Hornady Black 7.62x39mm 123 gr Super Shock Tip Ammunition: Precision Performance for Diverse Platforms

For enthusiasts and professionals seeking the ultimate blend of accuracy, reliability, and terminal performance in 7.62x39mm ammunition, the Hornady Black 123 grain Super Shock Tip (SST) stands as a premier choice. This meticulously engineered cartridge, identified by SKU 80784 and UPC 090255807844, is specifically designed to excel across a wide spectrum of firearms, from traditional AK-47 and SKS platforms to modern AR-1style rifles chambered in 7.62x39mm, as well as various carbines and even pistol variants. Whether your focus is ethical hunting, consistent target shooting, or dependable general-purpose performance, Hornady Black delivers a superior shooting experience.

What Makes Hornady Black 7.62x39mm SST the Ideal Ammunition?

The core philosophy behind the Hornady Black series is to provide optimized performance for America's most popular shooting platforms. This means addressing common challenges like inconsistent feeding, excessive muzzle flash, and suboptimal accuracy often associated with certain ammunition types. Hornady Black achieves this through a combination of proprietary bullet designs, carefully selected propellants, and rigorous quality control.

• Optimized for Versatility: One of the most common questions users ask is, "What's the best ammunition for my AK-47 or AR-15 in 7.62x39mm that works reliably?" Hornady Black is engineered precisely for this. Its robust construction ensures smooth feeding and ejection across a wide array of gas systems and barrel lengths, from full-size rifles to compact short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and even pistol-caliber carbines. This adaptability makes it a go-to choice for shooters who own multiple platforms.
• Reduced Muzzle Flash: A significant advantage, particularly for those using short-barreled rifles or operating in low-light conditions, is the minimized muzzle flash. Hornady accomplishes this by utilizing special, clean-burning propellants. This not only enhances shooter comfort and preserves night vision but also reduces the visible signature, which can be crucial for hunters or those practicing tactical drills.
• Superior Accuracy and Consistency: At the heart of the 7.62x39mm Black load is the 123-grain Super Shock Tip (SST) bullet. This legendary Hornady bullet is renowned for its exceptional aerodynamic profile and controlled expansion. The polymer tip initiates rapid expansion upon impact, while the boat tail design and secant ogive reduce drag for flatter trajectories and improved long-range accuracy. Internal ballistics are finely tuned to ensure shot-to-shot consistency, critical for precision shooting and ethical hunting.
• Ethical Hunting Performance: When considering, "Is 7.62x39mm effective for small game or medium-sized game?" the answer, with Hornady Black SST, is a resounding yes. With a muzzle velocity of 2350 feet per second (fps) and a muzzle energy of 1508 foot-pounds (ft-lbs), the 123 gr SST projectile delivers devastating terminal performance. The controlled expansion of the SST bullet ensures maximum energy transfer and a wide wound channel, leading to quick, humane takedowns on game animals within the 7.62x39mm's effective range. While classified for small game, its capabilities extend to deer and similar-sized animals under appropriate conditions and ranges, making it a versatile hunting round.

The Science Behind the Super Shock Tip (SST) Bullet

The Super Shock Tip (SST) is a hallmark of Hornady's innovative bullet technology, designed to provide flat trajectories and dramatic terminal performance.

• Polymer Tip: The distinctive red polymer tip serves multiple purposes. It improves the ballistic coefficient, making the bullet more aerodynamically efficient for flatter trajectories and less wind drift. More importantly, it initiates rapid, reliable expansion even at lower velocities, ensuring consistent performance on impact.
• Secant Ogive Profile: This optimized bullet profile, combined with the polymer tip, creates a streamlined design that reduces drag, leading to higher velocities downrange and better energy retention. This translates to more precise shots and greater impact energy where it counts.
• InterLock Ring: A key feature for controlled expansion, the InterLock ring is a raised ring inside the jacket that is mechanically locked into the core. This ensures that the core and jacket remain together during expansion, delivering maximum weight retention and deep penetration without premature bullet disintegration.
• Boat Tail Design: The tapered base of the bullet reduces base drag, further enhancing the bullet's ballistic coefficient and contributing to its stability in flight, particularly over longer distances.

These combined features allow the Hornady Black 7.62x39mm 123 gr SST to deliver consistent, predictable results, whether you're zeroing in at the range or pursuing game in the field.

Why Choose Hornady Ammunition for Your Shooting Needs?

Hornady has built a reputation over decades for producing high-quality, innovative ammunition that shooters trust. When selecting ammunition, particularly for critical applications like hunting or self-defense, confidence in your rounds is paramount.

• Legacy of Innovation: Hornady is consistently at the forefront of ammunition technology, introducing advancements that improve accuracy, performance, and reliability. The Black line is a testament to this, specifically addressing the needs of modern sporting rifle owners.
• Rigorous Quality Control: Every batch of Hornady ammunition undergoes stringent quality control processes. From the selection of premium brass casing material for reliable cycling and potential reloading to the precise loading of propellants and seating of bullets, consistency is the driving force. This commitment ensures that each round performs as expected, shot after shot.
• Trusted by Experts: Professional shooters, hunters, and law enforcement agencies worldwide rely on Hornady ammunition for its proven performance in diverse environments. When you choose Hornady Black, you are choosing a product backed by a legacy of excellence and trusted by those who demand the best.
• Versatility Across Platforms: Users frequently inquire, "Will this ammo work in my SKS and my modern AR-47?" The design principles of Hornady Black ensure seamless operation across a vast range of 7.62x39mm firearms. This versatility means less concern about compatibility and more time focusing on your shooting.

Practical Applications and User Benefits

The Hornady Black 7.62x39mm 123 gr SST is designed to address multiple shooting scenarios effectively.

• Hunting: As a 123-grain Super Shock Tip projectile, it is an excellent choice for hunting small game and is highly effective for medium-sized game like deer at appropriate ranges. Its rapid, controlled expansion ensures humane kills and efficient energy transfer. Hunters appreciate its flat trajectory and downrange energy, which contribute to confident shot placement.
• Target Shooting: For range sessions, the consistency and accuracy of Hornady Black SST make it a rewarding round. Shooters can experience tighter groups and build confidence in their rifle's capabilities. The clean-burning propellant also contributes to less fouling in the firearm, meaning less cleaning time and more shooting time.
• General Purpose / Training: While optimized for hunting, the reliable feeding and consistent ballistics make it suitable for general training and familiarization with your 7.62x39mm platform. Understanding how premium ammunition performs can help shooters better gauge their rifle's potential.

The brass casing material used for Hornady Black 7.62x39mm 123 gr SST is a premium choice, offering several benefits over steel-cased alternatives often found in this caliber. Brass ensures smoother feeding and extraction, reduces wear on firearm components, and can even be reloaded by those who engage in handloading, adding to the value proposition.

When considering the longevity and performance of your firearm, choosing quality ammunition like Hornady Black is an investment. The reduced fouling from clean-burning propellants means less wear and tear on your rifle's barrel and gas system, contributing to its lifespan and consistent accuracy over time.

For those looking to stock up, Hornady Black 7.62x39mm 123 gr SST is typically packaged in boxes of 20 rounds, with 10 such boxes comprising a full case, totaling 200 rounds per case. This packaging is convenient for both retail purchases and bulk storage.

Available at trusted retailers like DEGuns, Hornady Black 7.62x39mm 123 gr Super Shock Tip ammunition represents a top-tier option for anyone demanding precision, reliability, and superior terminal performance from their 7.62x39mm firearms. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a dedicated target shooter, or simply seeking the best general-purpose ammunition for your rifle, this Hornady offering consistently delivers results that exceed expectations. Its thoughtful design addresses the specific needs of modern firearms and their users, ensuring that every shot counts.

Detailed Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model	Black
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Bullet Type	Super Shock Tip
Bullet Weight	123 gr
Casing Material	Brass
Muzzle Velocity	2350 fps
Muzzle Energy	1508 ft lbs
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	10
Application	Hunting
Game Type	Small Game
SKU	80784
UPC	090255807844