Tula
Tula Ammunition: In Depth
Tula ammo, widely recognized for its reliable and high-quality ammunition, has become a trusted name among shooters and hunters around the world. In the U.S., this ammunition is branded as TulAmmo.
One of the key features of TulAmmo is its specialization in steel-cased ammunition, which is typically more affordable than brass-cased options. The cartridges are designed with polymer-coated steel casings, bi-metal bullets, and non-corrosive primers. The polymer coating on the casings enhances the shelf life and ensures smoother functioning, while the bi-metal bullet consists of a lead core encased in steel and coated with copper. TulAmmo's products comply with the standards set by SAAMI and CIP, reflecting their commitment to quality and safety.
Currently, Tula ammo produces over 40 different types of ammunition for Russian military rifles and pistols and exports to more than 20 countries. Additionally, the Tula plant manufactures Wolf Ammunition, which is primarily geared towards hunting and sporting activities.
TulAmmo's dedication to innovation and excellence continues to position it as a leading player in the ammunition industry, earning the trust of customers worldwide for its dependable and high-performing products.
The TulAmmo brand is well known in Russia and abroad. Shooters and hunters all over the world enjoy the high quality and safety of our products. The overall export of ammunition under the brand exceeds 500 million rounds per year.
Tula Ammo History
The Tula Cartridge Works, with a storied history dating back to 1880, was founded under the decree of Emperor Alexander II in Tula, Russia. This establishment quickly rose to prominence, achieving a production capacity of over 30 million cartridges by 1882. Remarkably, during World War I, Tula supplied over 25% of all ammunition used by the Russian Army. The factory's significant contributions continued through World War II, supplying essential ammunition for various firearms used by the Red Army.
Parallelly, The Ulyanovsk Cartridge Works began its operations in 1916 in the town of Simbirsk (now Ulyanovsk), established by the Russian Government to bolster the nation's ammunition supply. By the end of World War I, Ulyanovsk had produced over 350 million cartridges for the Russian Army, and during World War II, it was responsible for every third cartridge supplied to the front lines.
The outbreak of World War II underscored the factories' importance, with Tula's gunsmiths producing essential weaponry such as Mosin–Nagant rifles, SVT-40 rifles, ShVAK aircraft guns, Nagant revolvers, and Tokarev pistols under extreme duress as German forces neared Tula city.
Both factories were critical to the Soviet Union's defense efforts during the Cold War due to Tula's strategic location near significant ore deposits and vital transportation routes, including the Upa River and numerous rail lines. This era saw the Tula Arms Plant, set up in the 18th century, reaffirming its place as a leader in Russian arms production through innovations and expansions in the 19th and early 20th centuries, including the start of Maxim machine gun production in 1910.
During the Cold War, the Tula Arms Plant developed notable products like the TOZ-34 over-and-under shotgun in 1965 and received orders for the production of Kalashnikov assault rifles, anti-tank guided missiles (including the 9M14 Malyutka, 9M133 Kornet, and 9M113 Konkurs), and the Bonfire underslung grenade launcher, marking a period of significant innovation and production.
Owned and operated within Russia, these factories serve as a testament to the enduring legacy and influence of Russian ammunition and armament manufacturing on global military history. Their contributions, spanning over 130 years, from supplying the Russian Tsar's army to modern-day defense efforts, highlight a continuous evolution and commitment to excellence in the field of munitions production.
Tula Ammunition Products Overview
Handgun Ammunition
.380 ACP
- Use case: The .380 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) cartridge is commonly used for concealed carry, self-defense, and backup weapons. It is popular due to its compact size, which allows for smaller and more concealable firearms.
- Unique Features: The .380 ACP cartridge is known for its relatively low recoil, making it manageable for shooters with smaller hands or those who are sensitive to recoil. It is also characterized by its moderate stopping power, making it suitable for close-range self-defense situations.
9mm Makarov
- Use case: The 9mm Makarov cartridge is primarily used in military and law enforcement applications, particularly in Eastern European and former Soviet countries. It is also used for self-defense and target shooting.
- Unique Features: The 9mm Makarov cartridge is similar in size to the 9mm Luger but has a slightly larger bullet diameter and operates at a higher pressure. This results in higher stopping power compared to the .380 ACP. The cartridge is known for its reliability and effectiveness in various climatic conditions.
9mm Luger
- Use case: The 9mm Luger (also known as 9x19mm Parabellum) is one of the most widely used cartridges in the world. It is used for military, law enforcement, self-defense, and competitive shooting.
- Unique Features: The 9mm Luger cartridge is known for its balance of power, capacity, and recoil. It offers good stopping power while allowing for higher magazine capacity than larger calibers like the .45 ACP. The 9mm Luger is also highly versatile, with a wide variety of ammunition types available for different purposes.
.45 Auto
- Use case: The .45 Auto cartridge is widely used for self-defense, law enforcement, military, and competitive shooting. It is known for its stopping power and is often chosen for situations where knockdown power is prioritized.
- Unique Features: The .45 Auto cartridge is characterized by its large diameter bullet, which provides significant stopping power. It operates at relatively low pressure, which can result in less wear on firearms. The cartridge is also known for its accuracy and manageable recoil, making it a popular choice for shooters of all skill levels.
.40 S&W
- Use case: The .40 S&W cartridge is commonly used in law enforcement, self-defense, and competitive shooting. It was designed to offer a balance between the power of the .45 Auto and the capacity and recoil of the 9mm Luger.
- Unique Features: The .40 S&W cartridge provides a good balance of power, capacity, and recoil. It offers more stopping power than the 9mm Luger, while allowing for higher magazine capacity than the .45 Auto. The cartridge is also known for its accuracy and versatility in a variety of firearm platforms.
.357 Magnum
- Use case: The .357 Magnum cartridge is used for hunting, self-defense, and law enforcement. It is known for its high velocity and stopping power, making it effective for both medium game hunting and personal protection.
- Unique Features: The .357 Magnum cartridge is characterized by its high velocity and energy, capable of delivering deep penetration and effective stopping power. It is also versatile, as it can be fired in revolvers chambered for the longer cartridge as well as in rifles, offering increased range and accuracy.
.38 Special
- Use case: The .38 Special cartridge is commonly used for target shooting, self-defense, and law enforcement. It is known for its mild recoil and accuracy, making it a popular choice for novice shooters and experienced marksmen alike.
- Unique Features: The .38 Special cartridge offers a good balance of power and recoil, making it manageable for shooters of all skill levels. It is also versatile, as it can be used in revolvers chambered for .357 Magnum, providing flexibility in ammunition selection.
5.45x18
- Use case: The 5.45x18 cartridge is used primarily in military and law enforcement applications, particularly in the Soviet-designed PSM pistol. It is designed for concealment and effective use at close range.
- Unique Features: The 5.45x18 cartridge is characterized by its small caliber and high velocity, providing a flat trajectory and good penetration. It is designed for use in compact firearms, making it suitable for concealed carry and covert operations.
Hunting Ammunition
.223 Remington
- Use case: Varied uses including hunting small to medium game, varmint control, and target shooting.
- Unique Features: Available in various bullet weights such as 55, 62, and 75 grains, offering versatility for different applications. The cartridge is known for its accuracy and relatively low recoil.
.308 Winchester
- Use case: Popular for hunting medium to large game, as well as for military and law enforcement sniping, and competitive shooting.
- Unique Features: Available in various bullet types such as SP (Soft Point) and FMJ (Full Metal Jacket), providing options for hunting and target shooting. It is known for its accuracy and effective range.
.30 Carbine
- Use case: Originally developed for the M1 Carbine used in World War II, it is now used for hunting small game and target shooting.
- Unique Features: Lightweight and with low recoil, it is suitable for shooters of all skill levels. The cartridge is effective at moderate ranges.
12.7x108mm
- Use case: Primarily used in heavy machine guns and anti-materiel rifles for military applications.
- Unique Features: High power and long range, capable of penetrating armor and defeating hard targets.
.50 BMG
- Use case: Used in heavy machine guns, anti-materiel rifles, and long-range sniper rifles for military and civilian purposes.
- Unique Features: Extremely powerful with a long range, capable of defeating hard targets and providing effective anti-material capabilities.
5.45x39mm
- Use case: Originally developed for military use in the AK-74 rifle, it is now used for hunting small to medium game and target shooting.
- Unique Features: Known for its flat trajectory and relatively low recoil, making it suitable for rapid, accurate fire.
7.62x54R
- Use case: Used in military bolt-action and semi-automatic rifles, as well as for hunting and target shooting.
- Unique Features: One of the oldest military cartridges still in use, known for its power and long-range capabilities.
7.62x39mm
- Use case: Originally developed for the AK-47 rifle, it is now used for hunting medium game and target shooting.
- Unique Features: Known for its reliability in various conditions, moderate power, and effective range for medium game hunting.
Where is Tula Ammo Made?
Tula Ammo, a leading name in the ammunition industry, has its roots deeply embedded in Russian soil, with its main manufacturing facilities located in Tula and Ulyanovsk. These factories stand as pillars of Tula Ammo's legacy, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to produce ammunition that is trusted by shooters and hunters around the globe. The Tula Cartridge Works in Tula and the Ulyanovsk Cartridge Works in Ulyanovsk are not just manufacturing sites; they are historical landmarks in the world of ammunition, each with its own unique story and contribution to the Tula Ammo brand's reputation for quality, reliability, and performance.
Tula Cartridge Works, Tula
The Tula Cartridge Works, nestled in the historic city of Tula, Russia, traces its beginnings back to 1880, under the directive of Emperor Alexander II. This facility quickly established itself as a powerhouse in ammunition production, achieving an output of over 30 million cartridges by 1882. Throughout its storied history, the Tula Cartridge Works has been a key supplier for the Russian military, playing a significant role during World War I and II by producing a vast array of ammunition that supported Soviet forces. Today, it continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, producing a wide range of ammunition types that serve both military and civilian markets globally. The enduring quality and safety of its products have made the TulAmmo brand a favored choice among shooters and hunters worldwide (Tula Ammo).
Ulyanovsk Cartridge Works, Ulyanovsk
The Ulyanovsk Cartridge Works' history begins in 1916 in Simbirsk (now Ulyanovsk), conceived to meet the urgent demand for ammunition during World War I. Like its sister plant in Tula, the Ulyanovsk factory was instrumental during times of conflict, particularly World War II, where every third cartridge sent to the front was manufactured here. This plant's contribution to the ammunition supply significantly bolstered the Soviet war effort. Absorbed by the Tula Cartridge Works in 2005, the Ulyanovsk facility has continued to innovate, maintaining a reputation for producing high-quality ammunition. The plant today manufactures 40 types of small arms ammunition, exporting to more than 20 countries under the esteemed TulAmmo brand, ensuring the global recognition of Tula Ammo's commitment to excellence and innovation.