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About 7.62x39 Ammunition

The 7.62×39 cartridge was introduced in 1944 and represents an early intermediate cartridge. While the intermediate 7.92×33 Kurz precedes the 7.62×39, the latter is still in common use today while the other has been completely phased out of conventional usage. The cartridge officially entered service in 1945 and served as the standard issue military cartridge for the Soviets for most of the Cold War, still seeing some limited usage today. Beyond the Soviet Union, countless other countries on nearly every continent have utilized the cartridge in one form or another. This is mainly due to the fact that many surplus firearms worked their way around the globe as newer equipment became available and countries sold off or exported surplus arms.

Types of 7.62x39 Loadings

• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): These loadings are incredibly common and are well-suited to range and practice use cases. Most loadings one will encounter will be of the FMJ variety. These loadings will typically feature lead cores and be safe for range use. FMJ loadings are available in a variety of grain weights and configurations.
• Hollow Point (HP): HP loadings feature hollow point projectiles like the name suggests. This removal of material makes the projectile lighter and promotes high velocities. These types of loadings are generally optimized for self defense and are designed to expand on impact. A good hollow point loading is one that achieves an appropriate level of penetration while expanding reliably upon impact within the target.
• Soft Point (SP): SP loadings feature soft, exposed lead projectile tips which are conducive to expanding upon impact. These loadings are mainly utilized in hunting applications and are effective at imparting a high degree of kinetic energy transfer. Specialty SP loadings also exist which are optimized for different types of hunting and game.
• Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail (FMJBT): Like FMJ loadings, ammunition of this type features a projectile that is fully encapsulated in a metal jacket. This metal is generally going to be of the copper variety. Typical FMJ projectiles feature a flat base while boat tail projectiles feature a tapered base which resembles a boat tail. This geometry promotes accuracy and high velocities.
• Super Shock Tip (SST): These types of loadings feature Hornady SST projectiles and superior ballistic capabilities. Optimized mainly for hunting purposes, these loadings feature flat trajectories and are designed to provide a significant impact on target. The polymer tipped projectile aids in flat shooting and aids in expansion upon impact as it pushes rearward into the lead core. SST loadings represent high-end and high performance hunting loadings.

Firearms that Use 7.62x39 Ammo

In today's market, there is a wide variety of firearms chambered in 7.62×39mm, making it a popular choice for both enthusiasts and professionals. These firearms can be found in both surplus and modern production forms, as well as in various parts kits. Surplus options typically include SKS rifles from countries such as Russia, Yugoslavia, and China. However, the most iconic firearm chambered in this caliber is the AK-47 and its numerous variants, which are produced by a wide range of manufacturers across different countries. Modern offerings include not only AK variants but also firearms such as the CMMG Mutant, Ruger Mini-30, and even AR-15 rifles chambered to use this caliber. With so many options available, finding a firearm in 7.62×39mm is easier than ever for those who seek one.

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