Ammo for AK-47 and SKS: 7.62x39 Steel vs Brass

Both the AK-47 and the SKS fire 7.62x39mm, so the same box of ammunition works in either rifle. The usual choice is a 123 grain full metal jacket, in a steel case for low-cost volume shooting or a brass case for ranges that ban steel. We stock both at our Phoenix warehouse: Precision One 123 grain steel case in 500-round packs and American Quality (Armscor) 123 grain brass case in 250-round packs.

7.62x39 basics

7.62x39mm is a Soviet intermediate cartridge designed in 1943. It is the round of the AK-47 and related Kalashnikov rifles, the SKS and several light machine guns. SAAMI's standard lists a 123 grain bullet at a nominal 2,350 feet per second from a 20-inch test barrel, with a maximum average pressure of 45,000 psi. The SAAMI drawing puts the bullet at .311 inch, slightly larger than the .308 inch bullet of the .308 Winchester, so 7.62x39 bullets are not interchangeable with .308 bullets for reloaders. Our 7.62x39 guide covers the cartridge in more depth.

Steel case vs brass case

Much 7.62x39 is loaded in lacquered or polymer-coated steel cases. Steel cases cost less to make, and AK-pattern rifles are built with generous chambers that feed them well. Brass cases are softer, seal the chamber well, and can be reloaded when they are Boxer primed. Some indoor ranges ban steel-case ammunition, and some also ban bimetal bullets. Our steel case vs brass case answer goes into the tradeoffs.

Bimetal and steel core: the range rules

Three different things get called "steel" in 7.62x39, and range rules often treat them differently:

• Steel case: the cartridge case is steel. It has nothing to do with the bullet.
• Bimetal jacket: the bullet jacket is steel with a thin copper or gilding-metal coat. A magnet sticks to the bullet.
• Steel core: the bullet has a steel insert inside the jacket, like many military loads.

Steel targets and backstops are the reason for most bans. Before a range day, hold a magnet to the bullet tip and read the range's posted rules. For training classes in Arizona, the course listing usually spells out what is allowed.

SKS notes: stripper clips and the fixed magazine

A standard SKS has a fixed 10-round box magazine built into the rifle. You load it from the top, either one round at a time or with a 10-round stripper clip pushed down through the open action. Stripper clips speed up range sessions, and many 7.62x39 shooters keep a few filled clips in a pouch. The AK-47 instead uses detachable box magazines. The ammunition is the same for both rifles; what changes is how it gets into the gun.

The 7.62x39 we stock

• Precision One 7.62x39 123 grain FMJ steel case (1823): American-made by Precision One of Charleston, South Carolina. Sold in 500-round packs that ship at 21.0 pounds.
• American Quality (Armscor) 7.62x39 123 grain FMJ brass case (W762X39123VP250): factory new, brass case, Boxer primed, non-corrosive, with a copper-jacketed lead-core bullet, made in Victor, Montana. Sold in 250-round packs that ship at 10.5 pounds.

How to choose between them: if your range allows steel case and you want the most rounds for high-volume shooting, the Precision One steel-case 500s are the volume pack. If your range bans steel case, or you want brass you can reload, pick the American Quality brass 250s. Both use the 123 grain FMJ weight the rifles were built around. See every option in 7.62x39mm.

Buying, shipping and pickup

Shipping is charged by weight, never free. Orders ship UPS Ground from Phoenix within 2 business days. Some states limit ammunition shipping, so check where we ship first. Phoenix-area buyers can call 480-623-4515 and pick up at our Phoenix warehouse Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Bring ID. You must be 21 or older to order.

AK-47 and SKS ammo questions

Can I use the same ammo in an AK-47 and an SKS?

Yes. Both are chambered for 7.62x39mm, so the same cartridge fits both. Check the barrel marking on your rifle to be sure, especially on imported or rebarreled rifles.

Is steel-case 7.62x39 bad for my rifle?

AK-pattern rifles and the SKS were designed around steel-case ammunition, and most shooters run it without trouble. Many choose brass for ranges that ban steel or when they want to reload the cases.

Why does a magnet stick to some 7.62x39 bullets?

The bullet has a bimetal (steel) jacket or a steel core. A magnet will not tell you which, but either can break a range rule. Ask the range, or use a brass-case, copper-jacketed lead-core load such as our American Quality 123 grain.

How do I load an SKS with stripper clips?

Lock the bolt open, set a loaded 10-round stripper clip in the guide at the top of the receiver, and press the rounds down into the fixed magazine with your thumb. Pull the empty clip out, then release the bolt to chamber a round.

More answers in our ammo FAQ, plus 5.56 vs 7.62x39 and 7.62x54R for Mosin owners.