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 prefer brass case for reliable extraction — check your rifle’s manual for recommendations.
Hunting Loads
For deer and hog hunting, use soft-point or expanding hollow point loads rather than FMJ. Winchester, Federal, Hornady, and Sellier & Bellot all produce quality soft-point hunting loads in 7.62x39. The cartridge is adequate for deer inside 150–200 yards with quality expanding ammunition — use heavier 154–165 grain soft points for better penetration on larger animals.
Pricing and Availability
7.62x39mm is among the most affordable centerfire rifle calibers when steel-case is available. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions: 7.62x39mm
What firearms use 7.62x39?
The 7.62x39mm is chambered in AK-pattern rifles from Century Arms, Zastava, PSA, and others, as well as the SKS carbine and some AR-15 uppers with modified bolt faces. The AK-47 and AKM are the most common platforms worldwide — the 7.62x39 was designed around the AK’s short-stroke piston gas system and functions reliably across a wide range of ammunition types and conditions.
How does 7.62x39 compare to 5.56 NATO?
The 7.62x39 fires a heavier, larger-diameter bullet at lower velocity, producing more energy at close range but with more drop at distance. Inside 300 yards, 7.62x39 is a more capable hunting and barrier-defeating cartridge. Beyond 300 yards, 5.56 NATO’s flatter trajectory and lower wind drift become advantages. For AR-platform shooters who want similar performance to 7.62x39, .300 Blackout in a standard AR-15 lower is an alternative.
Is 7.62x39 good for deer hunting?
Yes — with quality soft-point or expanding ammunition, 7.62x39 is adequate for deer at ranges under 200 yards. Avoid steel-core or FMJ military surplus for hunting — use purpose-designed expanding ammunition for clean, ethical kills.
See Also: AK-47 Rifles • Rifle Ammo • .300 Blackout • 5.56 NATO • AR-15 Rifles