7.62x39 ammo
The Birth of the 7.62 AK-47 Round
The 7.62x39 intermediate cartridge, famously linked to the AK-47 Kalashnikov assault rifle, has marked its place in history as one of the most widely-used cartridges in the world.
The idea of an intermediate cartridge, bridging the gap between pistol and rifle cartridges, emerged in the early 20th century. While the Soviets began development work in 1939, progress was interrupted by World War II. However, the discovery of Germany’s StG 44 rifle in 1943 reignited Soviet efforts. By the same year, the 7.62x39mm round was born. Designed for versatility, this cartridge was tailored for use in compact and maneuverable firearms, like the AK-47 and SKS rifles.
It didn’t take long for the 7.62x39 cartridge to evolve. Improvements were made to enhance its ballistics and penetration. Changes such as elongating the bullet’s head for better aerodynamics, incorporating a rear cone to reduce air resistance, and replacing the lead core with cost-effective low-carbon steel paved the way for its incredible effectiveness.
Understanding the 7.62x39 Caliber
The 7.62x39 ammo is a mid-size rifle cartridge. Its origins lie in creating a cartridge suited for close- to mid-range engagements, which explains its excellent performance in shorter-barreled firearms like the AK-47, SKS, and modern 7.62x39 guns. With approximately 123-125 grains per bullet and speeds reaching 2,300 fps, its trajectory is quite flat, though slightly limited for long-range accuracy compared to some other calibers.
7.62x39 Ammo: Performance and Ballistics
For shooters interested in 7.62x39 ballistics, this cartridge delivers dependable knockdown power. The combination of projectile weight and tolerable recoil makes it an ideal choice within its optimal range of 300 yards:
- Shorter Barrels: The 7.62x39 round was designed for barrels under 16 inches, common in platforms like the AK-47 and SKS rifle series.
- Reliability: Its tapered cartridge design minimizes malfunctions in dirt-laden or field-expedition environments.
- Effective Energy: With muzzle energies around 1,500 ft-lb, it provides solid terminal ballistics for game hunting or defensive applications at intermediate ranges.
If you're considering specific use cases, 7.62x39 hollow point ammo or 7.62x39 soft point hunting rounds can deliver ethical kills by expanding on impact, while traditional 7.62 FMJ loads may be better suited for training or tactical shooting scenarios.
Hunting with the 7.62x39 Cartridge
While originally designed for military use, the 7.62x39 ammunition with specialized hunting bullets has found its way into the hunting community. Its heavier projectile and moderate velocity make it suitable for harvesting medium game like deer (see your state and local regulations, though), hogs, or coyotes at shorter ranges. However, hunters should be aware:
- Optimal Range: The round performs best at up to 200 yards with proper shot placement.
- Ammunition Selection: Use 7.62x39 soft point hunting ammo only, as traditional FMJ may not cause sufficient damage to humanely kill your harvest.
- Bullet Weight Matters: Heavier bullets like Hornady SST 255gr Subsonic 7,62x39 rounds deliver higher expansion and better lethality in hunting scenarios.
7.62x39 Ammo Price
The popularity of 7.62x39 has made it one of the most affordable centerfire rifle cartridges to buy in bulk, so it’s not rare to find 1000-round deals of pre-packed 7.62x39. The 7.62x39 ammo cost per round varies from $0.45 to $0.60 depending on consumer demand and amount of manufactured ammo. Steel-cased ammo is the cheapest 7.62x39 ammo for practice.
Choosing the Best Ammo for Your Needs
Your choice of 7.62x39 ammo will depend moslty on your intended application. Are you a range enthusiast? Stock up on loads like Wolf 7.62x39, TulAmmo 7.62x39, or any cheap 7.62x39 AK ammo you can find. Need something tailored for hunting or defense? Go with options like Hornady Black 7.62x39 or Winchester Super-X 7.62x39 ammo.
For the best deals on 7.62x39 ammo for sale, browse our selection at GRITR Sports.
FAQs
What’s the difference between 7.62x39 and other 7.62 calibers?
7.62x39 is distinct from other 7.62 calibers like 7.62x51 NATO or .308 Winchester due to its shorter case length, lower pressure, and slightly lighter bullet weight, making it ideal for mid-range engagements and less recoil-heavy rifles.
What rifles are chambered for 7.62x39 ammo?
Common firearms chambered for 7.62x39 include the AK-47 and its variants, SKS rifles, Ruger Mini-30, and some bolt-action rifles designed for this caliber.
What’s the effective range of 7.62x39 ammo?
The effective range of the 7.62x39 AK round stretches to 300-400 yards, depending on rifle setup and ammunition type. Its heavier bullet emphasizes stopping power over long-range precision.
Is 7.62x39 good for hunting?
Yes, especially for medium game like coyotes and hogs. Soft point and hollow point variants are preferred for hunting due to their expansion and stopping power.
Can I reload 7.62x39 ammo?
Yes, as long as you have appropriate reloading equipment and components. Ensure the brass casings are reloadable, as some 7.62x39 rounds come with non-reloadable steel casings.
What grain weights are common for 7.62x39 ammo?
The most common grain weights are 122-125 grains, ideal for general-purpose use. Heavier grains, like 154gr, are also available for increased penetration and stability.
Can 7.62x39 be used in self-defense?
Yes, 7.62x39 hollow point and soft point rounds are better suited for self-defense as they mushroom upon impact, minimizing over-penetration and inflicting greater tissue damage.