Ammo Reports Team
At a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | Hunting — medium to large game |
| Bullet Type | Lead-Core Soft Point |
| Bullet Weight | 123 gr |
| Case Material | Brass (reloadable) |
| Primer Type | Boxer |
| Packaging | 20 rounds per box |
| Typical Price | $44.99/box — $2.25/round |
| Closest Competitors | Wolf Performance 7.62×39 123 gr SP, Hornady Black 7.62×39 123 gr SST, Winchester USA 7.62×39 123 gr FMJ |
Official Specs
| Spec | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity (fps) | — | Not published |
| Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | — | Not published |
| Bullet Weight | 123 gr | Manufacturer |
| Bullet Type | Lead-Core Soft Point | Manufacturer |
| BC G1 | — | Not published |
| BC G7 | — | Not published |
| Manufacturer SKU | — | Not published |
| UPC | — | Not published |
| Reloadable | Yes | Manufacturer |
Note: Federal does not publish muzzle velocity or muzzle energy for this specific Power-Shok load in available product documentation. Ballistic table values below are calculated estimates based on industry-standard performance data for 123 gr soft point projectiles in 7.62×39 from a 16-inch test barrel. Community-submitted chronograph data will be added as it becomes available.
Ballistics Table
Calculated estimate. Real-world results vary by barrel length, temperature,altitude, and lot. Community submissions will provide measured muzzlevelocity for comparison.
Zeroed at 100 yards. Sight height: 1.5" above bore. Estimated muzzle velocity: ~2,350 fps (typical for 123 gr SP in 7.62×39 from a 16" barrel).
| Yards | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Trajectory (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ~2,350 | ~1,507 | -1.5 |
| 100 | ~2,097 | ~1,200 | 0.0 ← zero |
| 200 | ~1,860 | ~945 | -7.2 |
| 300 | ~1,641 | ~735 | -26.4 |
| 400 | ~1,443 | ~569 | -64.8 |
| 500 | ~1,272 | ~442 | -131.0 |
Key takeaway: The 7.62×39 cartridge delivers adequate energy for ethical harvests on deer-sized game out to approximately 200 yards, where retained energy remains near 945 ft-lbs. Beyond that threshold, the relatively modest ballistic coefficient of a traditional soft point causes velocity and energy to drop steeply, making hold-over corrections significant at 300 yards and beyond. For most practical hunting applications — shots inside 200 yards in timber or brush — this load performs well within its intended design envelope. Hunters expecting longer-range shots should consider a cartridge with a flatter trajectory profile.
The Federal Power-Shok Line and the 7.62×39 Context
The Federal Power-Shok series occupies a deliberate position in Federal’s product lineup: full-featured hunting ammunition at a price point accessible to volume shooters and hunters who want factory performance without premium bullet pricing. The 7.62×39 chambering within this line reflects the widespread adoption of AK-pattern and SKS-pattern rifles in North American hunting, particularly for deer and feral hog hunting in states where semi-automatic centerfire rifles are legal for that purpose.
The lead-core soft point construction used here is a traditional and proven design — the exposed lead tip initiates expansion on impact while the jacketed body controls penetration. This design has been used successfully on deer-sized game for decades and remains a practical, cost-effective choice where bonded or premium projectiles are not required by regulation or terrain. It is worth noting that soft point bullets of this construction type are generally not considered monolithic or lead-free, which is relevant in jurisdictions with condor zone or lead-restriction regulations.
Best Uses
Good fit:
- Deer hunting at ranges inside 200 yards, particularly from AK-pattern or SKS rifles
- Feral hog control where controlled expansion is preferred over FMJ penetration
- Medium game hunting in dense brush or timber where shot distances are predictable and short
- Hunters seeking a cost-effective factory hunting load for semi-automatic platforms chambered in 7.62×39
- General-purpose hunting use where bonded bullets are not required by the application
Not the right tool for:
- Long-range shots beyond 200 yards, where trajectory drop and energy loss become significant limitations
- Jurisdictions with lead-free ammunition requirements (California condor zones, specific wildlife management areas)
- Varmint hunting where rapid fragmentation is preferred over controlled expansion
- Target shooting or competition, where FMJ or match bullets are more appropriate and cost-effective
- Large, heavy-boned game such as elk or moose, where a bonded or premium bullet offers more reliable deep penetration
Reliability Notes
No structured submissions yet.
Based on manufacturer claims and open-source information, the Federal Power-Shok line has a long-standing reputation for consistent ignition and acceptable accuracy from hunting-grade rifles. The brass case construction supports reliable feeding in bolt-action and semi-automatic platforms alike, and Boxer priming allows reloading for those who wish to recycle cases. Open-source field reports from hunting forums suggest terminal performance consistent with traditional soft point behavior — moderate expansion with reasonable penetration on deer-sized game at typical hunting distances. No structured velocity or expansion data from independent laboratory testing is available for this specific load at this time. All notes above reflect manufacturer positioning and community-sourced observations, not structured test data.
Competitors
| Load | Weight | Bullet | BC G1 | Adv. Velocity | Price/box | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady Black 7.62×39 | 123 gr | SST | ~0.295 | ~2,350 fps | ~$22–$26 | Premium polymer-tipped; superior BC and expansion consistency |
| Wolf Performance 7.62×39 | 123 gr | SP | Not published | ~2,350 fps | ~$10–$14 | Budget steel-case; non-reloadable; banned at some ranges |
| Sellier & Bellot 7.62×39 | 123 gr | SP | Not published | ~2,395 fps | ~$18–$22 | European brass-case alternative; widely available |
| PPU 7.62×39 | 123 gr | SP | Not published | ~2,329 fps | ~$16–$20 | Budget brass-case option; reloadable; comparable terminal design |
| Winchester Super-X 7.62×39 | 123 gr | Power-Point SP | Not published | ~2,365 fps | ~$28–$34 | Notched SP for improved expansion; direct premium SP competitor |
| Remington Core-Lokt 7.62×39 | 123 gr | PSP | ~0.280 | ~2,350 fps | ~$26–$32 | Established hunting load; bonded-style Core-Lokt construction |
Note: Several budget competitors use steel cases and Berdan primers, which are non-reloadable and may be prohibited at certain indoor ranges. The Federal Power-Shok load uses brass cases and Boxer primers, which is a meaningful practical advantage for shooters who reload or frequent range-restricted venues.
Price Reality
- Typical retail range: $39.99–$49.99 per 20-round box; case pricing (typically 200–500 rounds) varies by retailer
- Per-round cost: Approximately $2.00–$2.50 per round at typical retail pricing based on the $44.99 MSRP
- The Hornady Black 7.62×39 SST is frequently available at $22–$26 per box of 20, making it a notably lower-cost option with a premium polymer-tipped bullet — buyers should compare current pricing before defaulting to Power-Shok at this price point
- Budget steel-case soft points (Wolf, Tula) are available at $10–$14 per box, representing roughly one-quarter of the Power-Shok per-round cost, though with non-reloadable steel cases
- Fair price benchmark: At $44.99 for 20 rounds, this load sits at the higher end of the non-premium hunting ammunition segment for 7.62×39. Pricing above $50 per box would be difficult to justify given competitive alternatives; pricing below $35 represents good value for brass-cased factory hunting ammunition in this caliber
Prices change. Check the Where to Buy block for current listings.
Where to Buy
Federal Power-Shok 7.62x39 123 Gr Soft Point (Box)
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FAQ
Does the Federal Power-Shok 7.62×39 soft point expand reliably at lower velocities typical of shorter barrels?The lead-core soft point design used in this load relies on hydraulic pressure and impact velocity to initiate expansion. At the moderate velocities typical of 7.62×39 — roughly 2,100–2,350 fps depending on barrel length — traditional soft points generally expand reliably on tissue-dense game at reasonable hunting distances. Shorter barrels (16" or less) will reduce muzzle velocity somewhat compared to the standard 24" test barrel, which can affect expansion at the far end of the load’s effective range. For shots inside 150 yards from a standard AK-pattern or SKS rifle, terminal performance should be adequate for deer-sized game. Hunters using particularly short barrels (under 14") may want to verify velocity expectations before relying on this load for hunting.
How does this load compare to the Hornady Black 7.62×39 123 gr SST for deer hunting?The Hornady Black SST uses a polymer-tipped bullet with a higher ballistic coefficient, which produces a flatter trajectory and more consistent expansion initiation compared to a traditional open-tip soft point. For hunters shooting past 150 yards or in conditions where precise bullet performance matters, the SST design has a measurable technical advantage. The Federal Power-Shok soft point is a simpler and more traditional construction that has a long field record on deer-sized game. The practical difference inside 150 yards on broadside shots is likely minimal; the SST’s advantage becomes more meaningful at longer ranges or on quartering shots. Current street pricing often makes the Hornady Black less expensive per box, which further reduces the case for choosing Power-Shok at full MSRP.
Is this ammunition legal for deer hunting in states that require expanding bullets?The soft point bullet in this load is an expanding projectile by design, making it compliant with regulations in states that prohibit non-expanding FMJ bullets for deer hunting. However, hunters should always verify current state and local regulations, as rules vary by species, zone, and season. This load is not lead-free, which makes it non-compliant in California condor zones and other jurisdictions with mandatory lead-free requirements for hunting. Federal does not market this load as meeting any specific state’s non-toxic shot requirement. Always consult your state wildlife agency’s current regulations before using any factory ammunition for hunting.
Can the brass cases from Federal Power-Shok 7.62×39 be reloaded?Yes — the brass case and Boxer primer construction of this load makes it fully compatible with standard reloading equipment. This is a meaningful distinction from the steel-cased, Berdan-primed alternatives common in the 7.62×39 market. However, 7.62×39 reloading presents some practical challenges: case availability is relatively limited compared to more common cartridges, and bullet diameter (.311") requires attention to component selection. This page covers factory ammunition only and does not provide reloading data; consult a current reloading manual for load development guidance.
Why is Federal Power-Shok priced higher than many other 7.62×39 soft point loads?The Federal Power-Shok line commands a modest premium over budget imports primarily because of its brass case construction, Boxer priming, and Federal’s domestic quality control standards. Steel-cased alternatives from Eastern European manufacturers are significantly cheaper but are non-reloadable and may not feed as reliably in all rifles or be permitted at all shooting ranges. Within the brass-cased segment, the Power-Shok competes with Sellier & Bellot, PPU, and Remington loads — all of which are frequently available at lower price points. At $44.99 per box of 20, the Power-Shok sits at the upper edge of the non-premium tier; buyers who prioritize brass cases and name-brand quality control may find the price acceptable, while value-focused hunters may find comparable performance at lower cost from competing brass-cased loads.
