7.62x39MM Ammo Recommendations

7.62x39MM AMMO RECOMMENDATIONS

7.62×39 performs differently depending on barrel length and bullet construction, so picking the right load matters for accuracy, feeding, and terminal performance.

This guide breaks the picks into rifle-length and short-barrel categories and gives straightforward starting loads and testing steps so you know what will actually work in your gun.

Rifle-length ARs (16″+ Barrels)

• Training / Range: 122–125 gr FMJ (Wolf, TulAmmo, PMC) — cheap and reliable for volume practice.

• Hunting / Field: 122–125 gr soft-point or 123–125 gr expanding (Hornady, Federal Power-Shok, Remington Core-Lokt) for deer/medium game.

• Precision / Accuracy: Match the bullet your barrel likes (many barrels group best with 122–125 gr); expect effective accuracy inside ~200–300 yd.

• Self-Defense / Barrier: Bonded or controlled-expansion bullets (Barnes, Black Hills) when barrier performance is a concern.

Pistol-length / Short-barrel ARs (Barrels Shorter Than 16”)

• Shorter barrels drop velocity but 7.62×39 retains usable energy; chrono to confirm. Practical performance remains strong at typical engagement ranges.

• Training / Function: 122–125 gr FMJ for feeding/cycling checks; some surplus ammo feeds better in AK-pattern platforms—test in your gun.

• Field / Hunting: Use expanding or bonded 122–125 gr loads optimized for the shorter barrel — test terminal performance on appropriate media.

• Short-barrel Accuracy: Twist rates around 1:9–1:10 are common and stabilize standard 122–125 gr bullets; check your barrel’s twist if you plan oddball weights.

Tips For Best Results

• Start with 122–125 gr — the widest availability and best overall balance for feeding, accuracy, and terminal performance.

• Match twist to bullet (1:9–1:10 is common).

• Choose bonded/monolithic for barriers or bigger game.

• Function-test defensive loads in the actual gun and magazines you’ll use.