So, you finally picked up that sweet 7.62×39 rifle with a chrome-lined barrel. Maybe it’s a Zastava ZPAP, maybe it’s an old-school SKS, or maybe it’s your fifth AK and you’ve stopped naming them. Whatever the case, you’ve got the barrel. Now comes the ammo.
Let’s be real: not all 7.62×39 ammo plays nice with chrome-lined barrels. Some are like that one friend who eats chips in your bed and leaves crumbs. Others? Smooth, consistent, and exactly what your rifle dreams about when the safe door closes.
This guide breaks down the best loads for chrome-lined barrels, so you stop wasting time and money on junk and start sending accurate, clean, and cost-effective rounds downrange.
Why Chrome-Lined Barrels Deserve Better Ammo
You didn’t settle for a bare-bones barrel, so why skimp on the loads? Chrome-lined barrels offer:
- Corrosion resistance: Great for long-term storage and humid climates.
- Ease of cleaning: Less gunk sticks, and carbon fouling wipes off like magic.
- Longevity: Expect tens of thousands of rounds before serious wear kicks in.
However, chrome lining can sometimes be less precise than a match-grade, non-lined barrel. That’s why ammo choice matters more than ever—your rounds need to make up for any loss in barrel uniformity with consistency and burn characteristics.
1. The Yugo M67: Surplus Royalty
Yugo M67 7.62×39 124gr – 1260rd Crate (FREE Shipping)
If your chrome-lined barrel had a wishlist, the Yugo M67 would sit at the top. This legendary surplus round features:
- Lead-core bullets: Unlike the Russian steel-core stuff, M67 hits with a more stable, reliable impact.
- Brass casing: Excellent seal and extraction.
- Corrosive primers: Okay, yeah, not a plus—but if you clean your gun like an adult, you’re fine.
Yugo M67 loads especially well in Zastava rifles (naturally). Chrome-lined barrels shrug off corrosive residue better than untreated ones, so you get the best of both worlds: nostalgic shooting and minimal worry.
Perfect for range days with a Cold War flair—just bring a cleaning kit and some Balkan music.
2. Zastava Brass-Case 7.62×39 (Boxed)
7.62x39mm Ammunition Brass Case – Boxed
When accuracy matters, nothing beats high-quality brass. Zastava’s new-production brass-case 7.62×39 ammo steps up with:
- Non-corrosive Boxer primers
- Reloadable brass cases
- Excellent feeding and extraction in all AK platforms
Chrome-lined barrels appreciate ammo that burns clean, and this one delivers. You’ll notice less fouling, smoother cycling, and—if your barrel could talk—a sigh of contentment.
Best for zeroing scopes, checking groupings, or showing off in front of your “556 fanboy” buddy.
3. Bulk Brick Option – Range Day Approved
7.62x39mm Ammunition Brass Case – Brick
You know that feeling when you find 20 bucks in your old jeans? This is that—but in ammo form.
This brick of brass-case 7.62×39 offers all the benefits of the boxed version but in a bulk-friendly format:
- Cost-effective for training
- Reliable feeding in semi-autos
- Cleaner burn than steel-case bulk ammo
Your chrome-lined barrel won’t overheat or foul up as fast, and your wallet won’t cry tears of financial sorrow. Whether you’re running mag dumps or just stocking up for “the next shortage,” this is your go-to.
What About Steel-Cased Ammo?
Let’s address the big (and cheap) elephant in the room—steel-case 7.62×39.
Yes, it’s affordable. Yes, it feeds well in most AKs. But there are tradeoffs:
- Dirtier burn: More carbon fouling = more cleaning.
- Harder on extractors: Not a dealbreaker, but something to track.
- Lacquer or polymer coatings: Can cause chamber buildup during long sessions.Chrome-lined barrels handle steel-case ammo better than untreated bores, but don’t go full mag-dump hero without cleaning your gun afterward. Once in a while? Sure. Every range trip? Not ideal.
Bullet Types: What Works Best?
Not all 7.62×39 bullets are created equal, especially for chrome-lined barrels.
FMJ (Full Metal Jacket)
The workhorse. Excellent feeding, good accuracy, and clean penetration. Works great in chrome-lined barrels due to consistent pressure and minimal deformation.
Soft Point / Hollow Point
Better for hunting or defensive use. Slightly less consistent feeding in some AK platforms, but chrome-lined barrels handle the expansion pressure well.
Lead Core vs. Steel Core
Chrome-lined barrels tolerate steel-core wear better, but accuracy tends to suffer. For precision and bore longevity, stick to lead-core, especially brass-cased rounds.
Pressure and Velocity: It’s Not Just Ballistics—It’s Barrel Behavior
Chrome-lined barrels often run slightly cooler than bare-steel counterparts, but they don’t love inconsistent pressure spikes. Avoid cheap ammo with erratic powder charges. That’s like feeding your rifle energy drinks and expecting it to run a marathon without puking.
Brass-case loads—especially from manufacturers like Zastava—offer stable pressures and clean burns. You’ll shoot straighter, cleaner, and with fewer malfunctions.
Reloading: Worth It for Chrome-Lined 7.62×39?
If you like spreadsheets and primer trays more than sunshine and weekends—yes, reloading can be worth it.
Brass-case ammo makes reloading possible. While chrome-lined barrels aren’t picky, they do love clean-burning handloads. Just don’t push pressures past standard SAAMI spec unless you want to meet your bolt face in person.
Reloaders, rejoice: Zastava’s brass-case boxed and brick options work great for multiple cycles.
Cleaning Rituals: How Ammo Choice Saves You Time
Chrome-lining makes cleaning easier, but it’s not a magic anti-gunk spell. Ammo matters.
- Surplus corrosive: Clean ASAP. Hot water + solvent = your new best friends.
- Modern brass-case: Still clean regularly, but you’ll notice significantly less fouling.
- Steel-case lacquered: Be thorough. Heat and residue can bake onto the chamber walls like an overcooked lasagna.
Choosing the right load not only improves performance but also cuts down your post-range scrub time.
Final Verdict: Best Loads for Chrome-Lined Barrels
If you made it this far, you’re either a serious shooter—or you’re bored at work and pretending to “update spreadsheets.” Either way, here’s the TL;DR of the best loads for chrome-lined 7.62×39 barrels:
- 🔥 Top All-Around Performer: Zastava Brass-Case (Boxed)
- 💥 Bulk King: Zastava Brass-Case (Brick)
- 🎖️ Surplus Champ: Yugo M67 Crate (just don’t forget your cleaning rod)
Let your barrel breathe easy, your groups tighten up, and your trigger finger stay happy.
Ready to feed your rifle the good stuff? Explore more premium ammo options at the Zastava Arms USA homepage.
