Question about 7.62 x 39 ammo

[JTHunter]

I have some questions about different brands of ammo for AK type rifles. I'm not concerned about different bullet types but more interested in problems with the ammo (very dirty, F2F, jams, etc.).
The low-priced brands I've seen the most are Wolf, Tulammo, and the "3 Bears" (Brown, Silver, Golden). I understand most (or all) are Berdan-primed and "corrosive" but don't understand the severity of said corrosion.
Do any of these ammos really dirty up the barrel more than the others?
One website I was looking at today had discontiued all of their Bear ammos due to problems with the ammo (according to them). Have any of you heard anything about this?

Thanks for the information.

[Combat Diver]

I have fired hundards of Wolf ammo made in USSR out of my military SKS. No issues ever and I believe Wolf is non corrosive but Berden primed.



CD

[HOWARD J]

As combat diver
I have used thousands of Wolf ammo with no problems
It is NON corrosive ammo.
I don't use other Russian ammo---stick with what is good.
I did like Chinese steel core ( corrosive but easy clean with water &
Hoppies ) I was getting it for 8 cents per round but Clinton made it
illegal to import as he said it would pierce armour?? I guess they didn't pay him enuf ?

[nalioth]

I I understand most (or all) are Berdan-primed and "corrosive" but don't understand the severity of said corrosion.

"Corrosive ammo" is called such because the primers in such ammo uses chemical salts as part of its composition.

When the weapon is fired, these salts are vaporized and end up coating the inside of the barrel and muzzle device (if any) and the outside near the muzzle.

Salt attracts water => water creates rust. It's as simple as that. Prompt cleaning alleviates this event.

It's not "corrosive" as pouring acid on the gun would be.

It is NON corrosive ammo.

Recently, some Wolf was produced in the Ukraine with corrosive primers (just like back around the late '90s/early 2000s).

All of the brands mentioned in the OP are commercial and are supposed to be non-corrosive, but on the rare occasion, the factory trips with a box of military primers . .

[JTHunter]

Thanks for the information. I wasn't sure if it was the primers or the powder itself that was corrosive.

[swgunner]

I prefer Silver Bear over Brown Bear in 7.62x39 and .223. I have ordered but not had any experience with Tulammo in 30 Carbine. It's all good ammo, it is not premium Nosler, Hornady or Black Hills, but you may be pleasantly surprised by the consistency of the ammo.