Steel-cased ammo gets a bad reputation for fouling chambers and causing jams, especially in rifles that weren’t designed for it. But some guns shrug off the differences in case material, lacquer coatings, and extraction demands. These rifles and carbines have the right chamber dimensions, gas systems, and rugged bolts to keep running even when fed with the cheapest steel you can find. If you want a rifle that digests bulk ammo without stuttering, these are the platforms hunters and shooters turn to with confidence.
AK-47 in 7.62×39
The AK-47 was built with steel-cased ammo in mind, as that’s what the Soviets produced in huge quantities. Its loose tolerances and strong extractor mean it feeds and ejects even the dirtiest surplus loads.
Shooters report that rifles in 7.62×39 can run thousands of rounds of steel without cleaning and still function. The tapered case design also helps with reliable extraction. If you want a rifle that never complains about cheap ammo, an AK-pattern rifle remains the gold standard.
SKS in 7.62×39
Like the AK, the SKS was designed around steel-cased 7.62×39, making it naturally reliable with that kind of ammunition. Its simple gas piston system and rugged bolt design don’t choke under lacquered or polymer-coated steel.
Hunters and range shooters often use bulk steel ammo in SKS rifles without issue. While it lacks the rapid magazine changes of modern platforms, it makes up for it with reliability and consistency. If you’re shooting on a budget, the SKS won’t let cheap steel rounds stop your day.
VEPR in 7.62×39 and .308
The VEPR series rifles, built on reinforced RPK receivers, are some of the toughest AK variants available. Chambered in both 7.62×39 and .308 Winchester, they handle steel-cased ammo easily.
Their heavy-duty design and quality manufacturing make them reliable even when you’re running bulk import ammunition. Whether in traditional AK calibers or the harder-hitting .308, VEPR rifles show how a strong extractor and robust gas system keep steel running smoothly. For those who want a higher-end AK platform, VEPRs are proven performers.
Saiga in 7.62×39
Saiga rifles, made in Russia, were imported specifically for the U.S. civilian market. Despite their sporterized appearance, they’re AK-based and built to run on the same steel-cased ammo as their military counterparts.
Owners report excellent reliability when shooting steel, whether it’s lacquered surplus or modern polymer-coated cases. The Russian design roots mean these rifles thrive on the kind of ammunition many Western rifles struggle with. If you want a rifle that’s both accurate and forgiving of steel, the Saiga fits the bill.
PSL in 7.62×54R
The Romanian PSL, chambered in 7.62×54R, was designed as a designated marksman rifle and has no trouble with steel-cased surplus. That cartridge has been made in steel for decades, and the PSL eats it up without issue.
Its long-stroke gas piston system is forgiving of fouling and case coatings, allowing it to keep running through extended sessions. Many shooters use steel surplus as their main ammo source, and the PSL continues to prove itself as reliable under those conditions.
RPK in 7.62×39
The RPK light machine gun variant of the AK was designed to fire long strings of steel-cased 7.62×39 without fail. Its reinforced receiver and heavy barrel help manage heat while maintaining reliability.
Even with the cheapest surplus ammo, RPKs keep feeding and ejecting without a hiccup. Hunters and collectors alike have found that these rifles will run steel for thousands of rounds, just like their military predecessors. If durability and ammo compatibility are your priority, the RPK stands out.
Galil ACE in 7.62×39
The Galil ACE updates the classic Galil design while keeping AK-like reliability, especially when running steel-cased 7.62×39. Its piston system and strong extractor let it handle cheap ammo without the problems you might see in tighter-tolerance rifles.
Shooters appreciate that it offers modern ergonomics while still chewing through bulk steel ammo. Whether for range practice or field use, the ACE maintains function and accuracy even with lower-grade ammunition. If you want modern features with AK roots, the Galil ACE delivers.
Zastava M70 in 7.62×39
The Zastava M70 is a Serbian-made AK variant with a reputation for toughness. Chambered in 7.62×39, it was built to run exclusively on steel-cased ammo from the factory.
Its heavy-duty construction and reliable piston system make it a workhorse when using bulk imports. Shooters consistently report that Zastava rifles stay reliable no matter how many steel rounds they push through. If you want a durable AK that won’t complain about cheap ammo, the M70 has the track record.
RPD in 7.62×39
The RPD light machine gun, designed before the AK, runs 7.62×39 in belt-fed configuration and was built for steel-cased ammo. Its long-stroke piston and robust internals make it one of the most reliable steel-fed platforms ever made.
Though not as common on the civilian market, semi-auto versions maintain the same rugged reliability. When you want a rifle that’s proven in sustained fire with nothing but steel, the RPD remains an underrated powerhouse.
Dragunov SVD in 7.62×54R
The Dragunov SVD has been fielded with nothing but steel-cased 7.62×54R for decades. Its design accepts the quirks of surplus ammunition and keeps performing under field conditions.
Hunters and collectors who run surplus ammo through their SVDs note that it maintains excellent reliability. It was never intended for match-grade brass, and that’s exactly why it thrives on steel. If you want a precision-capable rifle that shrugs off the cheapest surplus, the SVD stands tall.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
