Anyone chrono their 5.45x39 ammo?  Please post results and include:

*  manufacturer
*  bullet weight
*  velocity
*  test barrel length

Thanks!!

BTW - any IPSC 3 gunners out there know if you can make minor power factor out of a 16" barrel with any factory ammo?

No chrono but tend to read mfg data of around 2850fps for 59-60gr ammo. Not at all sure about 70gr Uly speed.

Um, what is power factor?

Thanks RS39.

You never can trust factory specs.  Many times the factory will use long barrels (e.g., a 20") instead of the common 16" so that their velocity looks higher.

In IPSC 3 gun competitions, your rifle ammo must make at least the minor power factor of 165.  No factory specs accepted - the range officers actually shoot your amomo out of your rifle over a chronograph (at least in the bigger matches).

Power factor is determined by multiplying bullet weight X velocity and then divide by 1,000.  

So, if you have a 60 grain bullet travelling at 2,850 fps  = 171,000 divided by 1,000 = 171 power factor - which makes the 165 minimum easliy.  

I usually shoot my AR with a 16" upper and Winchester Q3131.  I get around 3100 fps with a 55 grain bullet for a power factor of 170.5.  However, you MUST shoot hot AR ammo out of a 16" upper to make minor.  

If you've never shot IPSC, I promise you'd like it.  Check out www.uspsa.org

I'm curious about the FPS of Barnaul 59gr. FMJ, since that's what I've got at this time, and it would be nice to be able to rattle it off for slack-jawed onlookers at the range.  

Do either of you guys have access to a chrono?

Many ranges will have one that they'll let you use.  Get about 6-8 feet from the first sky screen and shoot about 5 rounds so you can get an average FPS.

I have a chrono if any of you guys are in the Atlanta area.

Repost

Since Wolf and Barnaul seem to be the two basic 5.45 alternatives, thought I'd bench them both with my ORF/Bulgarian: Kobra EKP-1S-03M.

3 runs of five rounds with each brand; Wolf 60 gr HP and Barnaul 60 gr FMJ

Results:

WOLF
Avg. MV 2,925 fps
Hi-Lo 46 fps
Std. Dev. 29 fps
@ 100 yds. 4.0"

BARNAUL

Avg. MV 2,990 fps
Hi-Lo 38 fps
Std. Dev. 23 fps
@ 100 yds. 3.5"

Your results may vary.

Both should make 165 PF np problem.

Perfect!

Thanks SailerDude.