Tula 9mm Ammo Review: Is This Budget Steel Case Ammo Worth It?

Pro Armory Editorial Team October 8, 2025

Background on Tula Ammunition

Founded in 1880, Tula Cartridge Works, internationally recognized as TulAmmo, is one of the oldest, continuously operating ammunition factories in the world. Located in Tula, Russia, this company began production under the Russian Empire and quickly became a central hub for both military and commercial ammunition. Over the decades, Tula has supplied billions of rounds to Eastern bloc militaries, civilian shooters, and international markets.

Today, Tula is best known for producing cost effective steel cased ammunition, especially for popular calibers like 9mm, .223 Remington, and 7.62x39mm. The company focuses on affordability by using Berdan-primed, polymer coated steel cases, and bi-metal jacketed bullets, making their ammo a go-to option for high volume shooters.

Tula 9mm FMJ ammunition is specifically engineered for budget-conscious recreational shooting, using non-corrosive powder and primers to minimize wear while offering dependable ignition. Though not reloadable, the steel casing helps keep manufacturing costs low, which translates to some of the cheapest 9mm per-round pricing on the market.

While steel-case ammunition can be polarizing in Western markets, particularly among reloaders and purists, Tula 9mm has become a mainstay in the U.S. shooting community, especially among those using striker fired pistols like Glocks, SIGs, and Caniks. Tula 9mm is commonly found at gun shows, surplus stores, and major online retailers, offering a practical option for bulk storage and frequent range time.

How Tula 9mm Compares to Competitors

Tula 9mm FMJ is directly compared to other budget steel-case brands such as Wolf Performance Ammunition, Barnaul, and ZSR. These brands share the same fundamental attributes, non-reloadable polymer coated steel casings, magnetic bi-metal projectiles, and budget pricing, but Tula often undercuts them in bulk pricing, making it one of the most affordable choices for shooters prioritizing quantity over premium performance.

In head-to-head range use, Tula typically delivers similar reliability to Wolf but runs slightly cleaner than older generation Barnaul due to its powder formulation and more consistent lacquer coating. Compared to ZSR, Tula has a longer production history and a more established track record with American shooters.

However, when stacked up against brass-case manufacturers like PMC Bronze, Fiocchi, or Magtech, Tula understandably trails in a few key areas:

Cleanliness: Brass-case loads burn cleaner and leave less residue.
Reloadability: Tula’s steel cases and Berdan primers are not suitable for reloading.
Ignition & consistency: Brass-case loads tend to offer slightly more consistent velocities and lower chances of light strikes.

Despite these drawbacks, many shooters still trust Tula for bulk training, particularly in modern, striker-fired handguns.

“Runs fine in my SIG P365 and Glock 17. Wouldn’t use it for a match, but it’s range gold when brass is pricey.” – User review, LuckyGunner

“If you’re expecting match-grade performance, you’re in the wrong aisle. If you’re trying to get in reps without emptying your wallet, Tula delivers.” – Forum comment, AR15.com

That said, due to its magnetic bi-metal bullet construction, many indoor ranges in the U.S. restrict or outright ban Tula ammo, primarily to protect backstop materials and reduce fire hazards. For this reason, Tula 9mm is best suited for outdoor ranges, informal training, and bulk practice sessions where reloadability and match precision are not primary concerns.

Tula 9mm Ammo Specifications

Caliber: 9mm Luger
Bullet Weight: 115 grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Muzzle Velocity: ~1,150 fps
Muzzle Energy: ~338 ft-lbs
Case Type: Polymer-coated steel
Primer Type: Berdan-primed, non-corrosive
Reloadable: No

Loaded to standard pressure, Tula ammo is not +P and offers mild to moderate recoil, adequate for most training scenarios.

Performance at the Range

Tula’s 9mm FMJ performs adequately in training conditions but varies by firearm. It is best used in guns with proven reliability and not overly tight tolerances.

Group Sizes: 3.0–4.0" at 15 yards in full-size pistols
Shot Consistency: Some lot-to-lot variance in recoil and point of impact
Platform Compatibility: Reliable in striker-fired pistols; mixed in tight-chamber firearms
Training Suitability: Works well for basic drills, reloading practice, malfunction drills

While Tula is not ideal for match shooting or suppressed platforms, it's sufficiently accurate for plinking and close-quarters handgun training.

Price and Value

Price per box (50 rounds): $9–$11
Price per case (1,000 rounds): $180–$220
Cost per round: $0.18–$0.22

Tula consistently ranks as one of the cheapest 9mm options available, especially when purchased in bulk. Shooters on a budget often choose it to maintain regular range sessions without breaking the bank.

Best Uses for Tula 9mm FMJ

Tula 9mm is best suited for:

Recreational target shooting
High-volume training
New shooter introductions
Budget-minded range trips
Firearm function testing (non-defensive)

It is not suitable for concealed carry, defensive use, or reloading.

Tula 9mm: Reliability and Function

Though its steel case construction has long been criticized, Tula 9mm ammo has seen widespread use in striker-fired pistols and continues to deliver functional results.

Clean Burn: Dirtier than brass-case ammo; expect more fouling
Ignition: Some pistols may struggle with Berdan primers, though most light up reliably
Cycling: Consistent in Glocks, SIGs, CZs; occasional hiccups in tight-chambered or older guns
Brass Quality: N/A – steel cases are non-reloadable and not ideal for brass recovery

Quick Pros and Cons

Pros

Extremely affordable
Widely available in bulk
Reliable function in most striker-fired handguns
Great for high-volume practice
Mild recoil and shootable in full-size pistols

Cons

Non-reloadable steel case
Berdan primers limit ignition consistency in some guns
Leaves more fouling than brass-case ammo
Often banned at indoor ranges due to magnetic bullets
Occasional extraction issues in some platforms

How Tula 9mm Ammo Scores

Category	Rating (out of 5)	Reason
Price	5/5	Among the most affordable 9mm available
Reliability	3.5/5	Reliable in most guns, but not all
Accuracy	3/5	Fine for practice; not for precision
Cleanliness	2.5/5	Leaves more residue than brass ammo
Packaging	4/5	Sturdy and well-packed; good for bulk use
Reloadability	1/5	Steel case is not reloadable

Gabriel’s Overall Rating:
Score: 3.4/5
Verdict: Budget Training Option

Should You Buy Tula 9mm Ammo?

If you’re looking for budget 9mm ammo for practice or plinking, Tula is hard to beat on price alone. While it lacks the refinement of brass-case ammo and won’t win any cleanliness contests, it offers consistent-enough function at a price most shooters can appreciate.

For those running Glocks, Caniks, or similar striker-fired pistols, Tula is a low-risk, high-volume training solution. For tighter competition guns, or if you reload, you may want to look elsewhere.

Buy it if you shoot a lot and want to save. Skip it if you want cleaner brass or top-tier performance.

Tula 9mm Ammo: Real-World Feedback

Positive Reports

“I run it in my Glock and never had an issue. For the price, I can’t complain.”
“Great for backyard steel and keeping my shooting sharp between matches.”
“Shoots dirty, but it’s cheap and goes bang.”

Mixed Feedback

“Some light primer strikes in my CZ, but runs great in my SIG.”
“Wish I could reload it, but for $200 a case, it’s solid training ammo.”

Negative Reports

“Leaves the barrel filthy - clean often.”
“Indoor range wouldn’t let me shoot it - magnetic projectile ban.”

Best Practices for Shooting Tula Ammo

Test a small batch in your firearm before buying bulk
Clean your gun after each session to prevent build-up
Do not use in firearms sensitive to extractor wear or with light firing pin springs
Store in dry conditions - steel cases are more corrosion-prone than brass
Avoid for use in suppressed or competition pistols

Final Verdict on Tula 9mm Ammo

Tula 9mm FMJ is the definition of practical, no-frills range ammo. While it doesn’t offer the precision of premium brass cased rounds or the reloadability sought by handloaders, it shines where it matters most to many shooters: affordability, availability, and function.

If you're looking to maximize trigger time on a budget, Tula is one of the most cost effective ways to do it. It feeds reliably in most modern striker fired pistols, has acceptable accuracy for training drills, and is widely available in bulk for those looking to stockpile or shoot regularly. While it burns a bit dirtier and is restricted at some indoor ranges, those are trade offs most volume shooters are willing to accept for a price point often $0.10 - $0.15 cheaper per round than comparable brass options.

Customer feedback consistently echoes this balance of cost vs. performance. Some report occasional quirks, like light primer strikes in picky pistols or more fouling after long sessions, but most agree it’s an unbeatable value when run in the right firearm.

It’s not for everyone. If, however, you’re the kind of shooter who values repetition, budget, and sheer range time over brass polish and match-grade precision, Tula 9mm delivers in full.

Final word:
Tula isn’t fancy. It’s functional. That’s exactly why it belongs in the range bags of budget minded shooters across the country.

Train cheap. Shoot often. Clean well. That’s the Tula way.

Further reading: Compare Tula to Magtechs budget steel-case 9mm option in our Most Affordable Steel-Case 9mm Ammo review.