Best Ammo for the AK-47 (7.62x39)
March 6, 2026 · AmmoBin.com
The AK-47 is famously reliable and eats almost anything. The main choice is steel-cased value versus brass-cased cleanliness, plus the right bullet for the job.
Range: bulk steel-case
Steel-cased 122–124gr FMJ is the traditional cheap AK feed and runs great in the platform. Note many indoor ranges ban steel; it's also not reloadable. See our brass vs steel comparison.
Brass-case option
Brass-cased 7.62x39 burns cleaner, is reloadable, and is range-friendly everywhere — at a higher price. A good choice if you reload or shoot indoors.
Hunting
For hog or deer where legal, choose soft-point (SP) loads designed to expand, not FMJ. Buy in bulk for practice — compare live 7.62x39 ammo prices.
Frequently asked questions
Is steel-cased ammo bad for an AK-47?
No — AKs are designed to run steel-cased ammo reliably. It's cheap and fine for range use, though not reloadable and banned at many indoor ranges.
What's the cheapest AK-47 ammo?
Bulk steel-cased 122–124gr FMJ is the cheapest way to feed an AK for practice.
Compare live prices