Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to talk about two of the world’s most prolific rifle cartridges today. The 7.62×39 and .308 Winchester represent competing military design philosophies that have transcended their martial origins to become staples in the civilian hunting and shooting worlds. Today we will compare these battle-proven cartridges across various performance metrics and practical applications.
Historical Development: Different Paths to Prominence
The 7.62×39 emerged from Soviet weapons development during World War II. Designed in 1943, it represented a revolutionary intermediate cartridge approach—more powerful than pistol rounds but less powerful than full-sized rifle cartridges. This balanced design prioritized controllable automatic fire from relatively compact rifles while maintaining adequate terminal performance at common combat distances. The cartridge first appeared in the SKS rifle before achieving worldwide recognition with the AK-47, eventually becoming one of the most widely distributed cartridges in military history.
The .308 Winchester followed a different development path. Introduced commercially in 1952, it was essentially the civilian version of the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge being developed concurrently for Western military forces. Unlike the Soviet approach, this cartridge maintained the full-power rifle concept, prioritizing long-range performance and terminal effectiveness over reduced recoil or weapon weight. The U.S. military adopted the cartridge alongside the M14 rifle in 1957, while the civilian .308 Winchester version quickly became a staple for hunters and target shooters.
These divergent development philosophies produced cartridges with significantly different ballistic profiles and optimal applications. The 7.62×39 exemplifies the intermediate cartridge concept—moderate power, moderate range, and moderate recoil. The .308 Win represents the full-power rifle approach—emphasizing extended range, enhanced penetration, and superior terminal ballistics at the cost of increased recoil and heavier weapons platforms.
Cartridge Specifications and Physical Characteristics
These cartridges differ substantially in their physical dimensions and design parameters. The 7.62×39 features a significantly tapered case measuring 38.7mm in length with a pronounced body taper to facilitate reliable extraction in adverse conditions. It has a case capacity of approximately 35.6 grains of water and typically fires .310-.312″ diameter bullets weighing between 122 and 154 grains. The cartridge operates at a maximum pressure of approximately 45,000 psi.
The .308 Win utilizes a larger case measuring 51mm in length with much less taper, providing greater powder capacity of approximately 56 grains of water. It fires .308″ diameter bullets typically weighing between 150 and 180 grains, though options from 110 to 200+ grains exist for specialized applications. The cartridge operates at a maximum pressure of 62,000 psi, substantially higher than the 7.62×39.
These dimensional and pressure differences directly influence the ballistic performance gap between these cartridges. The .308 Win’s larger case capacity and higher operating pressure enable it to drive heavier bullets at higher velocities, while the 7.62×39’s more compact dimensions facilitate its use in shorter, lighter rifle actions.
Ballistic Performance Comparison
The ballistic profiles of these cartridges differ dramatically, reflecting their different design purposes and physical specifications.
The 7.62×39 typically propels a 123-grain bullet at approximately 2,350 fps from a 16-inch barrel, generating around 1,500 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. This modest velocity creates a relatively curved trajectory, with the bullet dropping approximately 8–10 inches at 300 yards when zeroed at 100 yards. The moderate sectional density of these lighter bullets results in adequate but not exceptional penetration for a rifle cartridge.
By contrast, the .308 Win drives a 150-grain bullet at approximately 2,800 fps from a 24-inch barrel, producing about 2,600 foot-pounds of energy—over 70% more than the 7.62×39. This higher velocity creates a significantly flatter trajectory, with typical loads dropping only 4–5 inches at 300 yards when zeroed at 100 yards. Heavier .308 Win bullets (165–180 grains) offer excellent sectional density for superior penetration on larger game animals.
Wind drift differences also prove substantial. At 300 yards in a 10 mph crosswind, a typical 7.62×39 123-grain bullet drifts approximately 9–10 inches, while a .308 Win 150-grain bullet drifts only about 5–6 inches. This wind resistance, combined with superior downrange energy retention, makes the .308 Win significantly more effective at extended ranges beyond 200 yards.
Terminal performance reflects these energy differences, with the .308 Win delivering substantially more tissue disruption and reliable expansion across a wider range of distances. While the 7.62×39 remains adequate for medium game at moderate ranges, the .308 Win extends this capability to larger game and longer distances where its superior energy and momentum provide greater margin for error.
Available Ammunition Types
Both cartridges offer diverse ammunition options, though with different emphasis reflecting their typical applications:
7.62x39mm Varieties:
- Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): Typically 122–123 grain bullets designed for practice, training, and general range use.
- Soft Point (SP): 123–125 grain expanding bullets intended for hunting applications.
- Hollow Point (HP): Various expanding designs for hunting or defensive purposes.
- Steel-Cased Options: Widely available from Russian/Eastern European manufacturers at economical price points.
- Premium Hunting Loads: Specialized offerings with controlled-expansion bullets from companies focusing on hunting applications.
.308 Winchester Varieties:
- Match Grade: High-precision loads with boat-tail hollow point bullets optimized for competitive shooting.
- Hunting Loads: Extensive selection of controlled-expansion designs including Nosler Partition, Barnes TSX, Hornady SST, and many others.
- Military/Surplus: FMJ and armor-piercing variants based on military specifications like M80 ball.
- Tactical/Defensive: Optimized for law enforcement and defensive applications with barrier-blind hollow points.
- Subsonic: Specialized reduced-velocity loadings for suppressed applications.
- Heavy Game: Premium offerings with 180–200+ grain bullets designed for maximum penetration on larger animals.
The .308 Win generally offers more variety in bullet weights and styles, particularly at the upper end of the weight spectrum and in match-grade precision loadings. The 7.62x39mm market emphasizes affordable FMJ options with a smaller selection of premium hunting and defensive loadings.
Major Ammunition Manufacturers
Both cartridges enjoy widespread production from numerous manufacturers:
As far as 7.62×39 ammunition goes, major producers include Wolf, TelaAmmo, and Sterling for steel-cased economy options. Brass-cased offerings come from Federal, PMC, PPU, and Winchester. Specialized hunting loads are available from Hornady (SST), Federal (Fusion), and Winchester (Power-Point).
The .308 Win enjoys production from virtually every major ammunition manufacturer. .308 Win ammo is produced by all major brands, including Federal, Winchester, Hornady, Nosler, Barnes, Remington, and others. Offerings range from match-grade precision loads to premium hunting and tactical ammunition.
The pricing differential remains substantial, with bulk 7.62×39 ammo often available at half the cost of comparable .308 Win ammunition. This cost advantage represents one of the 7.62x39mm’s most significant practical benefits for high-volume recreational shooters.
Practical Applications and Use Cases
These cartridges excel in different practical applications based on their performance characteristics:
7.62×39 performs best for:
- Defensive applications where moderate recoil and rapid follow-up shots take priority.
- Medium game hunting at ranges under 200 yards.
- Recreational shooting where ammunition cost significantly impacts volume.
- Compact, lightweight rifle configurations.
- Scenarios prioritizing reliability under adverse conditions over precision.
.308 Win excels at:
- Long-range precision shooting out to 800+ yards.
- Medium to large game hunting across varied distances.
- Applications requiring barrier penetration or enhanced terminal performance.
- Scenarios demanding maximum terminal ballistics from a non-magnum cartridge.
- Versatile applications ranging from competition to tactical to hunting.
For many shooters, the choice between these cartridges hinges on their specific needs and priorities. Those focused on recreational shooting, defensive applications, or close-range hunting often prefer the 7.62×39’s lower cost and moderate recoil. Shooters requiring extended range capability, enhanced terminal performance, or maximum versatility typically select the .308 Win despite its higher cost and increased recoil.
Conclusion
The 7.62×39 and .308 Winchester represent two distinct approaches to rifle cartridge design that have proven their worth over decades of military and civilian use. The 7.62x39mm offers economical performance with manageable recoil, adequate power for medium game, and excellent reliability in adverse conditions. The .308 Win delivers superior ballistic performance with a flatter trajectory, better wind resistance, and enhanced terminal effectiveness at the cost of increased recoil and ammunition expense.
These different performance profiles make each cartridge better suited for specific applications rather than one being universally superior to the other. The 7.62×39 continues to serve admirably in its role as an intermediate cartridge ideal for defensive use and moderate-range hunting. The .308 Win maintains its position as a versatile full-power rifle cartridge capable of excellent precision and terminal performance across varied distances and applications.
We here at True Shot Ammo carry both 7.62×39 ammo and .308 Win ammunition in addition to our extensive inventory of ammo for sale. Our selection of ammunition for sale encompasses popular calibers and gauges like 9mm, 5.56, 12 gauge, and .22 LR. Whether you want to buy 7.62×39 ammunition, buy .308 Win ammo, or buy bulk ammo, we have got you covered. As always, happy shooting.
