7.62X39 AND BULK 7.62X39 AMMO

About 7.62x39 Ammo

The 7.62x39mm cartridge was developed by the Soviet Union in 1943 during World War II, designed to fill the gap between full-power rifle rounds and lower-recoil options.

It served as a medium-powered intermediate rifle cartridge, offering a balanced combination of effective range, stopping power, and controllable recoil.

Originally intended for the SKS carbine (Samozaryadnyj Karabin sistemy Simonova), the round featured a bottlenecked case and a mild steel core bullet—contributing to greater in-flight stability and accuracy at moderate combat distances.

The 7.62x39mm truly rose to global prominence with the introduction of the AK-47 rifle in 1947, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov.

The cartridge’s performance, when paired with the AK-47’s rugged reliability, made it a centerpiece of Soviet military doctrine.

As the Soviet Union expanded its influence, so did the popularity of the round—spreading rapidly to allied nations, satellite states, and resistance movements across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

It saw heavy use in conflicts like the Vietnam War, particularly among North Vietnamese troops and the Viet Cong.

As one of the most widely produced military calibers in the world, 7.62x39 ammo has been adopted and manufactured by countless countries over the decades.

This led to a wide variety of loadings, including armor-piercing, tracer, hollow point, and soft point variants, making the round suitable for both military and civilian purposes.

Today, the cartridge continues to be a staple among AK-pattern rifles, SKS carbines, and several modern sporting rifles.

With improvements in primer design, powder composition, and case materials—including the transition from corrosive steel-cased ammo to non-corrosive brass-cased options—7.62x39mm has become even more appealing to civilian shooters in Western markets.

Whether used for target shooting, hunting, survival preparation, or tactical training, the 7.62x39 caliber remains a favorite for those seeking dependable performance, global availability, and a cartridge with a rich military legacy.

Its continued relevance more than 80 years after its creation is a testament to its enduring design and battlefield-proven effectiveness.

7.62x39 Ammunition Features

The 7.62x39mm cartridge is valued for its versatility, performance, and accessibility, making it a favorite among hunters, tactical shooters, and AK enthusiasts around the world.

Whether you're looking for a rugged field round or a budget-friendly range option, 7.62x39 offers a well-rounded set of features.

Good Penetration
One of the key strengths of 7.62x39 ammo is its strong penetration. It's well-suited for medium-sized game and practical in military and defensive roles. Available in multiple bullet types—including Full Metal Jacket (FMJ), Soft Point (SP), Hollow Point (HP), and Armor-Piercing (AP)—this cartridge can be tailored to a variety of shooting needs.

Moderate Recoil
Despite its power, 7.62x39mm delivers moderate recoil, making it manageable for extended shooting sessions. This balance helps shooters maintain better control and accuracy, even when firing from lightweight platforms or during rapid fire.

Range Effectiveness
The cartridge is most effective at short to medium ranges, typically up to 300–400 meters. This makes it ideal for brush hunting, tactical drills, and shooting in wooded or tight environments where long-distance engagement isn't required.

Strong Terminal Ballistics
7.62x39mm is known for its impressive terminal performance, offering a combination of penetration and energy transfer that is highly effective in both hunting and combat scenarios. Its ability to deliver reliable stopping power has contributed to its decades-long success in military service and civilian use.

Affordable
Compared to many other rifle calibers, 7.62x39 ammunition is relatively inexpensive, making it a smart choice for high-volume shooting or for those seeking to stock up without breaking the bank. Bulk availability and global production contribute to its wallet-friendly reputation.

Widespread Availability
Produced by dozens of manufacturers worldwide, 7.62x39mm ammo is easy to find both online and in gun stores. Whether you're searching for surplus rounds, premium hunting loads, or practice ammo, there’s no shortage of supply to suit your needs.

Common Types of 7.62x39 Ammunition

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

• Use: Target shooting, range practice, military surplus
• Description: Non-expanding bullet with a soft lead core fully encased in a harder metal shell. Known for consistent feeding and deep penetration.
• Note: Often the most affordable and widely available type.

Soft Point (SP)

• Use: Hunting medium-sized game
• Description: Partially exposed lead tip designed to expand upon impact while maintaining penetration. Offers a good balance of stopping power and penetration.
• Note: Common choice for deer or hog hunting.

Hollow Point (HP)

• Use: Self-defense, varmint control
• Description: Features a hollowed-out tip that encourages rapid expansion upon impact. Delivers strong energy transfer but may have slightly reduced penetration.
• Note: Can be less reliable in some semi-auto rifles due to feed issues.

Boat Tail Hollow Point (BTHP)

• Use: Precision shooting, enhanced accuracy
• Description: Streamlined bullet with a tapered base (boat tail) for improved aerodynamics and a hollow point for expansion. Offers better long-range stability.
• Note: Less common in 7.62x39 but available in some match-grade loads.

Armor-Piercing (AP)

• Use: Military and restricted applications
• Description: Designed to penetrate armor and hard barriers using a hardened steel or tungsten core.
• Note: Often restricted or illegal for civilian use in many areas.

Polymer-Tipped (PT)

• Use: Hunting, tactical defense
• Description: Features a polymer tip for improved ballistic performance and controlled expansion. Combines aerodynamic efficiency with enhanced terminal effect.
• Note: Less common but available in premium hunting loads.

Tracer Rounds

• Use: Training, military use
• Description: Contains a pyrotechnic charge in the base that lights up when fired, allowing shooters to track bullet trajectory.
• Note: Typically restricted or regulated due to fire hazard risks.

 

About 7.62x39 Ammo

Question: What is 7.62x39 ammo?
Answer: 7.62x39mm ammo, also known simply as 7.62x39, is a rimless, bottlenecked centerfire rifle cartridge developed in the 1940s by the Soviet Union. Originally designed for the AK-47 and SKS, it remains one of the most widely used intermediate cartridges in the world, valued for its reliability, effectiveness, and affordability.

Question: What is 7.62x39 ammo used for?
Answer: 7.62x39 ammunition is highly versatile and commonly used for:

• Hunting (deer, hogs, and other medium game)
• Home and property defense
• Target practice and recreational shooting
• Military surplus and tactical training Its moderate recoil and solid stopping power make it suitable for both recreational and practical purposes.

Question: What firearms use 7.62x39 ammunition?
Answer: The most common firearms chambered for 7.62x39mm ammo include:

• AK-47 and its variants
• SKS rifles
• Ruger Mini-30
• AR-15 rifles with 7.62x39 uppers
• Zastava M70 and M10
• These platforms are well-known for their rugged performance and reliability in a wide range of environments.

Question: Is 7.62x39 the same as AK-47 ammo?
Answer: Yes. When shooters refer to AK-47 ammo, they are almost always talking about 7.62x39mm ammunition. It is the original cartridge developed specifically for the AK-47 platform and continues to be the standard for AK-pattern rifles worldwide.

Question: How powerful is 7.62x39 ammo?
Answer: 7.62x39 rounds typically feature:

• Muzzle velocity: ~2,300–2,400 feet per second (fps)
• Muzzle energy: ~1,500–1,800 foot-pounds (ft-lbs)
• This makes it a moderately powerful round that balances energy and recoil—ideal for short- to mid-range engagements.

Question: What is the effective range of 7.62x39 ammunition?
Answer: The effective range of 7.62x39 ammo is:

• Optimal: up to 200 yards
• Maximum: around 300–400 yards
• It excels in close- to mid-range shooting, particularly in dense or rugged terrain where long-range accuracy is less critical.

Question: What are the common bullet types for 7.62x39 ammo?
Answer: Popular 7.62x39 bullet types include:

• FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) – Ideal for range practice and plinking
• HP (Hollow Point) – Offers controlled expansion, suitable for defense
• SP (Soft Point) – Commonly used for hunting medium game
• Polymer-Tipped – Designed for improved accuracy and terminal performance
• These varieties allow shooters to match their ammo to their specific use case.

Question: Is 7.62x39 good for hunting?
Answer: Yes, 7.62x39 hunting ammo, particularly soft point (SP) or polymer-tipped rounds, is effective for taking down:

• Deer
• Wild hogs
• Coyotes and other medium-sized game
• Make sure to check your local hunting regulations for caliber requirements.

Question: What types of casings are used in 7.62x39 ammo?
Answer: You’ll find 7.62x39 ammunition available in:

• Steel cases – Common in imported brands like Wolf and Tula; affordable and widely used for range shooting (non-reloadable)
• Brass cases – More expensive, reloadable, and typically found in premium U.S. brands like Winchester and Sellier & Bellot
• Steel-cased ammo is ideal for high-volume shooters, while brass cases are preferred for accuracy and reloading.

Question: Is 7.62x39 ammo corrosive?
Answer: Some military surplus 7.62x39 rounds—particularly older Eastern Bloc stock—can be corrosive. Modern commercial ammo from brands like Wolf, Tula, Barnaul, and Winchester is typically non-corrosive, but always read the product label and clean your firearm after use.

Question: Is 7.62x39 ammo interchangeable with other cartridges?
Answer: No. 7.62x39 ammo is not interchangeable with other cartridges like 7.62x51 NATO or .308 Winchester. Always use the caliber specifically marked on your firearm to ensure safety and proper function.

Question: What is the best 7.62x39 ammo for AK-47 rifles?
Answer: Top-performing 7.62x39 brands for AK-47s include:

• Wolf Performance Ammunition
• Tula Ammo
• Barnaul
• Fiocchi
• Sellier & Bellot
• Winchester

Choose FMJ for cost-effective training or SP/HP rounds for hunting and home defense.

Question: Can I buy 7.62x39 ammo in bulk?
Answer: Absolutely. Bulk 7.62x39 ammo is available in:

• 500-round bricks
• 1,000-round cases
• Surplus “spam cans” (often sealed for long-term storage)
• Buying in bulk significantly reduces cost per round and is perfect for frequent shooters, preppers, or AK enthusiasts.

Question: Is 7.62x39 ammo affordable?
Answer: Yes, 7.62x39mm ammo is among the most budget-friendly rifle cartridges, especially when purchased in bulk. Steel-cased imports from Eastern Europe and Russia are especially economical, making it an excellent choice for high-volume shooting.