7.62x39 ammo

[Stuffy25thIA]

Had a friend of mine give me a few rounds of 7.62x39 ammo, it is steel cased, with a round nose FMJ bullet.  But the bullet has a plastic core, very light in weight.  Who made these, and can they still be bought?

[John Traveler]

Hi Stuffy!

If you copy and post the headstamp markings, that should help to positively identify the cartridge and country of origin.

The former Soviet Union (Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Armenia, etc.) and it's former client states (Communist Bloc) characteristically make their small arms ammunition with lacquer-coated steel cases.

Sometimes the cases are simply copper-washed, and lacquered, and sometimes they are gray or brown-lacquer directly on the steel.

Your cartridges with the plastic bullet filler sound Russia, probably Wolfe brand.  They are widely available and considered excellent pinking ammo.

HTH
John

[Stuffy25thIA]

Just a couple more things about this ammo.
The case is laquired green steel case.
The markings on the bottom are 05 and 79.
It comes in a blister pack of 10 rounds.  The markings on the back of the pack are, 10 Stuck, M 43 Ub
Anyone know where to buy more?
Thank you for your time.

[His lordship.]

The ammo you describe sounds like some 7.62 X 39 that I bought about 7-8 years ago and shot off.  The ones I bought were East German "gallery" rounds intended for short range use, possible indoor application.  The bullets them selves were not lead, but as I recall were plastic.

I only bought a few, they were said to be corrosive so I shot them all in my Chinese SKS and cleaned the gas piston/barrel that night.  I can't remember if they were accurate, but I did not complain about them.  Tried to buy some more later but the supply dried up.