firearm damage from corrosive salts.

Disadvantages of Tulammo Ammunition

• Not Reloadable: Steel cases cannot be resized and reloaded, eliminating a cost-saving option for handloaders.
• Increased Firearm Wear (Theoretical): Steel casings and bi-metal jackets can contribute to slightly faster wear over extreme round counts.
• Can Be Dirtier: Often leaves more carbon fouling and residue, requiring more frequent cleaning.
• Less Consistent Accuracy: While good for plinking, it typically won’t achieve the same precision as

Rick Johnson

I’m a former armorer who believes in putting gear through its paces. My ammo reviews aren’t shot from a bench rest; I run drills, test feeding in multiple firearms, and check for reliability under stress. When I test LAX ammo, it’s about how it performs in the real world, not just on paper.