First AK - Ammo question

791 Views 10 Replies 8 Participants Last post by nuclearpotatoX, 5 mo ago

October2021

Discussion Starter · 6 mo ago

Hi Guys. Your typical AR15 guy here.
Got myself a Riley AK-47 a while ago.

I use Federal, Winchester, Prvi Partizan kinda brands for my AR. ( Basically, Ammo that is not too expensive or too unreliable and does a good enough job )

What would be the AK47 equivalent ammo brands?

Thanks all for the replies!
Be Well!

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Indykid

· #2 · 6 mo ago

Yep, the AK was designed to feed the junk that the Soviet military was handing out. If you just want to enjoy shooting your AK and not worrying that it is only designed to hit an 8 inch target at 150 yards, I suggest the least expensive ammo you can find.

Funny thing about many AK variants is that they are not bad when it comes to accuracy, but again just remember that they were not designed to be a tack driver.

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Yoda

· #3 · 6 mo ago

There is no one recommendation and opinions will vary as with anything. While your AK should chew up most anything tossed into it, like your AR's, you may find it likes a certain brand better than others.
I'd grab a box or 2 of whatever is easily avail for you and plunk some rounds down range and note the results in accuracy, cycling, cost, etc.
123gr .30 cal full copper jacketed lead moving at +/- 2400fps will wreck most stuff.

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crslasher

· #4 · 6 mo ago

You can use your familiar brands, if you like.
AKOU did a few ammo video, and Am Eagle was one of the more consistent loads.
It's a Federal brand, I believe.
I've had good experience w/the ones w/four legs.
Bears, Tigers and Wolves, Oh No!
Let us know how that Riley Defense deal works out for you.
Good Luck

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Wmslm

· #5 · 6 mo ago

If you’re looking for a good hunting load, Hornady black SST is awesome! In general I wouldn’t pay more for brass case unless you plan to reload. I will just shoot whatever is cheapest. the one and only Ammo type that I have ever had a dudd is tula. If you’re looking for something to stock up on anything that is laquer sealed cases will be fine.

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Reno 911

· #6 · 6 mo ago

Barnaul (previously packaged as brown/silver/golden Bear) is regarded as the gold standard for Russian ammo.

I've always liked Golden Tiger, but it's hard to find after ammo ban. Wolf is repackaged Tulamo, bottom of the barrel and dirty as hell... UNLESS it's 123 grain, then it's actually Barnaul.

Wolf's "Military Classic" line in camo boxes is Barnaul as well.

Global Ordinance has been selling Bulgarian Circle 10 ammo from the Arsenal factory. It's beautiful and is of the level of Barnaul IMO.

As others have said, look for lacquer sealed cases. Many have sealed primers and necks, and that's nice for your long term ammo cans. The panic pricing of the ammo ban has subsided, and honestly the time is NOW to stock up on some of the good Russian food while you can @ prices that will seem a bargain soon enough.

The AK will do something to you that an AR just cannot. The sound of steel being shot, the simple beauty of design, the history behind it... add in the internet and trust me buy lots of ammo, because you'll have more AK's in no time. Don't fight it, it's pointless. lol

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Reactions: 4

Wmslm

· #7 · 6 mo ago

Reno 911 said:
Barnaul (previously packaged as brown/silver/golden Bear) is regarded as the gold standard for Russian ammo.

I've always liked Golden Tiger, but it's hard to find after ammo ban. Wolf is repackaged Tulamo, bottom of the barrel and dirty as hell... UNLESS it's 123 grain, then it's actually Barnaul. Wolf's "Military Classic" line in camo boxes is Barnaul as well.

Global Ordinance has been selling Bulgarian Circle 10 ammo from the Arsenal factory. It's beautiful and is of the level of Barnaul IMO.

As others have said, look for lacquer sealed cases. Many have sealed primers and necks, and that's nice for your long term ammo cans. The panic pricing of the ammo ban has subsided, and honestly the time is NOW to stock up on some of the good Russian food while you can @ prices that will seem a bargain soon enough.

The AK will do something to you that an AR just cannot. The sound of steel being shot, the simple beauty of design, the history behind it... add in the internet and trust me buy lots of ammo, because you'll have more AK's in no time. Don't fight it, it's pointless. lol

Right on

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nuclearpotatoX

· #8 · 5 mo ago

You can run basically any 7.62x39. I think the Riley Defense AKs are even chrome lined which allows you to shoot the crappiest, most corrosive ammo out there. Just buy what's cheap and clean your gun.

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8041_GK

· #9 · 5 mo ago

For indoor restrictions, Bellom (Serbian) has run excellent for me...seemingly on the cleaner side too.

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nuclearpotatoX

· #10 · 5 mo ago

8041_GK said:
For indoor restrictions, Bellom (Serbian) has run excellent for me...seemingly on the cleaner side too.

Those have sadly gone up in price where I live. It's like 70 cents a round ugh.

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nuclearpotatoX

· #11 · 5 mo ago

Wmslm said:
If you’re looking for a good hunting load, Hornady black SST is awesome! In general I wouldn’t pay more for brass case unless you plan to reload. I will just shoot whatever is cheapest. the one and only Ammo type that I have ever had a dudd is tula. If you’re looking for something to stock up on anything that is laquer sealed cases will be fine.

For $1-$1.50 per round? Yikes.

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