7.62x39mm Ammo
The 7.62x39mm is the cartridge of the AK-47, AKM, and their variants—one of the most widely fielded military rifle rounds in history and now a popular semi-automatic sporting caliber. It fires a 123-grain bullet at approximately 2,350 fps, delivering reliable terminal performance at moderate range. Steel-case ammunition is widely available at low cost, making it one of the most economical centerfire rifle calibers to shoot. We carry steel-case, brass-case, and hollow point loads for all 7.62x39 platforms.
Read our full 7.62x39mm Ammunition Buying Guide ↓
Ballistics Overview
The 7.62x39mm fires a 123-grain bullet at approximately 2,350 fps from a 16-inch barrel, producing around 1,500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. This is less than .308 Winchester at the muzzle and drops off more rapidly at distance due to a lower ballistic coefficient, but is more than adequate for defensive use and hunting inside 200 yards. The cartridge was designed for combat effectiveness at practical engagement ranges—inside 200 yards it delivers reliable terminal performance from any quality load.
Steel Case vs. Brass Case
Steel-case 7.62x39mm from Tula, Wolf, and Brown Bear typically runs $0.25–$0.40 per round and is reliable in AK-pattern rifles. Brass-case ammunition from Winchester, Federal, Hornady, and Sellier & Bellot costs more but is reloadable and produces less carbon buildup. For semi-automatic AK platforms, steel case works reliably due to the AK’s loose-tolerance design. Some AR-style rifles chambered in 7.62x39 can be more temperamental with steel case due to tighter chamber and magazine feed tolerances.
Hollow Point and Hunting Loads
Hollow point 7.62x39 loads for hunting use are available from Federal, Hornady, and Winchester. Federal 123gr Fusion and Hornady 123gr SST expand reliably at the cartridge’s moderate velocity. Note that steel-core (bi-metal jacket) FMJ loads common in steel-case surplus ammo are not legal for hunting in most states—use purpose-made soft-point or hollow point loads for hunting applications. The cartridge is capable of taking deer and hogs inside 150 yards with appropriate loads.
Compatible Platforms
The 7.62x39mm chambers in AK-47, AKM, and AK-pattern semi-automatic rifles from WASR-10, Zastava, Century Arms, and others. It’s also chambered in the Ruger Mini Thirty, CZ 527 bolt-action, and some AR-style rifles with dedicated 7.62x39 upper receivers. AK-pattern rifles run steel-case ammunition particularly reliably due to their loose-tolerance designs, making them the most practical platform for high-volume shooting with budget ammunition.
Pricing and Availability
7.62x39mm is among the most affordable centerfire rifle calibers when steel-case is available. However, import bans on Russian-manufactured ammunition have periodically reduced supply of the most affordable options. Domestic and Eastern European alternatives from Czech, Serbian, and Bulgarian manufacturers fill the gap. Buying in case quantities (1,000 rounds) when pricing is favorable is advisable given the caliber’s history of supply disruptions tied to geopolitical events.
Related Pages
Browse our rifles page for AK-pattern platforms, or visit our AK-47 pistols page for short-barreled AK options. See our rifle ammo overview for other calibers.