What’s the difference between brass and steel 7.62x39 casings? Material and appearance. Brass is the standard gold-toned casing — polished to a warm finish and non-magnetic. Steel-cased 7.62x39 is distinctly different — darker gray, magnetic, and more common in Eastern European military surplus ammunition. Both are genuine once-fired casings. For craft use, brass reads as more traditional; steel has a more industrial, utilitarian look that works well in steampunk and mixed-media projects.
Are these the same as AK-47 casings? Yes — 7.62x39mm is the standard caliber for the AK-47 and SKS. These are genuine once-fired 7.62x39 brass casings recovered from real firing use. The distinctive bottleneck profile and headstamp markings are authentic to the caliber.
Do headstamps vary? Yes — these are genuine mixed lots from multiple manufacturers including domestic and Eastern European producers. Headstamp markings, dates, and country of origin vary by lot. If you need a specific headstamp for a project, contact us and we’ll let you know what’s currently in stock.
Are these safe to handle? Yes — completely inert. All casings are once-fired, spent, and contain no gunpowder or live primer. Craft and display components only.
