founded in 1976
Amursk, Russia
- Golden Tiger
– lacquered cases - youngest cartridge plant in Russia
About Vympel
Vympel is a Russian state-owned ammunition plant in Amursk, in the Khabarovsk region of the Russian Far East. Construction began in February 1976, the first stage of the plant was commissioned in 1982, and it was reorganized as the Vympel State Production Association in 1990. The plant makes small-arms cartridges in 5.45mm, 7.62mm and 9mm for military and sporting use, and it has been a primary producer of 5.45x39mm ammunition for the AK-74 family.
American shooters know Vympel best through Golden Tiger, its export brand of steel-cased full metal jacket boattail ammunition in 7.62x39mm, 5.45x39mm and .223 Remington. Golden Tiger cases carry a lacquer finish that seals the case against moisture and helps it chamber smoothly, and the ammunition uses non-corrosive Berdan primers, a combination that made it a favorite budget choice for AK and AR owners. Under current U.S. sanctions on Russian ammunition, new imports of Golden Tiger are prohibited, so what remains on the market is existing inventory.
Key Facts
- February 1976: Construction of the Amursk cartridge plant begins
- 1982: First stage of the plant commissioned
- 1990: Plant reorganized as the Vympel State Production Association
- June 1995: Production shifts to enhanced-penetration 5.45mm cartridges
Learn More
Sources
- GlobalSecurity.org: Vympel State Production Association
- Ammo.com: Golden Tiger Ammo Review
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