Best 7.62x39 Ammo 2027: Top Picks for AK and SKS

For most AK and SKS owners in 2027, a 123 grain full metal jacket is the strongest range choice, in steel case for volume or brass case where ranges ban steel, with a polymer-tipped 123 grain such as Hornady SST when you need an expanding bullet. All the picks below use the 123 grain weight the cartridge is built around.

Updated October 2026 for 2027.

Top picks for 2027

1. Precision One 7.62x39 123 grain FMJ steel case (1823). American-made steel-case practice ammo from Precision One. The maker page lists the steel case and 123 grain FMJ but gives no velocity, so we list none. It suits AK and SKS owners who shoot a lot at ranges that allow steel case. We stock it: Precision One 7.62x39 steel case, in 500-round packs that ship at 21.0 pounds.

2. American Quality (Armscor) 7.62x39 123 grain FMJ brass case (W762X39123VP250). A brass-case 123 grain FMJ. We found no maker spec sheet, so we list no velocity. It suits ranges that ban steel case and shooters who want brass they can reload. We stock it: American Quality 7.62x39 brass case, in 250-round packs that ship at 10.5 pounds.

3. PMC Bronze 7.62x39 123 grain FMJ (7.62A). PMC lists 2,350 fps from a 20-inch barrel. It suits shooters who want a well-known name-brand FMJ practice load. We do not stock this load.

4. Hornady BLACK 7.62x39 123 grain SST (80784). A polymer-tipped expanding bullet. Hornady lists 2,350 fps from a 20-inch test barrel and 20 per box, and moved this load to reloadable brass cases in 2017. It suits hunting and anyone who needs an expanding bullet from an AK or SKS. We do not stock this load.

5. Hornady American Gunner 7.62x39 123 grain HP Match (80786). Hornady lists 2,350 fps from a 20-inch barrel and 50 per box, loaded for target shooting, self-defense and varmint or small game. It suits shooters who want a hollow point in a larger box. We do not stock this load.

How we picked

Picks are based on manufacturer specifications, published standards from SAAMI, FBI-protocol statements only where the manufacturer itself publishes them, law-enforcement adoption only where it is publicly documented, and long-running shooter consensus. We did not run our own ballistic tests for this page. Every velocity and spec here is the maker's published figure, usually from a test barrel, so results from your own gun will differ.

How to choose 7.62x39 ammo

• Steel or brass. AK and SKS rifles were designed around steel-case ammo and generally run it well. Brass is accepted at more ranges and can be reloaded. See steel case vs brass case.
• Check range rules. Some ranges ban steel case, steel core or bimetal jackets. A magnet on the bullet shows a steel jacket or core.
• FMJ for practice, expanding for hunting. Use an SST or soft point for game, and follow hunting rules on bullet type. This page is not legal advice; see Arizona ammo laws.
• AR-pattern 7.62x39 rifles. If your rifle's maker recommends brass case, use brass.

Buying 7.62x39 in Phoenix

Both in-stock loads sit at our Phoenix warehouse, listed in 7.62x39mm. You can pick up in Phoenix Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with ID. Orders ship UPS Ground from Phoenix within 2 business days, charged by weight and never free. See where we ship. You must be 21 or older to order.

Steel cases carry a lacquer or polymer coating, and any ammo stored in a hot garage suffers. SAAMI advises cool, dry storage and warns against leaving ammunition in a vehicle in direct sun. In Phoenix, keep your cases indoors. More in our 7.62x39 ammo guide, ammo for AK-47 and SKS and 5.56 vs 7.62x39. For stocking up, see bulk ammo picks for 2027.

7.62x39 ammo questions

Is steel case 7.62x39 bad for my rifle?

Not for AK and SKS rifles, which were designed around it. Some AR-pattern 7.62x39 builds are pickier. Follow your rifle maker's advice.

What grain is standard for 7.62x39?

123 grain is the most common bullet weight, and every load on this page uses it.

Can I hunt with 7.62x39?

Many hunters use it for deer-size game at moderate range with an expanding bullet such as Hornady SST. Use FMJ for practice only, and check your state's hunting rules.

Does AK ammo work in an SKS?

Yes. Both rifles fire 7.62x39mm, so the same box works in either.