All you AK dudes, what to buy for defensive 7.62x39?

[2A2Dend]

I have a few boxes of wolf left. I'd rather not mess around buying/trying.
My Saiga AK 7.62 has sat collecting dust, since 2002, and needs some love for the poop shoot.
What do y'all suggest for an accurate, no bull sheate home defense round?

Knowledge is king!

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[Bon Sauvage]

For off the shelf ammo in 7.62x39mm I would suggest Golden Tiger.

 

[Nocaster]

Federal Fusion Ammo 7.62x39mm 123 Grain Spitzer Boat Tail Box of 20 (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/340541/federal-fusion-ammunition-762x39mm-123-grain-spitzer-boat-tail-box-of-20)

If you can find legit 8m3, that could be good too. Some, though not all, 124 grain HP Wolf is 8m3.

 

[2A2Dend]

Aside from being dirty, what do y'all say about the Yugoslavian M67?

 

[Nocaster]

It's supposed to be very good as far as early tumbling, according to the gel tests I've seen. If overpenetration is an issue, it may not be a good choice, because i don't think it breaks up after tumbling, and penetrates much deeper than good hollow points. I have a few hundred in my stash.......

I try to go with latest bullet technology for carry and home defense. Other than verifying function, you don't need more than 2-3 mags worth of premium stuff, the way I see it, so I see it as a worthwhile investment. YMMV

 

[2A2Dend]

Federal Fusion Ammo 7.62x39mm 123 Grain Spitzer Boat Tail Box of 20 (https://www.midwayusa.com/product/340541/federal-fusion-ammunition-762x39mm-123-grain-spitzer-boat-tail-box-of-20)

If you can find legit 8m3, that could be good too. Some, though not all, 124 grain HP Wolf is 8m3.

The 8m3 looks to be illusive of my search effort. Short of a hands on visual, unless noted, buying online would be hit or miss it seems.

For off the shelf ammo in 7.62x39mm I would suggest Golden Tiger.

Golden Tiger appears to be a solid round in the line-up. I'll take this into consideration.

I'm wanting to buy a case or two to have on hand, so, the replies I like thus far!

 

[nfield4]

I can't help with regard to defensive loadings. There are hollow points and lead soft nose bullets available.

But I've always come back to "shoot as many times as it takes." The AK is a superior semi auto. So multiple shots can be made. And 762x39 is a rifle cartridge--more punch than a pistol.

 

[mjbskwim]

Lots more?

 

[Nocaster]

I am not familiar with Golden tiger's terminal performance, so can't comment. I heard good things as far as quality goes, however.

If I were looking to buy a case of defensive 7.62x39 ammo, presumably for some kind of SHTF stockpiling, m67 would be high on my list. A YouTube channel called The Chopping Block just posted a gel test of m67, and it's pretty nasty stuff.

 

[Quartermaster]

Frangible for home defense. We had a hollow point round go through three walls and imbed itself into a heat pump next door.

 

[The Heretic]

Hornady SST

55 to 60 cents per round

 

[Nocaster]

SST is a great round, and expands well, but IIRC it's penetration in gel is something like 30 inches.

 

[B5Ben]

The AK is a great SHTF choice and IMO any Russian steel case FMJ or HP would do fine in that scenario. I have one for that as well. As for home defense and worrying about over penetration, I think it may not be best suited for that purpose. There are many other options that may suit your needs for that better, shotgun, pistol caliber carbine, handgun, etc.

Just my opinion

 

[2A2Dend]

I can appreciate the concern for over penetration, although my wife, oops.
Over penetration is not a concern where I live.

If I'm going to feed it, it may as well eat healthy.

 

[cigars]

Your AK will just about fire gravel while under water and with Yanni playing in th background. TulAmmo or Wolf will do you fine.
Check ammoman.com. Just look for non-corrosive primers or Berdan primers. If you cheap out and get corrosive primers just rod out the barrel with some windex after you're done shooting. No big deal.

 

[SkeetAt40Below]

The AK is a great SHTF choice and IMO any Russian steel case FMJ or HP would do fine in that scenario. I have one for that as well. As for home defense and worrying about over penetration, I think it may not be best suited for that purpose. There are many other options that may suit your needs for that better, shotgun, pistol caliber carbine, handgun, etc.

Just my opinion

Thanks for beating me to the punch. There are no good "home defense" rifle rounds- unless you're not fond of your family members, the neighbors or your neighbors neighbors. Seriously someone should do a youtube of how many houses you can shoot through in a normal suburban neighborood to drive this point home.

 

[The Heretic]

FMJ penetrates too much too.

Most of the "Soft Point" ammo from overseas does not expand because either the jacket is too hard and/or too thick and/or the core is too hard. I bought some Herters "Soft Point" that had a steel core and/or jacket (it was magnetic - it had a brass case).

If you want something that will expand, you need to go with more expensive US made soft point ammo that is truly soft point.

I have FMJ for practice, but I bought soft point for self defense.

If you are worried about over penetration inside buildings, then find frangible ammo - you will pay for it dearly though.

 

[Nocaster]

Since you classified that overpenetration is not a concern, m67 is a great bulk self defense choice. SST is even better, as Heretic suggested and can be found at reasonable prices in 500 round packs.

 

[2A2Dend]

All the response has been great. I grabbed a case of Golden Tiger today. The Hornady SST I will test as well.

 

[206thsense]

Others have mentioned Hornady - good round from my experience just target shooting (no experience hunting with it... yet).

Older video, but Silver Bear Soft Point also feeds reliably in my AKs: