The 7.62x39mm, also known as the 7.62 Soviet, isn’t just for the SKS and AK-47. There are many modern rifles, such as the Ruger Ranch Rifle and Anderson AR-style rifles, which are chambered in the same round.
Such is a testament to the enduring popularity of the 7.62 Soviet cartridge, despite its age. It’s heavier and hits harder than 5.56, which makes it popular for defensive applications as well as for hunting at close and intermediate ranges.
But these are not the only things to appreciate about the 7.62 Soviet cartridge, so whether you’re here for 7.62 full metal jacket or need to know if getting a rifle chambered for it is worth it, here are a few arguments for it.
Cost
There are other cheaper rounds, but in the world of centerfire cartridges, 7.62 is one of the more affordable options out there. It’ll probably cost you a bit more per pull of the trigger than .223, but all else being equal, 7.62 full metal jacket is one of the most cost-effective rounds of all.
There are a few things you can do to drive down the cost even more. You can buy surplus, you can buy in bulk, or you can buy steel-cased ammo, which, though you can’t reload it, is highly affordable.
All of this is to suggest, if you’re really into high-volume target shooting, this is definitely a good cartridge to focus on. Other good ones include .223 and 5.56, and if you need a little more power, consider the .308 Winchester.
Ammo Availability
While we are currently in the midst of an ongoing ammo crunch, made worse by heightened global demand for the raw materials used in ammo manufacturing as a result of current conflicts, it is the case that 7.62 is usually available to most shooters.
You’ll be paying higher prices than you would have 5 years ago, but at the very least, most gun shops you walk into will at least have some 7.62 Soviet ammo available for sale, and that’s worth something.
In other words, if you are concerned about ammo cost (or availability), you shouldn’t get an oddball cartridge. Something like this will suit you just fine.
Superior Stopping Power
One of the great things about 7.62 Soviet is that it produces considerably higher stopping power than 5.56. While it falls a little short of the .308 Winchester, it still delivers somewhere around 80% of the power of .30-30, which definitely isn’t nothing.
This makes it (though not 7.62 full metal jacket) a superior round for defensive applications as well as for some hunting pursuits. While competitors like .223 might be better for foxes and coyotes, you can take them with a 7.62x39mm rifle, along with bigger, tougher game like deer and feral hogs.
The Versatility of the Rifle
If you buy a rifle chambered for 7.62 Soviet, you can likely use that same rifle for a whole bunch of different pursuits. Granted, not all rifles will be excellent for competition or high-volume target shooting, but you can still use the one for home defense, hunting, and the former disciplines.
So buy smart, and consider a sporting model with plenty of attachment points that may come very much in handy when you want to use the rifle for more than one pursuit.
Some Caveats
Just a few things you should know before you spring and buy a 7.62x39mm rifle.
One is that, while the cartridge produces great stopping power at close and intermediate ranges, at longer ranges, performance tapers off considerably.
The other is that this is a terrible long-range cartridge. If you’re interested in long-range shooting, don’t buy 7.62x39mm. There are far better options, some of them very affordable, like .223 and 5.56.
The Bottom Line
Here’s what it breaks down to: if you are looking for a versatile cartridge that is available, affordable, and which produces better stopping power than other common intermediate cartridges, then it definitely might make sense for you to get a 7.62 Soviet rifle. You’ll be able to use it for defensive applications, hunting, and sport shooting, including competition.
Here for 7.62 Full Metal Jacket?
If you do end up biting the bullet and buying a 7.62x39mm rifle, you’ll need a place where you can get bulk ammo. Bookmark Bucking Horse Outpost for 7.62 full metal jacket and bulk ammo and make sure you check here first when you need to restock the ammo cans.
You should also check out our bulk ammo deals, hot sales and police trade-in specials so you never miss a chance to score a deal.