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Wolf Gold 55 grain FMJ Accuracy and Velocity (Page 1 of 3)
Posted: 1/12/2016 12:47:12 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Molon][Edited]
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Wolf Gold 55 grain FMJ Accuracy and Velocity Attached File When most shooters hear the phrase “Wolf ammunition,” what usually comes to mind is steel-cased rounds loaded with bi-metal jacketed bullets. Fortunately, the 55 grain FMJ “Wolf Gold” ammunition that is manufactured in Taiwan does not fit this description. The Wolf Gold ammunition reviewed for this report uses brass cases with the annealing iris still visible and is loaded with typical copper jacketed/lead core bullets. The 55 grain projectile has a cannelure and there is a collet crimp at the case mouth. The case mouth is also sealed with asphalt sealant. The brass case has crimped and sealed boxer primers and the round is charged with ball powder. Attached File Attached File Attached File When most shooters hear the phrase “55 grain FMJ,” what usually comes to mind is M193 ammunition. The velocity specification for M193 as cited in MIL-C-9963F states: The average velocity of the sample cartridges, conditioned at 72 degrees, plus or minus 2 degrees Fahrenheit (F), shall be 3165 feet per second (ft/sec), plus or minus 40 ft/sec, at 78 feet from the muzzle of the weapon. The standard deviation of the velocities shall not exceed 40 ft/sec. The specification is for a 20” barrel. Depending on multiple variables, this velocity specification equates to a muzzle velocity of approximately 3270 FPS, plus or minus 40 FPS. I chronographed the Wolf Gold 55 grain FMJ ammunition from a semi-automatic AR-15 with a chrome-lined, NATO chambered 20” Colt M16A2 barrel. Attached File Chronographing was conducted using an Oehler 35-P chronograph with “proof screen” technology. The Oehler 35P chronograph is actually two chronographs in one package that takes two separate chronograph readings for each shot and then has its onboard computer analyze the data to determine if there is any statistically significant difference between the two readings. If there is, the chronograph “flags” the shot to let you know that the data is invalid. There was no invalid data flagged during this testing. The velocity stated below is the muzzle velocity as calculated from the instrumental velocity using Oehler’s Ballistic Explorer software program. The string of fire consisted of 10 rounds over the chronograph. Attached File Attached File Each round was single-loaded and cycled into the chamber from a magazine fitted with a single-load follower. The bolt locked-back after each shot allowing the chamber to cool in between each shot. This technique was used to mitigate the possible influence of “chamber-soak” on velocity data. Each new shot was fired in a consistent manner after hitting the bolt release. Atmospheric conditions were monitored and recorded using a Kestrel 4000 Pocket Weather Tracker. Attached File Atmospheric conditions. Temperature: 77 degrees F Humidity: 40% Barometric pressure: 30.12 inches of Hg Elevation: 950 feet above sea level The muzzle velocity for the 10-shot string of the Wolf Gold 55 grain FMJ ammunition was 3213 FPS with a standard deviation of 25 FPS. For comparison, IMI M193 had a muzzle velocity of 3274 FPS when fired from the same barrel, with a standard deviation of 18 FPS. The accuracy specification for M193 cited in MIL-C-9963F is as follows: The average of the mean radii of all targets of the sample cartridges, fired at 200 yards, shall not exceed 2.0 inches. These averages are from 10-shot groups fired from machine rested, bolt-actioned test barrels. All things being equal this specification equates to a mean radius of 1 inch at 100 yards for 10-shot groups. I conducted an accuracy (technically, precision) evaluation of the Wolf Gold 55 grain FMJ ammunition following my usual protocol. This accuracy evaluation used statistically significant shot-group sizes and every single shot in a fired group was included in the measurements. There was absolutely no use of any Group Reduction Techniques (e.g. fliers, target movement, Butterfly Shots). The shooting set-up will be described in detail below. As many of the significant variables as was practicable were controlled for. Also, a control group was fired from the test-rifle used in the evaluation using match-grade, hand-loaded ammunition; in order to demonstrate the capability of the barrel. Pictures of shot-groups are posted for documentation. All shooting was conducted from a concrete bench-rest from a distance of 100 yards (confirmed with a laser rangefinder.) The barrel used in the evaluation was free-floated. The free-float handguards of the rifle rested in a Sinclair Windage Benchrest, while the stock of the rifle rested in a Protektor bunny-ear rear bag. Sighting was accomplished via a Leupold VARI-X III set at 25X magnification and adjusted to be parallax-free at 100 yards. A mirage shade was used. Wind conditions on the shooting range were continuously monitored using a Wind Probe. The set-up was very similar to that pictured below. Attached File The Wind Probe. Attached File The test vehicle for this evaluation was one of my semi-automatic precision AR-15s with a 20” stainless-steel Lothar Walther barrel. The barrel has a 223 Wylde chamber with a 1:8” twist. Attached File Prior to firing the Wolf Gold ammunition, I fired a 10-shot control group using match-grade hand-loads topped with the Sierra 55 grain BlitzKing. That group had an extreme spread of 0.78”. Attached File Next, three 10-shot groups of the Wolf Gold were fired in a row with the resulting extreme spreads: 2.13” 2.60” 2.44” for a 10-shot group average extreme spread of 2.39”. The three 10-shot groups were over-layed on each other using RSI Shooting Lab to form a 30-shot composite group. The mean radius for the 30-shot composite group was 0.76”. The smallest 10-shot group. Attached File The 30-shot composite group. Attached File …. |
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Molon,
I have been enjoying all of the posts you have been making recently. You could write professionally for the gun rags if you ever so chose. Matter of fact your posts are better than almost anything I have ever read in any commercial publication. |
Your body can never go where your mind has never been.
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Molon, Did you happen to shoot any of this through your 16" Colt HBAR? I'm interested how it would stack up to the M855 and M193 clones you compared here:  As always, thank you for this report! I have found that Wolf Gold is great ammo for training/plinking. Relativity cheap, and it shots well. |
RIP WMD :(
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Originally Posted By MeatBag:
Molon, have you ever tested Tul? Possibly . . . The Wolf of Truth ... |
All that is necessary for Trolls to flourish, is for good men to do nothing.
In God We Trust. Everyone else must post data.
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Originally Posted By Molon:
Originally Posted By MeatBag:
Molon, have you ever tested Tul? Possibly . . . The Wolf of Truth ... I'm glad it wasn't just my marksmanship 
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| Mine shoots it pretty well too out of a 5.56mm 1:8 twist Rock Creek barrel |
"Shit like this is why people up-armor a bulldozer and head for City Hall." - Echo_Hotel
"Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company." - George Washington
"Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company." - George Washington
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It's gone up $0.10 per box of 20 from when I ordered a few weeks ago.
Originally Posted By myhatinthering:
NOT ME!!!! jk stop posting about Wolf Gold before everyone starts buying it and it's relative 'cheap' price goes away...lol Originally Posted By myhatinthering:
Originally Posted By FALARAK:
So glad you are back posting again. NOT ME!!!! jk stop posting about Wolf Gold before everyone starts buying it and it's relative 'cheap' price goes away...lol |
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Originally Posted By mcantu:
that's right in line with what I was seeing with Wolf Gold out of my AUG-A1 http://i62.tinypic.com/b67mrp.jpg That's some nice shooting for a 1.5X scope! |
All that is necessary for Trolls to flourish, is for good men to do nothing.
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Originally Posted By MRW:
about 3050 fps from my 16" Cool thanks I'll have to pick some up and see if the Colt likes it. |
I own an AK so that when I take new shooters out and have them shoot ARs, they can have a first-hand experience of what a hunk of crap the AK is.- DK Prof
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Originally Posted By Molon: That's some nice shooting for a 1.5X scope! Originally Posted By Molon: Originally Posted By mcantu: that's right in line with what I was seeing with Wolf Gold out of my AUG-A1 http://i62.tinypic.com/b67mrp.jpg That's some nice shooting for a 1.5X scope! Thanks! I did a small comparison between Wolf Gold and GECO using the AUG here...http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_16/682724_GECO_55gr_vs_Wolf_Gold.html |
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Originally Posted By mcantu:
Thanks! I did a small comparison between Wolf Gold and GECO using the AUG here...http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_16/682724_GECO_55gr_vs_Wolf_Gold.html Originally Posted By mcantu:
Originally Posted By Molon:
Originally Posted By mcantu:
that's right in line with what I was seeing with Wolf Gold out of my AUG-A1 http://i62.tinypic.com/b67mrp.jpg That's some nice shooting for a 1.5X scope! Thanks! I did a small comparison between Wolf Gold and GECO using the AUG here...http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_16/682724_GECO_55gr_vs_Wolf_Gold.html That GECO ammunition is quite remarkable for a 55 grain FMJ bullet, and again, you did a great job with just a 1.5X scope. ... |
All that is necessary for Trolls to flourish, is for good men to do nothing.
In God We Trust. Everyone else must post data.
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Originally Posted By Molon: That GECO ammunition is quite remarkable for a 55 grain FMJ bullet, and again, you did a great job with just a 1.5X scope. ... Originally Posted By Molon: Originally Posted By mcantu: Originally Posted By Molon: Originally Posted By mcantu: that's right in line with what I was seeing with Wolf Gold out of my AUG-A1 http://i62.tinypic.com/b67mrp.jpg That's some nice shooting for a 1.5X scope! Thanks! I did a small comparison between Wolf Gold and GECO using the AUG here...http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_16/682724_GECO_55gr_vs_Wolf_Gold.html That GECO ammunition is quite remarkable for a 55 grain FMJ bullet, and again, you did a great job with just a 1.5X scope. ... Thanks. I keep hearing about how horrible bullpup triggers are but I'm just not seeing it with my AUG |
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Originally Posted By mcantu:
Thanks. I keep hearing about how horrible bullpup triggers are but I'm just not seeing it with my AUG Originally Posted By mcantu:
Originally Posted By Molon:
Originally Posted By mcantu:
Originally Posted By Molon:
Originally Posted By mcantu:
that's right in line with what I was seeing with Wolf Gold out of my AUG-A1 http://i62.tinypic.com/b67mrp.jpg That's some nice shooting for a 1.5X scope! Thanks! I did a small comparison between Wolf Gold and GECO using the AUG here...http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_3_16/682724_GECO_55gr_vs_Wolf_Gold.html That GECO ammunition is quite remarkable for a 55 grain FMJ bullet, and again, you did a great job with just a 1.5X scope. ... Thanks. I keep hearing about how horrible bullpup triggers are but I'm just not seeing it with my AUG The trigger on my USR was heavy, but it was smooth and crisp, kind of like a standard 1911 trigger. ... |
All that is necessary for Trolls to flourish, is for good men to do nothing.
In God We Trust. Everyone else must post data.
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I'd been curious how accurate this ammo really is, I've probably shot 2-3K worth, but I very rarely have paper out, much less a decent shooting platform. Its a hell of a lot of fun to shoot steel with, and I have several K more of it, as you can never have enough blasting ammo.
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Reporting my analysis of the Wolf Gold M193 projectile jackets on request in this thread:
Since there seems to be some conflicting data and opinions being spread about M193 jackets lately, I decided to a quick evaluation. I took one sample from a lot of Wolf Gold (Taiwan), IMI M193, and Federal Lake City XM193. The bullets were pulled and weighed. All showed signs of tar sealant at the bullet. This was cleaned off with a solvent to keep the bullet mass consistent with copper and lead only. XM193: 54.7gr IMI: 54.9gr Wolf: 55.4gr 
Note: The jacket on the Wolf Gold is "rolled" into the base, making it appear thicker. This is just a jacket design difference and has no relationship to jacket thickness. The bullets were measured for length: XM193: .738" IMI: .743" Wolf: .745" Next, a jig was set up to melt the lead out of the jacket. The copper was heated until it was glowing using a propane torch. A visual inspection was done to ensure all lead was removed. 
The jackets were then weighed for total jacket mass: XM193: 17.4gr IMI: 17.7gr Wolf: 16.8gr Note - that the Wolf Gold had the lightest jacket mass of the bunch. 
The jackets where then cut in a cross section just above the cannelure. Visual inspection shows no discernable difference in jacket thickness: 
The jackets where then measured in 4 places to determine avg jacket thickness, which was very consistent: XM193: .0255" IMI: .024" Wolf: .023" 
Conclusions: Out of the three samples tested - Wolf Gold (Taiwan) has the lightest jacket, and the thinnest jacket out of all. Federal XM193 had the thickest jacket at the location measured. All of them were very close. The real testing comes from ballistic gelatin testing, which should be available from another member soon. However, this should serve as a valid data point with regard to the jacket thickness postulations. |
Sorry about the mayonnaise, guys.
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Looking forward to that!!! I've got a buddy that keeps this as his stash. When I asked him the other day, the assumption was this ammo was M193 spec. Would be interesting to see if it performs as such.
Are you writing a book? It would be a good read if so. |
Jesus came to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. - My Pastor
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Originally Posted By FALARAK:
Reporting my analysis of the Wolf Gold M193 projectile jackets on request in this thread: Since there seems to be some conflicting data and opinions being spread about M193 jackets lately, I decided to a quick evaluation. I took one sample from a lot of Wolf Gold (Taiwan), IMI M193, and Federal Lake City XM193. The bullets were pulled and weighed. All showed signs of tar sealant at the bullet. This was cleaned off with a solvent to keep the bullet mass consistent with copper and lead only. XM193: 54.7gr IMI: 54.9gr Wolf: 55.4gr http://kevinholman.com/pics/guns/ammo/m193/m193bullets.JPG http://kevinholman.com/pics/guns/ammo/m193/m193bullets2.JPG http://kevinholman.com/pics/guns/ammo/m193/m193bullets3.JPG Note: The jacket on the Wolf Gold is "rolled" into the base, making it appear thicker. This is just a jacket design different and has no relationship to jacket thickness. The bullets were measured for length: XM193: .738" IMI: .743" Wolf: .745" Next, a jig was set up to melt the lead out of the jacket. The copper was heated until it was glowing using a propane torch. A visual inspection was done to ensure all lead was removed. http://kevinholman.com/pics/guns/ammo/m193/m193melt.jpg The jackets were then weighed for total jacket mass: XM193: 17.4gr IMI: 17.7gr Wolf: 16.8gr Note - that the Wolf Gold had the lightest jacket mass of the bunch. http://kevinholman.com/pics/guns/ammo/m193/m193jacketmass3.JPG http://kevinholman.com/pics/guns/ammo/m193/m193jackmass2.JPG http://kevinholman.com/pics/guns/ammo/m193/m193jacketmass.JPG The jackets where then cut in a cross section just above the cannelure. Visual inspection shows no discernable difference in jacket thickness: http://kevinholman.com/pics/guns/ammo/m193/m193cross.JPG The jackets where then measured in 4 places to determine avg jacket thickness, which was very consistent: XM193: .0255" IMI: .024" Wolf: .023" http://kevinholman.com/pics/guns/ammo/m193/m193xm193jack.JPG http://kevinholman.com/pics/guns/ammo/m193/m193imijack.JPG http://kevinholman.com/pics/guns/ammo/m193/m193wolfjack.JPG Conclusions: Out of the three samples tested - Wolf Gold (Taiwan) has the lightest jacket, and the thinnest jacket out of all. Federal XM193 had the thickest jacket at the location measured. All of them were very close. The real testing comes from ballistic gelatin testing, which should be available from another member soon. However, this should serve as a valid data point with regard to the jacket thickness postulations. Outstanding! Thanks for your efforts and for sharing your data. ... |
All that is necessary for Trolls to flourish, is for good men to do nothing.
In God We Trust. Everyone else must post data.
In God We Trust. Everyone else must post data.
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Thank you for that, FALARAK. Very interesting.
Seeing all three have a different cannelure impression I wonder how that translates to a propensity to fragment given that the jackets are relatively uniform. |
"If Jesus had a gun he'd be alive today." - Homer Simpson
Thank you Molon for all of your great ammunition reports. Your results, as well as those from other contributors, encouraged me to try some Wolf Gold in my first centerfire rifle, a PSA 16" Mid-length 5.56 NATO 1:7 Stainless Steel MOE Freedom Rifle Kit. I wish I could say the following 10 shot group was at 100yds, but it is only from 50 yds, so about 2 MOA. Thanks again for all of your informative reports.
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Originally Posted By Jim85IROC:
Why, what less expensive ammo performs better than this? Originally Posted By Jim85IROC:
Originally Posted By fuzzy03cls:
Great to hear I didn't waste my $ buying 5K rds of this when it was on sale for $295 shipped. None - I did a side-by-side comp with Federal AE, Federal 556, PMC, X-Tac, Winchester white, and Wolf. The Wolf out grouped them all at 100yds with ~1.5-2" groups vs. 3-4" with all the others. |
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Originally Posted By Jim85IROC:
Why, what less expensive ammo performs better than this? Originally Posted By Jim85IROC:
Originally Posted By fuzzy03cls:
Great to hear I didn't waste my $ buying 5K rds of this when it was on sale for $295 shipped. I think he was being sarcastic (kicking himself). |
High Speed and High Drag
Wolf Gold 55 grain FMJ Accuracy and Velocity (Page 1 of 3)
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