Hornady is now selling a new subsonic load option for the popular and classic 7.62x39mm cartridge. This .30 caliber cartridge has remained a constant in the world of Soviet-designed firearms such as the Kalashnikov rifle, SKS and the Czech-produced VZ58. Nowadays, many modern modular rifle and pistol designs also make use of this chambering and offer it to users who prefer its ballistic performance at close to intermediate distances. In the US, the 7.62×39 cartridge’s performance often gets compared to that of the venerable .30-30 Win.—another top American rifle cartridge dating back to the 1890s.

Hornady’s new product offering stands out in the American firearms space because for the most part, the majority of 7.62x39mm loads sold commercially are imported from overseas and closely resemble the original Soviet M43 round, albeit with some minor differences. For the most part, the same is true for domestically produced 7.62x39mm ammunition, most of is also loaded with a 123-grain projectile, either full metal jacket or soft point with a muzzle velocity of around 2,330 fps. This new purposely- engineered sub-sonic suppressor-ready load is a boon for American shooters who want the benefits of this cartridge without all the noise.

This new cartridge has a .311-inch caliber 255-grain Sub X projectile that also has Hornady’s patented flex tip insert directly over the projectile’s flat meplat cavity. The flex tip works along with long grooves found in the Sub X projectile’s gilding metal jacket to better expand at lower than standard muzzle velocities. The insert acts as a hydraulic wedge that initiates expansion upon the bullet’s contact with a target. Hornady sourced propellants that are ideal for providing consistency in shorter barrels at lower velocities and with suppressor use.

For more information about this new 7.62x39mm cartridge option or to explore other products in Hornady’s subsonic ammunition line, please visit their website at hornady.com.

Article by SHOOTING ILLUSTRATED STAFF

Don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.