The AK-47 is easily one of the most iconic rifles ever designed. Even though it was first introduced nearly 80 years ago, it’s still a popular choice amongst enthusiasts thanks to its reliability and broad appeal.
When most people think of the AK-47, the first caliber that usually comes to mind is 7.62×39, since it’s been the primary chambering for platform ever since its creation. However, that isn’t the only caliber that AK-pattern rifles come chambered in. Several rifles based around the AK’s receiver have been fielded over the years, with many of them being made to chamber a vast assortment of calibers, big and small.
With all the different options to pick from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to decide which one is right for you. Below, we’re looking at some of the most common caliber options available for the AK, as well as how they perform.
7.62x39mm: The Classic AK Chambering
7.62x39mm is one of, if not, the most widely used caliber on the AK platform. Designed to be Russia’s standard issue rifle cartridge in 1943, it first saw use on the predecessor to the AK-47, the SKS. However, the SKS’s tenure as Russia’s service rifle was relatively short lived, as not long after its adoption, the legendary AK-47 would be created, replacing it as their new standard issue rifle using the 7.62×39 cartridge.
As the AK-47 and later AKM rifles continued to be used widespread, the platform quickly became synonymous with the 7.62×39 cartridge. And today, most AK pattern rifles available still use it.
Ballistic Performance and Availability
Ballistically, 7.62x39mm is a solid cartridge. Out of a 16-inch barrel, standard FMJ ammunition can reach a muzzle velocity of around 2,500+ FPS and around 1,500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. This makes it a heavy hitter at close ranges, but its ranged capabilities are limited. Since 7.62×39 fires a larger projectile, it experiences pretty significant bullet drop beyond 150 to 200 yards. Keep in mind that it can be effective out to around 450 yards, but its performance diminishes quickly past this distance.
As far as its availability goes, 7.62×39 is one of the most widely available Combloc calibers around. Although many manufacturers can no longer export ammo to the U.S. due to import restrictions, other manufacturers such as Belom, PMC, Sellier & Bellot, and Hornady are just a few who actively produce 7.62×39 ammo. You can also opt for surplus ammo as well—just keep in mind that it can be corrosive, making proper and thorough cleaning a must after firing. Additionally, 7.62×39 is available in a wide array of different loads including standard FMJ ammunition for the range, sub-sonic ammo for suppressed shooting, and hollow point ammo for hunting and defense.
Sub-sonic loads most often use a 200-grain bullet, which travels around 1,000 to 1,100 FPS, which is ideal for suppression. Depending on your ammo and suppressor combo, your AK can even be hearing safe in some instances, though hearing protection is always recommended. Still, it’s worth noting that AKs are often over gassed, making proper suppression a bit tricky, but upgrades like the KNS adjustable gas piston allow you to tune your gas setting for better reliability.
Lastly, if you want to run a more compact setup, 7.62×39 performs fairly well out of shorter barrel lengths, making AK pistol options like the Zastava ZPAP92 and Draco from Century Arms a popular choice.
5.45x39mm: Soviet Modernization
While 7.62×39 was a successful caliber, during the 1960s and 70s, many nations began shifting from using larger full-power rifle cartridges like .308/7.62 NATO in favor of the lighter 5.56 NATO round. Around this time, Russia began developing their own new caliber to compete with it while also improving the AK’s accuracy, range, and terminal ballistics. This resulted in the development of 5.45×39 and the AK-74 alongside it.
Since its inception, 5.45×39 has been used on the AK-74, and latter AK variants such as the AKS-74U (Krinkov/Krink) and the AK-105, to name a few. Today, it’s still in use globally, with it easily being the second most popular Combloc AK caliber choice.
Ballistic Performance and Availability
Compared to 7.62×39, 5.45×39 has a flatter trajectory and is more accurate, plus, it has a higher velocity and less felt recoil. Out of a standard AK-74 with a 16.3-inch barrel, it can reach a muzzle velocity of 2,800+ FPS and up to around 1,100 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. Additionally, it has an effective range of around 500 yards, but it’s capable of landing hits on target beyond that metric. Also, much like 5.56, 5.45 doesn’t suppress all that well. While a suppressor will lessen its sound signature, it can still be loud enough to permanently damage your hearing if you aren’t wearing ear pro.
Overall, 5.45×39 is a solid general-purpose cartridge, but, compared to 7.62×39, it isn’t as widely available. Whereas 7.62×39 has been popular and in global production for over 80 years, 5.45×39 hasn’t been around as long, and has been almost exclusively produced in Russia. Due to current import restrictions, commercially available 5.45 ammo has become harder to find. There are some manufacturers producing 5.45 for the commercial market, but your options are extremely limited, and when ammo is available, it can cost upwards of $0.65 to $1.00+ per round.
As such, 5.45×39 isn’t as popular as 7.62×39, but it’s still a solid choice that’s appreciated by AK enthusiasts and collectors. AK-74 rifles have had a recent surge in popularity and select AK manufacturers have begun producing more AK pattern rifles in 5.45. So, even though your options are limited, there’s still an assortment of top-tier rifle choices to pick from, making it a solid pick for dedicated AK enthusiasts.
7.62x54R
Introduced over 130 years ago, 7.62x54R is one of the oldest calibers still in use today. Originally designed for the Mosin Nagant, it’s been adapted for use on several other platforms such as the PKM machine gun, Dragunov SVD, and even AK variants like the Romanian PSL and Yugoslavian/Serbian M91.
Ballistic Performance and Availability
7.62x54R excels in long-range applications, with it typically being used in a DMR capacity. It has an effective range of around 800 yards, has a muzzle velocity of around 2,700+ FPS, and produces upwards of 2,500+ ft-lbs of muzzle energy, on average.
There aren’t many AK variants that use the cartridge, as it’s primarily been used on the Romanian PSL and the Serbian M91. While not as common as standard AKM and AK-74 rifles, they’re still produced and imported by Century Arms and Zastava USA, respectively, and depending on the model, they can even come equipped with a POSP AK optic too.
Even further, there are a fair number of manufacturers currently producing 7.62x54R ammunition, so you won’t be hard-pressed to find it. Brands like PMC, Sellier & Bellot, and Prvi Partizan continue making high-quality 7.62x54R cartridges in a variety of configurations to better suit individual needs.
Lastly, if you do opt for a PSL or M91, it’s critical to understand that they aren’t compatible with most AK parts and components. They use specialized AK stock assemblies, handguards, and optic mounts, so their aftermarket parts options are limited.
NATO Calibers
Although the AK platform is mostly associated with Combloc calibers, there have been several production AK models such as the AK-101 and 102, select Saiga and VEPR imports, and U.S. made models designed around NATO calibers like 5.56 NATO, .308/7.62 NATO, and 9mm. Today, they are still a popular possibility thanks to their availability and proven performance.
5.56 NATO
5.56 NATO is one of the most commonly available calibers in circulation, with it being produced by several manufacturers to several different specs to better suit different applications.
As mentioned above, 5.56 is comparable to 5.45×39, with it reaching a muzzle velocity of around 2,900 to upwards of 3,100+ FPS, and around 1,300 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, depending on the load. On average, it has an effective range of 500 yards, but specialty loads like Mk. 262 can extend its range much further.
While AKs aren’t traditionally known for their precision shooting capabilities, modern rifles like the Zastava M90 have garnered a reputation for their accuracy. The idea that AKs are inherently inaccurate isn’t really true in the modern space—although their accuracy is dampened by their long-stroke gas piston operation, a high-quality rifle paired with the right AK optic mount and optic can be incredibly accurate. Currently, 5.56 AKs are being produced by a plethora of manufacturers, making them some of the most common options available next to 7.62×39 models.
.308 Winchester/7.62 NATO
Another caliber not usually associated with the AK is .308 Winchester. While not used in mainline AK variants, it was a common chambering on imported Saiga and VEPR models. Fairly recently, it’s had a surge in popularity due to its use on the Zastava M77.
.308 is a battle-tested and proven cartridge that’s particularly well-suited for long-range precision, competition, hunting, and even duty applications. It’s capable of achieving a muzzle velocity of around 3,000 FPS and can produce upwards of 2,600+ ft-lbs of muzzle energy. Being a full-power rifle cartridge, it has an effective range of around 800 yards, but with the right load, it can be accurate up to, and beyond, 1,000 yards.
Currently, the Zastava M77 is the most readily available AK variant chambered in .308. However, despite being limited in your choices, these are fairly easy to come by, and even though they’re a Yugo pattern AK, they’re still compatible with many common AK-47 accessories.
9mm
9mm is another unique caliber used on the AK platform, with it being fielded in specialized AK variants like the PP-19 Bizon and Vityaz. Nowadays, 9mm AKs are widely favored thanks to their familiar controls, reliable operation, and compact size.
Being a pistol caliber cartridge, 9mm doesn’t offer nearly the same amount of power or longevity as intermediate and full-power rifle cartridges, but it excels in close range applications. On average 9mm produces a muzzle velocity of 1,100 to 1,300 FPS and anywhere from 350 to 500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. Because of this, 9mm AK PCC options are most often used for recreation, though they can be used for competitive and defensive shooting disciplines as well.
Which One Should You Choose?
Combloc Calibers
If you’re interested in running a traditional AK caliber, 7.62×39 is easily the most common one used. Most AKs on the market are chambered in it and ammunition is still plentiful, making it a solid choice to consider. Plus, with the wide variety of specialized ammo loads available, 7.62×39 AKs can be a great option for everything from recreational shooting to even hunting and defensive applications too.
5.45×39 is a great alternative to 7.62×39 that offers better accuracy, long-range performance, and less felt recoil. There are several AKs available that use this caliber, but the scarcity in ammo makes it a better choice for resolute AK enthusiasts.
Lastly, although you’re limited to rifles like the PSL and M91, 7.62x54R can be an excellent choice if you want more of a DMR style AK.
NATO Calibers
Although they don’t have the same tenure with the AK platform as Combloc calibers, NATO calibers are solid alternatives that are widely available. AKs chambered in 5.56 perform similarly to AK-74s chambered in 5.45, and since it’s one of the most widely available calibers around, there’s no shortage of quality ammo to choose from.
.308 is a great pick for applications that require extra power at longer ranges, but there aren’t many AK models chambered in it, with the Zastava M77 being one of the only readily available AK variants chambered in .308.
Finally, if you’re interested in running an AK-style PCC, 9mm is an excellent choice, with it being used on AK pistol models like the Century Arms NAK9. It’s softer recoil impulse and budget-friendly ammunition make it an excellent choice for recreational and defensive shooting.
Conclusion
The enduring legacy of the AK-47 has captivated enthusiasts for decades. Since its inception, it’s gone on to inspire several unique AK variants, and has continued to expand to feature a plethora of caliber options that aren’t all inherent to the platform.
While there are several options to choose from, picking one ultimately depends on your needs and preferences, as well as your rifle’s intended purpose. 7.62×39, 5.45×39, and 5.56 are solid picks for general purpose use, 7.62x54R and .308 are better for DMR/long range applications, and 9mm is really the only viable choice for those wanting a PCC.
Aside from performance, rifle and ammo availability are key factors to consider too. 7.62×39, 5.56, and 9mm are, by far, the most widely available options, with there being many rifles and ammo loads to pick from. In contrast, 5.45, 7.62x54R, and .308—while great options—are more niche, with either fewer rifles or limited ammo availability. Still, each one can be a more-than-worthwhile choice. So long as you take your needs and preferences into consideration, and understand the availability of each option, you’ll be set.
Regardless of which one you opt for, to fully understand and appreciate the AK platform, it’s important to know how exactly they work. Our guide on the parts of an AK will get you up to speed on their core components, as well as how they operate. Check it out!
