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7.62x39mm Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

7.62x39mm: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Rifle, Carbine
Primer Type Large Rifle
Used For Military, Hunting, Sport Shooting
Case Design Rimless, Tapered
Year Introduced 1944

7.62x39mm: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Good balance of power and recoil
  • ✔ Effective for medium-sized game hunting
  • ✔ Widely available and relatively affordable
  • ✔ Good penetration capabilities
  • ✔ Suitable for various rifle platforms

Cons

  • ✘ Limited long-range performance compared to other rifle cartridges
  • ✘ Ballistic trajectory drops significantly at longer ranges
  • ✘ Not as accurate as some modern rifle cartridges
  • ✘ May be considered underpowered for larger game
  • ✘ Some jurisdictions restrict its use due to military association

7.62x39mm Ammo: In Depth

The 7.62x39mm, also known as the 7.62 Soviet or .30 Russian Short, is one of the most widely used rifle cartridges in the world. Renowned for its reliability, moderate recoil, and effectiveness at medium ranges, this caliber has become a staple for military forces, hunters, and civilian shooters alike. The 7.62x39mm offers an impressive combination of power and controllability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications from combat to hunting medium-sized game.

History and Development

The 7.62x39mm cartridge was developed in the Soviet Union during World War II. It was introduced in 1944, towards the end of the war, as part of a program to create an intermediate cartridge for a new assault rifle. The cartridge was designed to bridge the gap between the less powerful pistol-caliber submachine guns and the more powerful full-sized rifle cartridges of the time.

The development of the 7.62x39mm was driven by the need for a cartridge that could offer effective firepower at typical combat ranges while still allowing for controllable automatic fire. Soviet weapons designers, including Mikhail Kalashnikov, achieved this by creating a cartridge with a relatively short case length and a moderate powder charge.

The 7.62x39mm's design incorporated a tapered case, which aided in reliable feeding and extraction in automatic firearms. This feature, combined with its moderate recoil and effective terminal ballistics, contributed to its rapid adoption by the Soviet military and later by many other countries around the world.

Throughout the Cold War, the 7.62x39mm gained immense popularity. It saw extensive use in conflicts worldwide, primarily due to its use in the AK-47 and its variants. The cartridge's reliability and effectiveness led to its adoption by numerous militaries, guerrilla groups, and later, civilian shooters.

In the civilian market, the 7.62x39mm has experienced several surges in popularity. The introduction of semi-automatic rifles chambered in this caliber opened up new possibilities for hunters and sport shooters. More recently, advancements in bullet design have improved the 7.62x39mm's ballistic performance, making it an even more attractive option for various shooting applications.

Today, the 7.62x39mm remains one of the most popular rifle cartridges globally. Its widespread use has led to continuous innovation in ammunition design, with manufacturers offering a wide range of options from practice rounds to high-performance hunting loads. The 7.62x39mm's enduring popularity is a testament to its reliability, effectiveness, and the balance it strikes between power and controllability.

Complete Timeline of 7.62x39mm Development:

Year Event
2020s The 7.62x39mm continues to be popular in the civilian market for hunting and sport shooting.
2000s Advancements in bullet technology lead to improved performance of 7.62x39mm ammunition.
1990s The 7.62x39mm gains widespread adoption for hunting in the United States.
1980s Surge in popularity of semi-automatic rifles chambered in 7.62x39mm in civilian markets.
1960s-1970s The 7.62x39mm sees extensive use in various global conflicts, cementing its reputation.
1955 Warsaw Pact countries adopt the 7.62x39mm as their standard rifle cartridge.
1949 The AK-47, chambered in 7.62x39mm, enters mass production.
1947 The Soviet Union adopts the AK-47 rifle, which uses the 7.62x39mm cartridge.
1945 Development of the AK-47 rifle begins, designed around the 7.62x39mm cartridge.
1944 The 7.62x39mm cartridge is officially adopted by the Soviet military.
1943 The 7.62x39mm cartridge is finalized after extensive development and testing.
1943 Development of an intermediate cartridge begins in the Soviet Union, leading to the 7.62x39mm.

7.62x39mm Performance

The 7.62x39mm offers a balanced performance profile that has made it a popular choice for military use, hunting, and recreational shooting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:

Characteristic Performance
► Velocity 2,300-2,400 fps (123-grain bullets)
2,400-2,500 fps (122-grain bullets)
Varies based on barrel length and load type
→ Trajectory Relatively flat at medium ranges
Effective for hunting and combat within 300-400 yards
⚡ Energy 1,400-1,600 ft-lbs at the muzzle (122-123 grain bullets)
Provides good stopping power for medium-sized game
↕ Recoil Moderate, less than full-power rifle cartridges
Allows for quick follow-up shots and controllable automatic fire
⦿ Accuracy Capable of 2-3 MOA in quality rifles
Sufficient for combat and hunting applications at medium ranges

7.62x39mm: Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common 7.62x39mm loads.

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

7.62x39mm: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for 7.62x39mm ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Military/Combat 0-300 Effective for most combat scenarios
Law Enforcement 0-200 Suitable for urban and rural engagements
Hunting (Medium Game) 0-250 Effective for deer and similar-sized game
Target Shooting 0-400 Accuracy diminishes beyond 400 yards
Self-Defense 0-100 Effective, but overpenetration is a concern

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

7.62x39mm: Barrel Length Effects on Performance

Barrel length can significantly affect 7.62x39mm performance. This chart illustrates the impact of different barrel lengths on velocity.

8" (Short-barreled rifle) - 2000 fps
12" (Carbine) - 2250 fps
16" (Standard AK) - 2350 fps
20" (Long rifle) - 2450 fps

Understanding Barrel Length Effects

Barrel length affects 7.62x39mm performance in several ways:

  • Longer barrels generally provide higher velocities due to more complete powder burn.
  • Shorter barrels offer better maneuverability, but at the cost of velocity and potentially accuracy.
  • Velocity increases tend to diminish after about 16-18 inches of barrel length for 7.62x39mm.
  • Shorter barrels may produce more muzzle flash and noise due to incomplete powder burn.

The chart above visualizes how velocity increases with barrel length, with the width of each bar representing the relative velocity.

Note: Velocities are approximate and based on standard 123-grain FMJ loads. Actual velocities can vary based on specific ammunition, environmental conditions, and individual firearms. Always chronograph your specific gun/ammo combination for precise data.

Applications for 7.62x39mm

The 7.62x39mm's versatile performance profile makes it suitable for a wide range of applications:

Military Use
  • Standard cartridge for many military forces worldwide
  • Effective balance of power, range, and controllability
  • Used in both assault rifles and light machine guns
Hunting
  • Suitable for medium game like deer and wild boar
  • Good penetration and energy transfer
  • Effective at typical hunting ranges up to 200-300 yards
Target Shooting
  • Popular for recreational shooting and practice
  • Moderate recoil allows for extended shooting sessions
  • Affordable ammunition options available
Home Defense
  • Effective stopping power in short-barreled rifles
  • Manageable recoil in proper platforms
  • Caution needed due to over-penetration risks
Survival and Preparedness
  • Versatile cartridge for both hunting and self-defense
  • Widely available ammunition in many parts of the world
  • Effective for both small and medium-sized game

Caliber Comparisons

To understand the 7.62x39mm's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:

7.62x39mm vs. 5.56x45mm NATO ▼

7.62x39mm vs. .300 Blackout ▼

7.62x39mm vs. 7.62x51mm NATO ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of 7.62x39mm with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of 7.62x39mm with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 100-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of 7.62x39mm with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of 7.62x39mm with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Estimated Barrel Life Comparison

This chart provides a general comparison of estimated barrel life for 7.62x39mm and similar rifle cartridges. Actual barrel life can vary significantly based on factors such as firing schedule, ammunition quality, and maintenance.

Cartridge Estimated Barrel Life (Rounds)
7.62x39mm
 
20,000-30,000
5.56x45mm NATO
 
15,000-25,000
.308 Winchester
 
5,000-8,000
6.5 Creedmoor
 
2,000-3,000
.300 Blackout
 
20,000-30,000

Note: These are rough estimates and can vary greatly depending on usage, load data, cleaning regimen, and individual firearm characteristics. High-volume shooters may see shorter lifespans, while casual shooters might experience longer barrel life.

Sectional Density Comparison

Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass relative to its diameter. Higher sectional density generally indicates better penetration and energy retention.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density Relative SD
7.62x39mm 123 0.183
 
5.56x45mm NATO 62 0.177
 
.308 Winchester 168 0.253
 
6.5 Creedmoor 140 0.287
 
.300 Blackout 125 0.188
 

Note: Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². Higher sectional density generally indicates better penetration, but other factors like velocity and bullet construction also play significant roles in overall performance.

7.62x39mm: Frequently Asked Questions

For the most part, it doesn’t matter in an AK or an SKS: steel works just fine. Ruger recommends ammo made by American manufacturers for shooting through their firearms. You’ll likely get better accuracy in a 7.62x39mm bolt-action gun with brass cased ammo, just keep in mind that this is not a cartridge known for precision in the first place.

Absolutely. As previously mentioned, this is a .30 caliber cartridge with a muzzle velocity of around 2,400/fps. Just pay attention to proper bullet selection and keep your shots under 200 yds or so. Medium sized game can be taken with this cartridge at appropriate distances.

It’s more than adequate. Imported steel cased ammo is not a good option for home defense, however, as the steel core bullets will over penetrate.

Corrosive ammunition damages firearms, but only if you don’t clean your gun after you shoot. This is because the residue left after firing it attracts and traps moisture against metal surfaces. More info on that here.

While it used to be true that almost all 7.62x39mm ammo was corrosive, that’s not really the case anymore.

FOR US-PRODUCED AMMO - American-made 7.62x39mm ammo doesn’t use corrosive primers. While it’s still a good idea to clean your firearm after a range session, it won’t be required.

FOR IMPORTED AMMO -  LOOK ON THE BOX! If the load uses non-corrosive primers, it will say so. If you see “Non-Corrosive” anywhere on the box, you’re good. If you don’t, time to clean.

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