Best 7.62x39mm Ammo for Hunting: Top Picks for Ethical, Effective Performance

The 7.62x39mm cartridge has long been a staple for military rifles like the AK-47 and SKS, but its utility doesn't end on the battlefield. In recent decades, it's proven to be a reliable, effective round for hunting small to medium game—especially when paired with soft point or purpose-built hunting ammunition. Its moderate recoil, solid ballistics, and widespread availability make it a favorite among budget-conscious hunters and those who appreciate the rugged simplicity of AK-pattern or bolt-action rifles chambered in this caliber.

In this guide, we’ll highlight the best 7.62x39mm ammo for hunting, focusing on terminal performance, expansion reliability, and field-proven effectiveness. Whether you’re after whitetail deer, feral hogs, or coyotes, these loads deliver.

Before you head to the field, test a handful of the recommended loads from our Best 7.62x39 Ammo for the Range roundup — the right practice round helps dial POI and reveal which hunting loads your rifle favors.

What Makes Good Hunting Ammo in 7.62x39mm?

It’s often compared to the .30-30 Winchester in terms of energy and effective range, and while it doesn’t have the long-range punch of a .308, it holds its own within 150–200 yards.

To help illustrate why these rounds are often mentioned together, here’s a side-by-side comparison:

While the .30-30 packs more punch and is typically used in lever-action rifles, the 7.62x39mm offers similar terminal performance at short to mid-range distances and can be fired from semi-automatic or bolt-action platforms more affordably. This makes it a compelling alternative for hunters operating within 200 yards.

Not all 7.62x39mm is created equal. Military surplus and FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) rounds are fine for training or plinking, but they lack the expansion and energy transfer needed for ethical hunting. A good hunting round should provide:

Soft Point or Expanding Tip: These bullets mushroom or fragment on impact, increasing wound channels and reducing the chance of over-penetration.

Reliable Expansion at Range: Hunting ammo should maintain expansion even at 100+ yards.

Consistent Accuracy: While 7.62x39mm isn't a precision round, quality hunting loads should group reliably within 2–3 MOA.

Brass or Sealed Case Options: Brass offers reloadability; sealed steel-case ammo can offer better durability in field conditions.

Top 7.62x39mm Hunting Ammo Picks

1. Hornady BLACK 123gr SST

• Bullet Type: Polymer-tipped SST (Super Shock Tip)
• Why It Excels: Designed for maximum expansion and flat shooting, the SST offers rapid energy dump and reliable terminal ballistics. Ideal for deer-sized game within 200 yards.
• Pros: Great accuracy, devastating expansion
• Cons: Pricier than steel case options

2. Winchester Super-X 123gr Power-Point

• Bullet Type: Soft Point
• Why It Excels: A classic soft point that’s easy to find, budget-friendly, and deadly on medium game like deer or hogs. The Power-Point design allows controlled expansion without excessive fragmentation.
• Pros: Widely available, reliable
• Cons: Slightly less consistent accuracy than match-grade loads

3. Sellier & Bellot 123gr SP

• Bullet Type: Soft Point
• Why It Excels: European-made, cost-effective ammo that performs well on game. Expansion is consistent and recoil is moderate.
• Pros: Affordable, decent accuracy
• Cons: Occasional variation in case quality

4. Barnaul 123gr SP (Steel Case)

• Bullet Type: Soft Point
• Why It Excels: Great option for AK and SKS users who want expansion on a budget. Sealed steel case resists corrosion in the field.
• Pros: Inexpensive, rugged
• Cons: Not reloadable, may be less accurate in some rifles.

Field Use Considerations

Effective Range: Most 7.62x39mm hunting loads are best used within 150–200 yards. Beyond that, velocity and expansion fall off.

Platform Matters: While AKs and SKSs are the traditional platforms, bolt-action rifles like the Ruger American Ranch or CZ 527 offer better accuracy and optics mounting options.

Shot Placement Is Key: As with any mid-power round, ethical kills rely heavily on well-placed shots to the heart/lung area.

Final Thoughts

For hunters working within brushy terrain, short to moderate ranges, or on a tighter budget, the 7.62x39mm is an underrated but highly capable round. It combines affordability, availability, and sufficient terminal performance to make it a legitimate option for deer, hogs, and similar-sized game animals. When paired with expanding soft point ammunition and a rifle that fits your needs—whether it’s a rugged AK or a precision-minded bolt gun—it can provide clean, ethical kills without breaking the bank.

It may not have the extended reach of calibers like .308 or the energy of magnum-class rounds, but it offers plenty of power within its range envelope. And when you consider its similarities to the venerable .30-30, it becomes clear why many American hunters have adopted it for short- to mid-range use.

As always, the key lies in using quality ammo, knowing your rifle’s limitations, and making every shot count. With good preparation and the right load, 7.62x39mm is more than enough to fill a freezer and make memories in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is 7.62x39mm powerful enough for deer hunting?

Yes, with quality soft point or expanding ammo and proper shot placement, it's more than capable within 150–200 yards.

Can I use FMJ for hunting?

No. FMJ does not expand and is not ethical or legal for hunting in most states.

What’s the best rifle type for hunting with 7.62x39mm?

While AKs and SKSs are functional, bolt-action rifles like the Ruger American Ranch or CZ 527 offer better accuracy and hunting ergonomics.

What range is 7.62x39mm effective for hunting?

Most loads are effective out to 200 yards, with significant drop and energy loss beyond that.

Can I reload 7.62x39mm hunting ammo?

Only if using brass cases. Most steel-case ammo is Berdan-primed and not reloadable.