Because of its low cost and universal availability, the 7.62x39mm cartridge, also known informally as 7.62 Soviet, is one of the most popular intermediate rifle chamberings in the world.
It doesn’t hurt that millions of rifles like SKS rifles and AK-47 rifles are chambered in it, and that these are both very common on the secondhand and surplus markets.
Either way, it’s a commonly encountered chambering, so it behooves you to understand the nuances of bullet type. This short post will break down two of the most common.
7.62 Full Metal Jacket
A 7.62 full metal jacket round will have a lead core that is fully enclosed, except at the base, by a copper jacket. This copper jacket delivers a fairly high degree of radial symmetry and is harder than lead, which confers two benefits.
One is that 7.62 full metal jacket rounds are stable and accurate, especially at intermediate ranges (within 100 yards or so, this round has a terrible, drooping trajectory and is little use beyond 200).
The other is that 7.62 full metal jacket is optimized for penetration. It stays intact on contact with a soft target rather than deforming, allowing it to penetrate deeper.
When to Use It
Another thing about 7.62 full metal jacket is that, compared to hollow points and more specialized rounds, it is much more affordable. Therefore, it is best to use it for high-volume shooting and training applications.
Any situation in which a high degree of accuracy is requisite is a good time to use 7.62 FMJ ammo. That includes competition or target shooting. Because FMJ ammo feeds more reliably and is less prone to jamming, this is another good reason to use it in these situations.
When Not to Use It
While there are many use cases for 7.62 full metal jacket, there are some instances in which it should not be used. One is when you’re hunting or intend to use it for defensive applications. Since FMJ is designed for penetration, not energy transfer, it’s not good for these. Any time there is a risk of overpenetration, FMJ ammo should not be used.
It should also not be used any time there is a risk of ricochet, such as when shooting at steel targets. Frangible ammo, which disintegrates on impact, is a better option here.
7.62 Hollow Point
In contrast to 7.62 full metal jacket, 7.62 hollow point ammo has a copper jacket but there is a small void or hollow in the nose, hence the name. The jacket may also be skived with striations that serve as weak tearaway points.
When a 7.62 hollow point bullet strikes a soft target, the jacket tears away and the bullet rapidly disrupts, or expands, creating a wider wound channel, cavitation, and devastating tissue damage.
As a result, 7.62 hollow point ammo is preferred for hunting and defensive applications, as it is designed to dispatch a target, and not to overpenetrate, either.
When to Use It
The best time to use 7.62 hollow point ammo is when the application is sporting (hunting) or defensive. Hollow point bullets will dump their energy more effectively and execute more ethical dispatches with a lower risk of overpenetration.
You should also use it when you’re training with defensive rounds, as hollow point ammo will feed and shoot differently from FMJ.
Otherwise, the higher cost of hollow point ammo means you should stick with FMJ most of the rest of the time.
When Not to Use It
Hollow point ammo should not be used when you need highly reliable, highly accurate shot placement. Hollow points are generally slightly less accurate than FMJ or competition rounds, so don’t use hollow point if that’s necessary
Also, if you’re just plinking at the range, go with FMJ because of the cost factor. Hollow points are just too expensive for general target practice.
Soft Point: The Best of Both Worlds
One alternative is 7.62 soft point ammo, in which the core of the bullet is generally exposed at the nose.
This grade of ammo combines the relative benefits of both FMJ and HP ammo, in that it is stable and accurate, yet it expands rapidly on contact with a soft target. While it isn’t usually as effective at dumping energy as a hollow point, a soft point round will still expand effectively and make ethical dispatches.
It also produces a lower risk of overpenetration. However, like HP ammo, soft point 7.62 is more expensive than FMJ, so again, use it only for use-specific training or for hunting or defensive applications.
Stock Up on 7.62 Full Metal Jacket Ammo
There are use cases for both 7.62 full metal jacket and hollow point ammo, and we carry both. Stock up here so you’re always ready for range day, and make sure to bookmark our police trade-in specials and other deals while you’re here.