If you’re the owner of an SKS rifle or another platform chambered in 7.62x39mm ammo, then you’re probably always on the lookout for reputable rounds.
Norma Tactical’s brass 7.62 x 39 FMJ ammo is a quality rifle cartridge. Here are some answers to the top questions about this particular round..
What Is FMJ 7.62 x 39 Ammo Good for?
This rifle cartridge, loaded with a full-metal jacket (FMJ) bullet, is designed for stability in flight and maximum penetration. This makes it suitable for most high-volume shooting applications (it’s also fairly affordable). It’s good for target shooting and competition.
Is Match Ammo Suitable for Hunting?
No, match ammo is designed for reliable penetration and stability, not energy transfer. Not only is it unethical to hunt with FMJ match ammo, it is probably illegal in your state.
This does not mean that 7.62x39mm ammo is unsuitable for hunting, just that FMJ rounds are. Soft and hollow point 7.62x39mm is an excellent cartridge for most medium-sized game, such as deer and predators.
Is 7.62x39mm Ammo Suitable for Deer?
This cartridge is more than powerful enough to dispatch deer-sized game ethically, at suitable ranges, with proper shot placement, and an appropriate bullet.
However, FMJ ammo is not a good choice for hunting. Use instead hollow point or soft point ammo.
Also, be aware of your local hunting regulations as 7.62x39mm may not be a cartridge legal for pursuing deer (or whatever your target species is) in your area.
Can You Reload Norma Tactical Brass 7.62 x 39 Ammo?
Since Norma Tactical brass 7.62 x 39 ammo is loaded into high-quality brass cases, it can be reloaded.
Where Can You Get Reloading Components?
You can get reloading components, including brass, bullets, and propellant (as well as reloading manuals) directly from Norma Ammunition.
How Long Can You Keep Ammo?
You can store ammo under ideal conditions for several years, but you should not keep ammo for more than 15 years, nor should you try to shoot ammo that is this old or older.
How Should You Store Ammo?
Ammo should be stored under cool temperatures, between 53℉ and 59℉, at very low relatively humidity levels, 50% or lower. Fluctuating temperatures, or extended hot temperatures, hastens the decay of the chemicals in propellant and primer.
Does Barrel Length Affect Muzzle Velocity?
The longer the barrel, the faster the muzzle velocity will be, holding the cartridge steady.
Generally, each additional inch of barrel length will increase muzzle velocity by between 12 to 20 FPS.
What Is the Optimal Barrel Length for a 7.62x39mm Rifle?
There is no set “best” length for this cartridge, but it performs well from a 16” to 20” barrel. Consider the original SKS, which had a barrel length of 20”.
What Is Twist Rate?
Twist rate is a measurement of how much linear distance the bullet must travel within the barrel to complete a single revolution around an axis that runs through the center of the bullet from nose to tail.
Faster-burning propellants are more suitable with higher twist rates, and slower-burning propellants, like black powder, are more suitable with slower twist rates.
A twist rate of 1:10 (that is, one complete revolution for every 10 inches of linear distance traveled) is common in rifles chambered in 7.62x39mm and is more than appropriate for the cartridge.
How Long Will a 7.62 Barrel Last?
The 7.62x39mm cartridge does not produce exceptionally high FPS muzzle velocities or chamber pressures. Consequently, this cartridge is not associated with very high barrel wear.
How long your barrel will last will be determined primarily by how well you maintain it, but in general, you should expect a barrel life of more than 6,000 to 12,000 rounds before you see aberrations in accuracy.
Is Norma Brass 7.62 x 39 Corrosive?
Norma Ammunition is loaded with non-corrosive propellant and primers. However, you should still follow best practices and routinely clean and lubricate your rifle.
Is 7.62 the Same As .308 Winchester?
No. Because both 7.62x39mm and 7.62x51mm are “7.62mm” cartridges, they are often confused. However, they are not the same. The 7.62x51mm cartridge is substantially larger and more powerful than the 7.62x39mm cartridge.
Even the 7.62x51mm and .308 Winchester cartridges, which are nearly identical in dimensions, are not the same. The 7.62x51mm cartridge delivers much higher chamber pressures.
Are Brass Cartridges Better?
Brass cartridges are excellent load components because they offer high strength, corrosion resistance, and flexibility. Cartridges can also be made of steel, but steel does not resist corrosion as well as brass and also incurs more tool wear. Softer metals like aluminum can also be used to make cartridge casings, but aluminum is not as strong as brass. They’re also not as corrosion-resistant. Moreover, brass cartridges can be reloaded.