Ruskie Ammo question

[KaceCoyote]

Whats the standard issue Russian 7.62x39mm bullet weight?
I've been told 122-123 grain and 155 grain, considering how well my Saiga shoots 154 over the lighter bullet weights I'm tempted to consider the heavier rumor. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Mark Sman]

I believe the M1943 7.62x39 military load was 123 grain.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7.62_x_39_mm
Which lists it as 7.97 grams

That converts to
http://www.onlineconversion.com/weight_all.htm

122.9958961 grain

Close enough for government work.

Of course it can be loaded differently.

[Jippo]

8 grams is the figure, so 123 grains. I have some sub-sonic rounds which IIRC are with a 10 gram bullet.

Heavier bullet weight may refer to bullets used in the 7,62 full power rifle cartridge which are used on PKM's and etc.



-jippo

[Mark Sman]

Yeah, the 7.62x54r is a whole different critter. 7.62x39 is available in a range of weights on the civillian market.

Consensus seems to be that you can only load 7.62x39 so heavy (around 155 grain) before the bullet gets to long to ride in the magazine or fails to chamber in a semi-auto.

These guys can definitely help you more if you need more detailed answers.
http://ar15.com/forums/board.html?b=4

Incidentally reloaders use 7.62x39 bullets to reload .303 British cases, as they are the same diameter as .303, and similar enough in weight to be the basis for a good finished cartridge.

YMMV

[Werewolf01]

Yeah, the 7.62x54r is a whole different critter. 7.62x39 is available in a range of weights on the civillian market.

Consensus seems to be that you can only load 7.62x39 so heavy (around 155 grain) before the bullet gets to long to ride in the magazine or fails to chamber in a semi-auto.

These guys can definitely help you more if you need more detailed answers.
http://ar15.com/forums/board.html?b=4

Incidentally reloaders use 7.62x39 bullets to reload .303 British cases, as they are the same diameter as .303, and similar enough in weight to be the basis for a good finished cartridge.

YMMV

People also use the 7.62x39 bullets to reload their 7.92 Kurz. ;)

[GazB]

Whats the standard issue Russian 7.62x39mm bullet weight?


When first issued it was 123 grain bullet projectiles. More recently however with the success of the 9 x 39mm ammo using heavy (250 grain) bullet projectiles they started issuing heavier rounds for their 30 cal AKs. The normal subsonic round for the AK was already available for issue and it is a 193 grain projectile for use with suppressors, but the new heavy round in the 153-154 grain range has also been issued. I have heard it was popular.