Best 7.62x39 Hunting Ammo - Buying Guide For Beginners

Choose the Best 7.62×39 calibers for hunting deer, feral hogs, and other big games.

When it comes to picking the best hunting ammo, 7.62x39 ammo is an excellent option to go.

The round can deliver substantial energy and velocity, making it effective against various games, including deer, hogs, and black bears. As it's designed for military use, it is still a popular choice for hunters & big game lovers.

Best 7.62x39 Hunting Ammo

In this buying guide for beginners, we will explore the factors to consider when choosing the best 7.62x39 hunting ammo, the different hunting ammo available, and the top options on the market.

Let's get started.

A quick look for the best 7.62x39 hunting ammo for 2024

Product Name Image Shop Now
Federal Premium Power-Shok 7.62x39 mm 123 Grain Federal Premium Power-Shok 7.62x39 mm 123 Grain
Underwood Ammunition 7.62x39mm 123 Grain Underwood Ammunition 7.62x39mm 123 Grain
Wolf, 7.62x39mm, FMJ, 122 Grain, 20 Rounds Wolf, 7.62x39mm, FMJ, 122 Grain, 20 Rounds
Global Ordnance Arsenal 7.62x39 122gr Global Ordnance Arsenal 7.62x39 122gr steel case 20rd
TULA 7.62X39 AMMO 122 GRAIN FMJ STEEL CASE 20 RDS TULA 7.62X39 AMMO 122 GRAIN FMJ STEEL CASE 20 RDS/BOX
840rds – 7.62x39 Prvi Partizan 123gr. FMJ Ammo 840rds – 7.62x39 Prvi Partizan 123gr. FMJ Ammo

7.62×39 Good for Hunting?

7.62×39 Good for Hunting?

Yes, for sure. The 7.62×39 ammo is a good choice for hunting medium-sized games such as deer, hogs, and black bears at short to medium ranges.

The effectiveness of the 7.62x39mm cartridge for hunting depends on the game being hunted, the hunting conditions, and the specific load used.

The 7.62x39mm cartridge can be effective for hunting if the shooter uses a properly loaded round, appropriate hunting bullet, and accurate shot placement. It is important to note that hunting regulations vary by state and country, and it is the hunter's responsibility to ensure they comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Common reasons for owning 7.62x39 ammo for hunting?

  • Stopping power: 7.62x39 ammo has good stopping power, making it a good hunting choice. The round can deliver a heavy, hard-hitting blow to the game, quickly taking down medium-sized animals like deer, hogs, and coyotes.
  • Good size and penetration: The 7.62×39 will be a better option due to its size and penetration at close to medium range.
  • Enough energy: The 7.62×39 has enough power to harvest medium game at 150 yards ethically. Its .312" bullet diameter is above the minimum size in states with them, which usually calls for a bullet of .243" diameter or more significant for whitetail.
  • Affordable & widely available: 7.62x39mm ammo is extremely common and often reasonably priced.

What Grain Bullet Is Best for 7.62×39?

What Grain Bullet Is Best for 7.62×39?

Choosing a grain for your ammo can be a challenge. The best grain bullet for 7.62×39 ammo is 123 grain. It's the most popular choice for hunting, and for a good reason.

  • This grain provides good firepower and performs well regardless of your chosen brand.
  • This grain allows for comfort when firing as it isn't cumbersome and can keep an appropriate twist rate with almost any gun you fire it from.
  • Another reason 123-grain ammo is the best choice is the lack of recoil. At the same velocity, heavier bullets generate more recoil when fired.

So, going with a heavy bullet may sound more compelling, but the recoil can reduce your accuracy.

123-grain ammo gives you the right weight, power, and stability balance because it's not too heavy.

Buying Guide: What to look for in 7.62x39 hunting ammo?

Buying Guide: What to look for in 7.62x39 hunting ammo?

When looking for 7.62x39 hunting ammo, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some things to look for:

Is 7.62×39 a powerful round?

Yes, 7.62×39 ammo is considered a powerful round for hunting. Many hunters trusted this caliber, especially for deer hunting.

Several firearms, including the AK-47 and SKS rifles, use the intermediate cartridge 7.62x39mm, developed in the Soviet Union. The 7.62x39mm cartridge has excellent stopping power, despite not being as potent as some larger cartridges like the.308 Winchester.30-06 Springfield.

It has excellent penetration and stopping power at close to medium ranges because the 7.62x39mm cartridge usually fires a 123-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of about 2,400 feet per second. It works well for hunting small to medium-sized wildlife and for military and self-defense purposes.

For its intended uses, the 7.62x39mm cartridge can be regarded as a strong round overall, but its potency varies depending on the situation.

How accurate is 7.62×39?

The accuracy of 7.62×39mm rounds is impressive, especially for deer hunting. These rounds are primarily designed for use in close to medium-range combat situations.

However, it is possible to achieve decent accuracy at medium ranges, usually up to about 300 meters, with the right mix of factors, such as a high-quality firearm, carefully chosen ammunition, and an experienced shooter.

It's important to remember that accuracy is always influenced by the firearm's intended use and the user's requirements.

The effective range of 7.62×39?

The 7.62x39mm cartridge's effective range can vary based on several variables, including the caliber of the ammunition, the weapon being used, and the shooter's ability.

The 7.6239mm cartridge's effective range is typically estimated to be around 300 meters, though this can change based on the circumstances. The cartridge has a high stopping power and can be very useful in close-quarters fighting at shorter ranges. However, the bullet is less effective in longer ranges because it loses speed, precision, and energy quickly as the distance grows.

How much does 7.62×x39 drop at 100 yards?

A 7.6239mm bullet's drop quantity at 100 yards (91.44 meters) will vary depending on several variables, including the bullet's velocity and ballistic coefficient.

A standard 123-grain full metal jacket (FMJ) bullet will typically experience a drop of about 2 to 3 inches (5.08 to 7.62 centimeters) at 100 yards when fired from a rifle with a standard barrel length and a muzzle velocity of around 2,400 feet per second (fps).

It's essential to remember that this is only a rough estimate and that the actual amount of the drop may differ depending on several variables.

The amount of drop a bullet encounters at a particular range can be influenced by various variables, including atmospheric conditions, elevation, and the bullet's unique properties.

To get a more accurate estimate of the amount of drop for a specific 7.62x39mm bullet at 100 yards. It is best to consult a ballistics chart or use a ballistic calculator.

Besides the above points, there are some other important points to consider, including looking for a bullet design that is appropriate for the game you will be hunting, considering the bullet's weight and velocity, prioritizing accuracy, and finding a good balance between price and quality.

Top 7.62×39 Hunting Ammo Choices For 2024

When choosing the best 7.62×39 hunting ammo, many options are available. Below we are sharing the top 7 must-have 7.62×39 rounds for hunting in 2023.

Federal Premium Power-Shok 7.62x39 mm 123 Grain

Federal Premium Power-Shok 7.62x39 mm 123 Grain The traditional lead-core hunting bullets in Federal Power-Shok rifle ammo provide solid accuracy and power at an affordable price. With a ballistic coefficient of .274 and a muzzle velocity of 2350, they feature reliable Federal brass cases, primers, and powder. They are suited for shooters that hunt medium game, perfect for this upcoming deer season.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Federal Premium
  • Cartridge: 7.62x39mm
  • Number of Rounds: 20
  • Bullet Type: Jacketed Soft Point (JSP)
  • Bullet Weight: 123 grain
  • Cartridge Case Material: Brass
  • Muzzle Velocity: 2350 ft/s
  • Muzzle Energy: 1445 ft-lbs
  • Application: Medium Game
  • Package Type: Box
  • Primer Style: Centerfire

Pros

  • Image Affordably priced
  • Image An ideal choice for everything from varmints to big games.
  • Image Consistent, proven performance

Cons

  • -

Underwood Ammunition 7.62x39mm 123 Grain

Underwood Ammunition 7.62x39mm 123 Grain High-performance ammunition by Underwood. The bullet is designed to penetrate to a specific depth and fracture as the internal hydraulic pressure exceeds the hoop strength of the nose design. At the time of fracture, a massive energy spike is released as the particles break away and radiate outward from the initial trajectory path.

Specifications:

  • Cartridge: 7.62x39mm
  • Grain Weight: 123 Grains
  • Quantity: 20 Round
  • Muzzle Velocity: 2450 Feet Per Second
  • Muzzle Energy: 1639 Foot Pounds
  • Bullet Style: Fragmenting Hollow Point
  • Bullet Brand And Model: LeHigh Controlled Chaos
  • Lead Free: Yes
  • Case Type: Nickel Plated
  • Primer: Boxer

Pros

  • Image Proven round for hunting.
  • Image Designed to be supersonic and travels faster than the speed of sound.
  • Image Accurate, consistent, and devastating rounds.

Cons

  • -

Wolf, 7.62x39mm, FMJ, 122 Grain, 20 Rounds

Wolf, 7.62x39mm, FMJ, 122 Grain, 20 Rounds Wolf Performance ammo is an excellent option for a frequently shoots user because it offers quality and dependability at a competitive price. Wolf Performance uses a polymer coating to guarantee easy feeding and extraction. This ammunition is brand-new manufacturing and was produced in Russia. This ammo is brand-new, non-corrosive, and packaged in steel cases that cannot be reloaded.

Specifications

  • Caliber: 7.62x39mm
  • Bullet Weight: 122 grain
  • Bullet Style: Full Metal Jacket
  • Muzzle Velocity: 2,330 FPS
  • Case Type: Polymer-coated steel
  • Primer Type: Berdan, non-reloadable

Pros

  • Image Great all-around ammo.
  • Image Affordable ammunition with high-quality Wolf primers for reliable ignition and functioning in adverse conditions.
  • Image Provide an inexpensive option for high-volume shooters.

Cons

  • -

Global Ordnance Arsenal 7.62x39 122gr steel case 20rd box UPC: 850003223230

Global Ordnance Arsenal 7.62x39 122gr steel case 20rd The standard for Russian 7.62x39mm ammunition is known the world over. Perfect for your AK-47 or SKS at a price that will not break the bank. Bulgaria has stepped up its ammunition game by producing this 7.62x39mm round by Arsenal Global Ordinance.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Arsenal
  • Condition: New
  • Bullet Weight: 122 Grain
  • Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
  • Ammo Casing: Steel
  • Quantity: 20 rounds
  • Ammo Caliber: 7.62X39
  • Muzzle Velocity: (fps)2396

Pros

  • Image It has good ammo with sealed primers and sealed bullets.
  • Image Reliable ammo for both training and shooting applications
  • Image Thin copper-washed exterior
  • Image Perfect for your AK-47 or SKS

Cons

  • -
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TULA 7.62X39 AMMO 122 GRAIN FMJ STEEL CASE 20 RDS/BOX - UL076201

TULA 7.62X39 AMMO 122 GRAIN FMJ STEEL CASE 20 RDS/BOX This 7.62x39 122 Grain Tula FMJ ammunition is a good option for SKS and AK-style rifles. This is a non-corrosive, non-reloadable steel-cased, Berdan-primed, bimetal jacket (copper over steel), complete metal jacket round. This is a perfect round of ammo.

Muzzle velocity is 2445 fps. This ammo has polymer-coated steel cases. This is some of the best ammo on the market today at a great price.

Specifications

  • Brand: Tula
  • Caliber: 7.62x39mm
  • Bullet weight: 122 grain
  • Bullet Type: FMJ
  • Casing: Steel
  • Rounds per box: 20 rds
  • Muzzle Velocity 710 fps

Pros

  • Image Under different climatic and weather circumstances, the cartridge maintains its qualities.
  • Image Best ammo on the market today at a great price.
  • Image Polymer coated steel cases keep the ammo reliable.

Cons

840 Rds – 7.62x39 Prvi Partizan 123gr. FMJ Ammo

840rds – 7.62x39 Prvi Partizan 123gr. FMJ Ammo The Prvi Partizan (PPU) utilizes the older soft point bullet design to maximize bullet expansion and terminal ballistics. This is great for medium game hunting but also needs more long-range potential.

This is M67 7.62x39 ammo, with a bullet design optimized by Yugoslavia in the 1960s to offer a higher velocity and more effective wounding profile than the original Soviet M43.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer: Prvi Partizan Ammunition
  • Condition: New
  • Bullet Weight: 123 Grain
  • Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
  • Use Type: Range Training
  • Casing Type: Brass
  • Quantity: 840
  • Ammo Caliber: 7.62X39
  • Primer Type: Boxer
  • Muzzle Velocity: 2461
  • Muzzle Energy: 1654

Pros

  • Image Affordable & reliable.
  • Image offer a higher velocity and more effective wounding profile
  • Image Ability to destabilize at a depth of around 7” in soft tissue.

Cons

  • -

Conclusion

Choosing the correct type of ammunition is very time-consuming for a hunter. When choosing 7.62x39 ammo for hunting, several choices are available on the market.

The best choice for you should be selected because each has advantages and disadvantages of its own. Before making a purchase, consider the elements covered in this purchasing guide, such as bullet weight, bullet type, and bullet construction. Additionally, verify you are hunting laws to ensure the ammunition you choose is acceptable there.

Author:
Lisa Earnest

Lisa Earnest

Apr, 06, 2023

Lisa Earnest has been a part of the Bulk Cheap Ammo team since 2018 and serves as the editor of Bulk Cheap Ammo content.

With a flair for language and an unwavering dedication to shooting sports, Lisa's diverse expertise combines to create an unforgettable experience for our audience.

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