7.62 x 39 vs 308: Choosing the Right Rifle Cartridge for Your Needs

The Short Answer: The 7.62 x 39 excels as an intermediate cartridge for close to mid-range shooting with manageable recoil and affordable ammunition, while the 308 Winchester delivers superior long-range performance and stopping power for big game hunting. Your choice depends on intended use, shooting distance, and game size requirements.

When choosing between the 7.62 x 39 and 308 Winchester, rifle shooters face a decision between two different cartridges with distinct strengths. Both rounds have earned their place in hunting, target shooting, and tactical applications, but they serve distinctly different purposes in the shooting world.

The 7.62 x 39 emerged during World War II as part of the Soviet Union’s quest for an intermediate cartridge that could bridge the gap between pistol rounds and full-powered rifle cartridges. This round found its home in the legendary AK-47 and SKS rifles, designed for moderate power and manageable recoil perfect for rapid follow-up shots.

The 308 Winchester arrived in 1952 as the civilian market counterpart to the 7.62x51mm NATO round. Winchester developed this excellent cartridge to provide hunters and target shooters with the ballistic performance of the 30-06 Springfield in a shorter case design. The .308 quickly became one of the world’s most popular hunting cartridges.

About 7.62 x 39 Bullets

The 7.62 x 39 is an intermediate rifle cartridge widely used in semi-automatic rifles, hunting applications, and recreational shooting globally.

Specs and Performance

The 7.62 x 39 typically features bullet weights ranging from 123 to 154 grains, with muzzle velocity around 2,300 feet per second from a standard barrel. Muzzle energy ranges from approximately 1,500 foot-pounds with lighter bullets to 1,600 foot-pounds with heavier projectiles.

Ballistic Performance

The 7.62 x 39 maintains adequate velocity within its effective range but experiences more pronounced bullet drop at longer distances compared to full-powered rifle cartridges. Beyond 300 yards, the trajectory becomes increasingly curved, requiring significant holdover adjustments.

The ballistic coefficient of typical 7.62 x 39 bullets tends to be lower than many modern rifle bullets, limiting long-range performance capabilities. Most 7.62 x 39 ammunition uses steel case construction, often with budget-oriented manufacturing that can affect accuracy compared to higher-quality brass case alternatives.

Applications

The 7.62 x 39 serves multiple roles effectively within its performance parameters. Here are the primary applications where this intermediate cartridge excels:

• Medium Game Hunting: Works effectively on deer-sized game within 200 yards when using proper soft point ammunition for ethical kills.
• Home Defense: Provides adequate stopping power with manageable recoil, though both this cartridge and the 308 will penetrate multiple walls in typical home construction.
• Recreational Shooting: Offers affordable practice ammunition, especially in steel case options for high-volume shooting.
• Semi-Automatic Platforms: Functions reliably in AK-47, SKS, and various AR-15 variants designed for this cartridge.

These applications make the 7.62 x 39 an excellent choice for shooters prioritizing affordability and manageable recoil over maximum range.

About 308 Winchester Bullets

The 308 Winchester is a full-powered rifle cartridge designed for long-range accuracy, big game hunting, and precision shooting applications worldwide.

Specs and Performance

The 308 Winchester generates impressive muzzle velocity ranging from 2,600 to 2,800 feet per second with typical 150-grain bullets. This translates to muzzle energy between 2,500 and 2,800 foot-pounds, nearly double that of the 7.62 x 39. However, this extra power comes with increased recoil of approximately 20 foot-pounds, nearly three times that of the smaller cartridge.

Ballistic Performance

The 308 Winchester delivers superior long-range ballistics with a notably flatter trajectory than the 7.62 x 39. The 308 experiences significantly less bullet drop at extended ranges, making it more suitable for long-distance shooting applications.

Higher ballistic coefficients in typical 308 bullets provide better wind resistance and velocity retention compared to the 7.62 x 39. The 308 remains effective for longe range shooting, while 7.62 x 39 performance drops off considerably beyond moderate distances.

Applications

The 308 Winchester demonstrates versatility across demanding shooting disciplines and hunting scenarios. Professional applications showcase this cartridge’s capabilities:

• Big Game Hunting: Handles everything from deer to elk, black bear, and larger species with superior energy retention at longer ranges.
• Long-Range Shooting: Maintains effective accuracy beyond 500 yards for precision rifle competitions and tactical applications.
• Versatile Platforms: Works in bolt action rifles for ultimate accuracy and semi-automatic rifles like the AR-10 for faster follow-up shots.
• Professional Use: Chosen by guides and serious hunters for its versatility across different game sizes and hunting scenarios.

The 308’s proven track record in demanding applications makes it the preferred choice when maximum performance matters most.

Performance Comparison

The performance gap between these cartridges becomes clear when examining their ballistic capabilities. The 308 Winchester cartridge significantly outperforms the 7.62 x 39 in most measurable categories, showing a big difference in long-range performance.

Velocity and Energy

A typical 150-grain 308 bullet produces 2,800 fps muzzle velocity and 2,648 ft-lbs kinetic energy, while a 123-grain 7.62 x 39 generates 2,300 fps and 1,500 ft-lbs. This velocity advantage translates directly into superior long-range performance.

At 300 yards, the 308 maintains substantial energy advantage, retaining approximately 1,900 ft-lbs compared to 900 ft-lbs for the 7.62 x 39. The heavier bullets and higher muzzle velocity of the 308 deliver more kinetic energy at all distances.

Sectional Density and Penetration

Sectional density measures how well a bullet’s mass distributes for penetration. A typical 150-grain 308 bullet has a sectional density of 0.226, while a 123-grain 7.62 x 39 bullet measures 0.183.

Combined with heavier bullets and higher velocity, 308 rounds deliver superior penetration through barriers and deeper wound channels in large game. This makes the 308 more suitable for larger game animals and longer-range hunting.

Effective Range

For hunting applications, the 7.62 x 39 remains effective to approximately 200-250 yards for ethical kills on medium game. The 308 Winchester maintains effectiveness well beyond 500 yards for most hunting scenarios.

Military applications may extend these ranges, but civilian hunting requires sufficient energy for clean, ethical kills.

Cost and Availability Considerations

Ammunition Cost

Ammunition cost represents a practical consideration for high-volume shooters. Bulk 7.62 x 39 ammunition often costs half as much as comparable 308 loads, making it attractive for recreational shooting and training.

Steel case 7.62 x 39 options provide the most economical choice, though brass case ammunition offers better accuracy and reloadability. The 308 Winchester commands higher prices but provides broader selection from virtually every major manufacturer.

Platform and Rifle Costs

Rifle platforms reflect each cartridge’s intended purpose and budget considerations. The 7.62 x 39 dominates in affordable semi-automatic rifles like the AK-47, SKS, and various AR-15 variants.

The 308 Winchester appears in both bolt action and lever-action rifle platforms for hunting and precision shooting, plus semi-automatic platforms like the AR-10. While 308 rifles typically cost more, they often provide superior build quality and accuracy potential.

Making Your Decision

Choosing between these cartridges requires honest assessment of your needs, experience level, and intended applications.

Choose 7.62 x 39 If You Want:

The 7.62 x 39 offers specific advantages for certain shooting applications and budget considerations:

• Affordable Training: Better option for lower ammunition costs making it ideal for high-volume practice and recreational shooting.
• Manageable Recoil: Lower recoil helps new shooters develop proper fundamentals without flinching.
• Close-Range Hunting: Adequate for deer-sized game at closer range with proper ammunition selection.
• Semi-Automatic Platforms: Works well in reliable, affordable rifles like AK variants and AR-15 conversions.

Choose 308 Winchester If You Want:

The 308 Winchester provides superior performance when maximum capability is required:

• Long-Range Performance: Superior ballistics for shots beyond 300 yards in hunting or target shooting.
• Big Game Hunting: Handles larger game animals with better energy retention and penetration.
• Versatile Applications: Works across multiple rifle platforms and shooting disciplines.
• Premium Performance: Accepts the higher cost for superior ballistic capabilities.

Consider your primary shooting needs, budget, and experience level when making this important decision.

Berry’s Bullets: Your Partner in Rifle Cartridge Performance

Whether you choose 7.62 x 39 or 308 Winchester for your reloading projects, Berry’s Bullets provides the precision components you need for optimal performance. Our manufacturing process begins with swaged lead cores that are then electroplated with copper to achieve exact weight specifications.

For 7.62 x 39 reloaders, Berry’s offers our 123 Grain Spire Point bullets designed specifically for this cartridge. For shooters working with .308 bullets, we provide .300 Blackout, 30 Carbine, and 30-30 bullets in various weights and designs. Our precision-manufactured bullets deliver the accuracy and reliability that handloaders demand for both hunting and target applications.

With over 80 bullet types in our lineup, Berry’s Bullets has earned recognition for manufacturing the finest copper bonded bullets available. Our commitment to quality helps reloaders create handloaded ammunition that performs consistently, shot after shot.

Ready to improve your reloading results? Explore our complete bullet selection and discover why serious reloaders choose Berry’s for superior components.