Background on Belom Ammunition
Belom Ammunition is a Serbian small-arms ammunition manufacturer headquartered in Uzići, Serbia. As part of the broader defense manufacturing infrastructure within Serbia’s state-supported defense sector, Belom has a history of supplying law enforcement, military, and commercial markets. Though relatively new to the U.S. civilian scene, Belom’s 9mm Luger Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) load is gaining attention for its affordability, clean performance, and reliable operation across a range of handguns.
Belom manufactures its ammo in-house, utilizing Boxer-primed brass casings, non-corrosive powder, and sealed primers. Their 9mm is marketed primarily as a training round and is often sold in bulk 1,000 round cases, appealing to high-volume shooters looking for consistent range ammo at a competitive price. Despite its military pedigree, Belom’s 9mm FMJ is civilian-legal and NATO spec compliant, making it an appealing option for shooters seeking solid performance without a premium price tag.
How Belom 9mm Compares to Competitors
Belom 9mm FMJ falls in the same market segment as other budget-to-mid-tier range ammo brands like Sellier & Bellot, Norma, Magtech, and PMC Bronze. It stands out for its NATO spec velocity and sealed primers, which are uncommon in ammo sold at this price point. While not marketed as match grade, Belom’s 124 grain FMJ load is known to offer exceptional cycling reliability, especially in striker-fired pistols and PCCs.
Compared to ultra-budget steel-case offerings (like Barnaul or Tula), Belom uses reloadable brass, offers cleaner ignition, and demonstrates better case integrity for reloading. It’s priced just above imported surplus ammo but delivers noticeably better consistency and reduced fouling.
Belom 9mm Ammo Specifications
- Caliber: 9mm Luger
- Bullet Weight: 124 grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
- Muzzle Velocity: ~1,180 fps
- Muzzle Energy: ~384 ft-lbs
- Case Type: Brass
- Primer Type: Boxer-primed, sealed, non-corrosive
- Reloadable: Yes
This ammo is loaded to NATO pressure, meaning it performs slightly hotter than SAAMI spec commercial 9mm loads.
Performance at the Range
Belom 9mm FMJ is known for its strong ignition, consistent recoil, and solid groupings, making it a reliable training and practice round.
- Group Sizes: 2.0"–2.75" at 15 yards with most service pistols
- Shot Consistency: Minimal deviation in point-of-impact across extended strings
- Platform Compatibility: Reliable function in striker-fired handguns, hammer-fired pistols, and pistol-caliber carbines
- Training Suitability: Suitable for combat-style drills, mag dumps, and malfunction-free training sessions
Shooters often report that it runs especially well in Glock, CZ, Beretta, and Sig platforms with no feed issues.
Price and Value
- Price per box (50 rounds): $12–$14
- Price per case (1,000 rounds): $235–$260
- Cost per round: $0.23–$0.26
Belom delivers strong value for a brass cased, NATO spec round with sealed primers. While not the cheapest on the shelf, the minor price bump over surplus ammo translates to better performance and reloadable cases.
Best Uses for Belom 9mm FMJ
Belom’s 124-grain FMJ is best used for:
- Defensive handgun and PCC training
- Indoor and outdoor range practice
- Tactical and law enforcement qualification drills
- High-volume weekend range sessions
- Reloading (brass is well-suited)
It’s not intended for defensive carry but is perfect for replicating the feel of duty or carry loads in training environments.
Belom 9mm: Reliability and Function
One of the strongest suits of Belom ammo is its overall reliability and functional performance in a wide range of firearms.
- Clean Burn: Clean ignition with minimal fouling, especially compared to budget imports
- Excellent Ignition: Sealed primers offer great reliability even in humid or dusty conditions
- Smooth Cycling: Works well even in short-barreled pistols and older firearms
- Brass Quality: Durable, reloadable brass with consistent headstamps and pocket depth
Shooters report almost no feed failures or misfires, even across full day courses or thousands of rounds.
Quick Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sealed primers and NATO spec velocity
- Consistent ignition and cycling
- Brass is reloadable and well-formed
- Works well in virtually all common 9mm handguns
- Competitive price for brass ammo
Cons
- Slightly hotter recoil may be less ideal for recoil-sensitive shooters
- Sealed primers may be harder to remove for some reloaders
- Less common in local shops; mostly sold online
- Not intended for competition accuracy or self-defense
How Belom 9mm Ammo Scores
| Category | Rating (out of 5) | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 4/5 | Well-priced for NATO spec brass ammo |
| Reliability | 5/5 | Excellent function across striker and hammer fired guns |
| Accuracy | 4/5 | Solid groupings for range use |
| Cleanliness | 4/5 | Burns cleaner than most surplus or budget lines |
| Packaging | 3.5/5 | Basic but durable cardboard box |
| Reloadability | 4/5 | Boxer-primed brass, though primer sealant may add steps |
Gabriel’s Overall Rating:
Score: 4.2/5
Verdict: Buy This!
Should You Buy Belom 9mm Ammo?
If you’re after consistent, brass-cased NATO-spec 9mm ammo for high volume training or range work, Belom is a very strong choice. It offers sealed primers, smooth cycling, and reloadable brass, all at a price that undercuts many mid-tier competitors.
For instructors, casual shooters, or tactical trainers, Belom 9mm FMJ offers a practical, no-frills solution that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Belom 9mm Ammo: Real-World Feedback
Positive Reports
- “Clean, hot, and accurate—I use it in my Glock 19 and Ruger PC Carbine without issues.”
- “Reliable function over 600+ rounds. Would absolutely buy again.”
- “Love the sealed primers—makes it feel like duty-grade ammo.”
Mixed Feedback
- “Runs great but kicks a bit harder than softer loads like Blazer Brass.”
- “Brass is good for reloading, but the primer sealant takes some work to clean.”
Negative Reports
- “Not easy to find at local retailers.”
- “Packaging was simple—wish it had better box seals for long-term storage.”
Best Practices for Shooting Belom Ammo
- Test a box before bulk-buying (as with all ammo)
- Ideal for drills that mimic defensive shooting
- Store in dry containers for long-term use
- Keep your brass—good for experienced reloaders
- Expect slightly hotter recoil compared to SAAMI-spec 115gr loads
Final Verdict on Belom 9mm Ammo
Belom 9mm FMJ is a dependable, clean burning, NATO spec training round that performs well across a wide variety of pistols and PCCs. With sealed Boxer primers, reliable cycling, and consistent brass, it offers excellent value for budget conscious shooters who don’t want to sacrifice quality.
If your goal is to run hard without failures, whether you’re a casual plinker or an agency prepping for quals, Belom delivers where it counts.
Train like it’s the real deal. Load with confidence.
Looking for some different options on 9mm? Check out what we have available!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Belom 9mm good for self-defense?
Not ideal. Belom’s FMJ ammo is designed for training and target shooting. Use JHP (jacketed hollow point) rounds for personal defense.
2. Can I reload Belom brass?
Yes. Belom uses Boxer-primed, reloadable brass. However, the sealed primer may require extra cleaning when prepping cases.
3. Is Belom 9mm ammo NATO-spec or SAAMI-spec?
Belom 9mm is loaded to NATO specs, which means it runs slightly hotter than standard SAAMI loads.
4. How clean is Belom compared to other range ammo?
Belom burns cleaner than most surplus ammo and on par with mid-tier brass-cased brands like PMC or Magtech.
5. Does Belom work in compact and micro pistols?
Yes. Users report reliable function in compact pistols like the SIG P365, Glock 43, and Springfield Hellcat.
6. Where is Belom ammo manufactured?
Belom 9mm FMJ is manufactured in Serbia using in-house facilities and components.
Pro Armory Editorial Team