7.62x39 hunting ammo

I just finished building an ar-15 in 7.62x39 for deer hunting next season. Does anyone here have any good recommendations of loads that perform well?

 

Federal makes a fusion in that about which I’ve heard good reviews.

nevermind they discontinued it.

 

Try these
https://www.gostmunitions.com/produ...23-grain-extreme-point-polymer-tip-box-of-20/

 

Federal Fusion was and still is the best performing round I've seen in 7.62x39. They do or at least did make that bullet as a component.

As far as current options its gonna be hit and miss for sure. If you can find some Hornady SST or Winchester PowerPoint I'd go with those.

 

I've had good results with 154gr tula/herters for deer and hogs. Otherwise recommend sticking with the Fusion and PP loads depending on what you can find.

 

What kinda shots do you like to take? Bone breaking penetration or big hole just inside the ribcage?

 

I like Hornady Black 123 gr SST and Winchester Deer Season XP 123 gr for factory, but we usually roll our own and I like 123 gr Interlocks for that the best. All out of ARs too.

 

The son wanted to use a 7.62x39 rifle a few years ago on a youth hunt. I reload most types but for this hunt I bought a box of the Hornady hunting ammo. One shot & the medium 8 was down inside 50 yards.

Shot distance was also modest at this location, 50-60 yards max. This was also with iron sights.

 

One of these would be my choice:

https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/rifle/7.62x39-123-gr-sst-black#!/

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/fed...c=1&WT.mc_id=ir2479664&WT.tsrc=AFF&cm_soc=AFF

 

I’m interested as well because I have my doubts about efficacy of the bulk cheap hollow points I have. I can’t recall if they are wolf or what. They have been out of the box loose in a bag between hunts so long I’m not sure on branding.

 

If I had absolutely no other option, I'm confident my Wolf 122gr Hp would do the job, with good shot placement of course. But there are plenty of better hunting bullets available, more so if you hand load.

 

I have taken 6 deer. All decent size 6-10 pointers. One pr/year for six consecutive years out of a shoot house on my property with an AR Build 7.62X39.
My ammo is Hornady Ballistic Tip 123 Grain. Range is generally 80-125 yards. All one shot kills. Most all fell like they were hit by lightning.
A couple made it maybe 50 yds tops. All shots were standing sideways to me with lung shoots. Massive tissue damage in that area noted.
Actually, got so predictable it was a tad boring. Got out my old 30/30 94 loaded with Hornady 30/30 Ballistic tip last winter for a change of pace.
PS. Let my 14 year old grandson take his first deer a couple years ago with the AR 7.62X39. I feel it really worked for him with the adjustable stock and ease of handling. Took us 2 weeks in the shoothouse but finally last day of the season. A 10 point not on any of my cameras steps out. Biggest deer I'v seen in these parts. One shot and he's got something to remember.

 

Most accurate factory ammo I've shot is Hornady steel case 123 gr SST. When I reload for hunting it's usually the .310 dia 123 gr Hornady SST or the .310 dia 123 gr Speer Gold Dot (AKA Fusion). All of these out of an AR or a Ruger American Ranch bolt gun.

 

Winchester Power Points. - TR