Understanding 7.62×39 Brass: An Overview

The 762×39 brass  cartridge is a widely recognized round, particularly associated with the AK-47 and its variants. Originally designed in the Soviet Union, this intermediate cartridge has seen extensive use across the globe, both in military and civilian contexts. While steel-cased ammunition is commonly linked to this cartridge, 7.62×39 brass-cased ammunition also plays a significant role, especially among reloaders and precision shooters.

Why Brass?

Brass-cased ammunition is often preferred over steel for several reasons:

1. Reloadability: Brass casings are more malleable than steel, which means they can be reloaded multiple times. This makes them popular among handloaders who want to customize their loads for specific purposes, whether it’s for hunting, target shooting, or competition.
2. Corrosion Resistance: Brass is more resistant to corrosion compared to steel. This makes it ideal for long-term storage, as it is less likely to degrade over time, ensuring reliability when you need it most.
3. Better Chamber Sealing: Brass is softer and expands more effectively upon firing, creating a better seal in the chamber. This results in more consistent performance and can reduce the likelihood of malfunctions.

Applications of 7.62×39 Brass

• Hunting: In regions where semi-automatic rifles are permitted for hunting, the 7.62×39 is a popular choice for medium-sized game. Brass-cased ammunition is preferred by hunters due to its reliability and the ability to fine-tune loads for accuracy and terminal performance.
• Precision Shooting: Although the 7.62×39 is not traditionally seen as a precision round, there is a growing interest in using it for more accurate shooting platforms. In these cases, brass-cased ammunition is almost mandatory, as it allows for consistent reloading practices that can enhance accuracy.
• Training and Practice: For shooters who practice regularly, brass-cased ammunition is often preferred due to its superior reliability and reduced wear on the firearm. While steel-cased rounds are cheaper, the long-term benefits of using brass outweigh the cost savings for many shooters.

Popular Brands

Several ammunition manufacturers produce 7.62×39 brass-cased ammunition. Some of the most well-regarded brands include:

• Winchester: Known for consistent quality, Winchester’s brass-cased 7.62×39 is a popular choice among shooters.
• Federal: Federal offers reliable brass-cased options that are widely available and known for their consistency.
• Sellier & Bellot: A European manufacturer that produces high-quality brass-cased 7.62×39 rounds, popular among both hunters and target shooters.
• PPU (Prvi Partizan): This Serbian manufacturer provides affordable yet reliable brass-cased ammunition, making it a favorite for those who reload.

Conclusion

While steel-cased 7.62×39 ammunition remains dominant due to its low cost, brass-cased variants hold a crucial place in the market for those seeking reliability, reloadability, and better overall performance. Whether you’re a hunter, a reloader, or simply a shooter who values quality, 7.62×39 brass-cased ammunition offers significant advantages that can enhance your shooting experience.