Best Budget Import 9MM Training Ammo: Complete Review of Komando 9mm FMJ

Background on Komando Ammunition

Komando Ammunition is a Turkish manufacturer that has entered the American commercial market as a low cost alternative for training-grade 9mm ammunition. While the brand lacks the long heritage of legacy European manufacturers, it’s backed by the Turkish defense industry’s recent surge in arms and ammunition production.

Komando’s production facility is located in central Turkey and operates under ISO standards, manufacturing ammunition primarily for export. The company focuses on military style 9mm Luger Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) loads intended for high-volume shooters, offering an affordable alternative to brass cased ammo.

Most Komando 9mm is steel-cased and Berdan-primed, which sets it apart from traditional reloading friendly brass case options. However, it uses non-corrosive powders and sealed primers, making it safe for use in modern pistols and carbines, especially when used as training or range ammunition.

Its budget pricing and availability through bulk importers have made it popular with cost-conscious shooters looking for an alternative to more expensive brass-cased brands like Blazer Brass or Magtech.

How Komando 9mm Compares to Competitors

Komando 9mm sits in the same cost and performance tier as brands like Tula, Barnaul, and Wolf, all of which offer steel-case FMJ loads at budget-friendly prices. These brands appeal to shooters who prioritize round count over brass recovery or match-level precision.

Compared to these peers, Komando offers some advantages:

• Sealed primers and case necks for added storage life.
  
  
• Clean visual consistency across lots.
  
  
• Slightly stronger powder charges than other ultra-budget imports, generating reliable cycling in many handguns and PCCs.
  

However, shooters should expect the same typical steel-case limitations, reduced reloadability, occasional feeding hiccups in tight-tolerance firearms, and a slightly dirtier powder burn than U.S.-made brass-cased ammunition.

Komando 9mm Ammo Specifications

Komando 9mm is loaded to standard pressure levels, and while not +P, it produces sufficient energy for reliable slide cycling in most semi-automatics.

Performance at the Range

Komando 9mm FMJ is designed for consistent function in high-volume range sessions:

• Group Sizes: 2.5–3.5" at 15 yards, depending on barrel length
  
  
• Shot Consistency: Acceptable velocity deviation, but larger spread than brass-cased ammo
  
  
• Platform Compatibility: Functions best in full-size pistols, AK-style PCCs, and striker-fired duty pistols
  
  
• Training Suitability: Ideal for casual practice, tactical drills, and rapid-fire sessions
  
  

While not intended for bullseye or suppressed use, Komando performs adequately for everyday practice.

Price and Value

• Price per box (50 rounds): $10 – $12
  
  
• Price per case (1,000 rounds): $190 – $220
  
  
• Cost per round: $0.19 – $0.22
  

Komando consistently ranks among the lowest cost 9mm options available. Its value is highest when purchased in sealed 1,000 round bulk cases.

Best Uses for Komando 9mm FMJ

Komando 9mm FMJ is best suited for:

• Basic target shooting
  
  
• High-round-count range sessions
  
  
• Budget-conscious training
  
  
• Use in robust or surplus firearms
  
  
• Situations where brass recovery is unnecessary
  

It's not recommended for self-defense or competitive accuracy shooting, but it excels as an economical training round.

Komando 9mm: Reliability and Function

• Clean Burn: Slightly dirty powder; manageable with regular maintenance
  
  
• Ignition: Dependable ignition across several tested platforms
  
  
• Cycling: Reliable in striker-fired guns and carbines; some issues in tight-chambered pistols
  
  
• Brass Quality: Not applicable—steel cases are not reloadable
  

Despite its low cost, Komando holds up well over the course of extended shooting sessions.

Quick Pros and Cons

Pros

• Very affordable
  
  
• Sealed primer and neck crimping for improved storage life
  
  
• Reliable function in most modern pistols
  
  
• Solid recoil impulse for training
  
  
• Available in bulk quantities
  

Cons

• Not reloadable
  
  
• Slightly dirty burning
  
  
• Steel case may wear extractors over time
  
  
• Occasional fitment issues in match-grade chambers
  
  
• Not ideal for suppressed or competition shooting

How Komando 9mm Ammo Scores

Gabriel’s Overall Rating:
Score: 3.5/5
Verdict: Reasonable Purchase for Budget Training

Should You Buy Komando 9mm Ammo?

If you're looking for a budget friendly 9mm FMJ round to keep your training on track without breaking the bank, Komando is a smart choice, especially when purchased in bulk. Its sealed steel cases and non-corrosive primers make it a better import option than some older surplus lots.

Shooters using robust platforms like Glock, CZ, Canik, or PCCs will find Komando performs consistently with very few hiccups. It’s also an excellent option for storing in ammo cans thanks to its sealed packaging and long shelf life.

On the downside, it's not reloadable, and its dirtier burn means you’ll need to clean your firearm more often. It may also cause occasional malfunctions in tighter tolerance firearms or suppressor hosts due to its faster burning powder.

Still, as a cost-per-round solution for volume shooting, Komando does exactly what it promises: fires reliably, keeps the wallet happy, and helps shooters stay sharp.

Komando 9mm Ammo: Real-World Feedback

Positive Reports

• “Runs great in my Glock 19—1,000 rounds and not a single malfunction.”
  
  
• “For the price, you really can’t complain. It’s solid practice ammo.”
  
  
• “Love that the boxes are sealed. Easy to store and stack.”
  

Mixed Feedback

• “A little smoky and dirtier than I’d prefer, but my gun eats it fine.”
  
  
• “Not great in my CZ Shadow—it felt underpowered.”
  

Negative Reports

• “Wouldn’t cycle reliably in my 1911 with a match barrel.”
  
  
• “I shoot suppressed, and this stuff is way too loud.”

Best Practices for Shooting Komando Ammo

• Test a few boxes before committing to a full case
  
  
• Clean your firearm after 300–400 rounds to prevent fouling issues
  
  
• Avoid using in suppressed setups
  
  
• Don’t attempt to reload—steel cases and Berdan primers make it impractical
  
  
• Store bulk cases in dry conditions; sealed boxes hold up well

Final Verdict on Komando 9mm Ammo

Komando 9mm FMJ is a no-nonsense, low cost solution for those who want to maximize their time at the range without paying for premium brass cased ammo. It may not win any awards for polish, but it delivers round after round of dependable function in most handguns and carbines.

Its main appeal lies in affordability and availability. For shooters who don’t reload and just need a reliable training round, Komando offers good bang for the buck, literally. Just make sure your firearm is happy with steel case ammo, and keep a cleaning kit handy.

For weekend warriors, budget conscious shooters, or those stocking up for classes or group shoots, Komando earns its place in the ammo can.

Further reading: If you want another FMJ data set, check out the Complete Monarch 9mm Ammo Review.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Komando 9mm good for self-defense?

No. It’s FMJ range ammo. For self-defense, use a quality JHP round like Speer Gold Dot or Federal HST.

Is Komando ammo reloadable?

No. It’s steel-cased and Berdan-primed, which makes reloading impractical.

Where is Komando 9mm manufactured?

 It’s made in Turkey and imported by U.S. based bulk ammo distributors.

Does Komando function in compact pistols?

Yes, in most cases. But it may be less reliable in tight-tolerance or match-grade pistols.

Is Komando 9mm ammo clean?

It burns slightly dirty compared to premium brands but is manageable with regular cleaning.

Is Komando ammo safe to shoot?

Yes. It’s non-corrosive and safe for modern firearms, though steel cases can cause more extractor wear over time.