Soft Point vs. Hollow Point in Short Russian

[Drakejake]

I am referrring to Wolf ammo in 7.62 by 39. This comes in FMJ, soft point, and hollow point. What are the pros and cons of SP vs. HP for combat, hunting, target shooting, and other uses? Any important differences?

Thanks,

Drakejake

 

[Black Snowman]

For a HD scenario where I would want to minimize overpenetration I'd go with a HP round. SP for best terminal performance gaining better penetration than the HP but still some expansion and whatever happens to be most accurate from the gun for target shooting. I don't think any of the Wolf 7.62x39 is particularly accurate so I went with what was cheapest for range use in my SKS. At the time it was the FMJ.

 

[dfaugh]

I have a wooden backstop

comprised of the remains of a VERY large Pine tree, that I lost in a storm (2+ feet in diameter at the base). There appears to be very little difference in penetration between the 3 different types, the FMJ and HP are almost identical, the SPs have some slight expansion and slightly less penetration. But this is a fairly "hard" target, not sure there'd be much difference at all in flesh, and suspect any of them will travel through multiple walls of a house (they penetrate about 5-6" into solid wood). Also, none are very accurate in either of my SKSs, nor my buddies AK. If you want reasonable accuracy, go with Winchester. I haven't checked penetration withe Winchester, as I've only shot it at the range (as opposed to my "home range"), but it is more accurate, and has a true hunting type bullet.

 

[Tomac]

From my personal experience stick w/FMJ for penetration/reliability or SP for terminal effectiveness (if your rifle is reliable w/SP ammo). HP usually acts like FMJ but will sometimes fragment violently. These are my admittedly unscientific tests using gallon water jugs in a row.
Tomac