4 Best AK-47 Ammo Picks

The AK-47 is a symbol of ingenuity and rugged reliability; however, a rifle is only as good as the ammo you feed it. And with so many different ammo varieties available in today’s market, it can be hard to figure out what the best AK-47 ammo is for your beloved rifle.

In this article, I’ll share my top picks and explain what you should look for when purchasing bulk ammo. If you can’t wait, the best ammo for your AK-47 is Hornady BLACK 123 Grain SST because it is extremely reliable, and the AK was designed to fire this type of ammo.

If you’re new to the AK-47 platform, you might want to read our buyer’s guide for what to look for when buying 7.62x39 ammo by clicking HERE. However, if you simply want to get to our top AK-47 ammo selections, keep reading.

Now, I know you’re itching to get out to the range, so here’s our list of the best AK47 ammo.

Best AK-47 Ammo Selections

  1. Hornady BLACK 123 Grain SST - Best Overall
  2. PMC 123 Grain FMJ - Most Accurate
  3. Arsenal 122 Grain FMJ - Best Bulk
  4. Sterling 123 Grain FMJ - Cheapest AK-47 Ammo

Best Ammo for AK-47 Overall

Determining the best ammo for your AK-47 relies heavily on its intended use. If you’re going hunting, you’ll want a soft point (SP) bullet. For target practice, you’ll want some inexpensive full metal jacket (FMJ) for punching holes in paper, cans, or clanging steel.

That being said, the best ammo for your AK-47 is one that goes bang every time you pull the trigger and is accurate.

Hornady BLACK 123 Grain SST

Specs

  • Casing: Brass
  • Bullet Type: SST (Polymer Tipped)
  • Bullet Weight: 123 grains
  • Muzzle Velocity: 2,350 fps
  • Muzzle Energy: 1,508 ft-lbs

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Trusted brand Expensive
Reliable Some shooters prefer a brass case of a steel case
Accurate
Non-corrosive

Why I Chose It

Hornady is a trusted brand known for producing high-quality ammo. Hornady BLACK 123 Grain SST continues this tradition. I rarely have a problem when using Hornady ammo at the range.

These rounds are ultra-reliable because Hornady uses high-quality components that ensure they go bang when you pull the trigger. The SST bullet is also incredibly accurate, thanks partly to the polymer tip that slices through the wind better than an FMJ or HP.

You don’t have to worry about these rounds corroding your AK-47 because they’re non-corrosive. So, it’s not a huge deal if you forget to clean your AK after a trip to the range.

However, Hornady BLACK is expensive, especially compared to cheap Wolf Ammo that uses Berdan primers and steel cases. So, if you’re just going to the range for a day of plinking, you might want another ammo unless you have money burning a hole in your pocket.

Hornady BLACK 123 Grain SST is the best AK-47 ammo because it’s accurate, reliable, and manufactured by a trusted brand.

Most Accurate 7.62 x39 Ammo

I’d be lying if I said a run-of-the-mill stamped AK-47 is a highly accurate shooting platform. The AK is built with loose tolerances to ensure outstanding battlefield reliability instead of pinpoint accuracy.

This is not to say that 7.62x39 is not an accurate round; quite the opposite in fact. When loaded into a solidly built SKS or Ruger Mini-30 carbine, the 7.62x39 can provide acceptable accuracy within its effective range.

However, if you’re looking to milk every ounce of accuracy out of your AK without delving into the realm of match-grade ammo, here is my recommendation:

Continue reading 4 Best AK-47 Ammo Picks on Ammo.com

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[Redacted] I’ve decided to not say anything mean. But I disagree with this post.

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Just know, we need you to buy the best of the best to shoot from your AK :nod:

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:-1: Nope, not gonna.

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See, if I had an AK, I’d be all about the best possible ammo…

To offset the rifle itself :face_with_hand_over_mouth:

yuk yuk yuk :grin:

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I must be the only Real AK guy here.

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I was going to get one but then got a great deal on one of these instead

ono

:face_with_peeking_eye:

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I’m not sure how to respond to that with anything other than this.
giphy

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I kind of like Belom myself.

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The way I understand AK’s is they will shoot any crap you stick in the magazine. I highly doubt buying top ammo is ultra important in a weapon that fires in cold, mud,sand,wet etc..

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There are a slew of variants of the AK, some are more accurate and better made than the old stamped receiver AK’s

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Of that I totally believe you, but is it assumption on my part to think that these terrorist in Africa and the middle East aint using high quality ammo but just what ever they can get their grubby hands on ? @Belt-Fed

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Hey wait I’m over 50 which means half the sands outta my hour glass too am I old too :sweat_smile:

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Yeah, they ain’t too worried about quality. only how much can they get.

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Yeah if your AK was made by Fuller here in the United States, it’s built on a reproduction period specific receiver with an actual imported parts kit. Jim Fuller AK’s are about the best US Assembled/Made right now on the market.

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Now is an original AK-47 hard to get ahold of never really looked one up

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Well it depends on your definition of original is, do you mean an original soviet full auto one? Then yes kind of cost prohibitive. Now you can get some SAIGA AK’s that were russian made and imported and then converted to AK’s and that’s like the next step down from the full auto ones, and then there’s the Chinese AK’s that were imported back in the day, those were made just about like the military models were made in China so those are probably original too. Also any Valmet Rifles in 7.62x39 would also be applicable as original AKs. It just kind of depends on what you’re willing to pay for an “original type.”

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