Always Bet On BLACK!...Sabre Blade Black Tip vs Hornady Black SST 7.62x39 AMMO Ballistic Gel Test!

[@EC-mc7vg]

Good head to head test, I think you answered some questions a lot of people had about the Sabre Blade Black Tip ammo. Very similar performance at less than half the price of the Hornady ammo.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yep.😎👊

[@badoobles]

It's just a bit lower velocity & wider deviation overall, which can affect accuracy. But still a fantastic bullet and near ide tidal wound channel. Id personally say, have a big stockpile of the hornady, and an even BIGGER stockpile of the sabre. 😂

[@juanthelawnmowerthief1641]

I bet the Hornady Black is hotter due to being loaded in brass cases allowing the neck to stretch and seal better than the AAC steel case.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@mr.e.2175]

I have the same rifle and I get 3/4 group at a 100 yards with the Black good huntin load!

[@DasGoodSoup]

But not in aks theyre designed for steel

[@FMDad-dm5qo]

That 123 gr SST can be handloaded to give sub-MOA groups in a Ruger American Ranch bolt gun. Fairly stout charge of Hodgdon CFE BLK worked well for me.

[@billm2407]

Excellent test! I tried the Sabre Black Tip in my Mini 30 and was very pleased. In my range results I got 1 1/2” groups at 50 yards, and 2 1/2” groups at 100 with a 1x red dot. The Mini 30 fed the steel cases just fine. For whatever reason, the black tips impact exactly the same as the FMJ surplus, while the Hornady Black impacted 2” lower and 2” to the right. At 10.99 a box, I ordered a bunch more.

[@joesephkingston1621]

I miss the old Hornady steel case SST. It and the last run of 8M3 are my go to.

[@brianhoxworth3881]

Well..Hornady sells the bullet to AAC then AAC could sell the steel cases to Hornady . Bam.

[@hailtothe_rooster1572]

I’ve got 4 cases of 8m3 for sale…. Nobody knows what it is outside of AK dudes

[@joesephkingston1621]

@@hailtothe_rooster1572 The original from the 90s or the newer Tula stuff Sam imported 6-8 years ago?

[@brianhoxworth3881]

@@hailtothe_rooster1572 I'd do sum trading, I have 2 cases (4 tins) of russian 7.62x54r. Got it quite a while ago, stored properly.

[@smoothieking157]

@@hailtothe_rooster1572 im interested

[@michaellavaughnrobinson]

Been loving the rifle testing. Appreciate all the work it takes in setting and filming all this.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that!😎👊

[@mikebrown9997]

Good to know that there are some 7.62x39 made in the USA. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir 😎👊

[@stevenkennedy4130]

Merica!

[@CatDaddySteve]

and they are VERY hard to find in stores AND expenses 😕

[@Gator69420]

@@CatDaddyStevePSA always has em in stock?

[@christopherbishop4927]

Absolutely stupid expensive with manufacturers laughing all the way to the bank

[@stevenkennedy4130]

Ruger American, in 7.63x39. That's a savage package, my friend! Thanks for the share!!

[@kevindutton3676]

PSA defensive ammo price is hard to beat but Hornady wins. Another useful test. Thanks brother.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@mikethomas4598]

I've taken whitetail with both. Trust me they don't notice the difference.

[@GunsBlazingRanch]

Great testing and analysis. That stuff is quite devastating.

[@TriggerCFR]

This was one of those videos that I wanted to know what was up. I picked up a Gen II RAR in 7.62x39 and have been super happy with it. Hornady used to load this in steel case, but I'm glad AAC has picked it up. Only real downside to 7.62x39 is the limited availability of sub-sonic ammunition and the price of that ammunition. But likely it's going to be my Texas deer/pig rifle.

[@ToolsandTargets]

💥🐗💥

[@doylethorn9251]

The Palmetto State web site shows the projectile was developed with and is manufactured by Hornady.

[@BuffRANGE]

Yes. AAC/PSA has confirmed all of their rifle bullets especially the SBBT are Hornady projectiles.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@CrashRacknShoot]

I don't think anyone is arguing that. I think the question is just "which Hornady bullet is PSA using?"

[@BuffRANGE]

@@CrashRacknShoot per AAC it’s the SST type custom to them.

[@CrashRacknShoot]

@@BuffRANGE yeah....we just covered and confirmed that in the video lol

[@reloader7sixtwo]

I reload my own 7.62 × 39, lots of bullet choices on the jacketed variety, such as the old Hornady 123 gr. V-MAX, soft points or FMJ along with the newer SST and Nosler Varmagedon and a number of cast bullets from 155 to 175 gr. in HP, FN and spire point versions. All my factory ammo is mostly Bear / Barnaul or surplus Yugoslavian in various bullet styles and weights. 7.62 × 39 is one of my favorite cartridges. Always look forward to your ammo test.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I can't shoot too much x39 or my AR's get jealous!😆

[@loquat44-40]

If one waits for a sale ACC PSA black sabre tip, one can get it for 55 cents a round, plus tax, shipping. So it was $10.99 /20 rounds times 20 box to = $219.80 for 400 rounds. Total with tax, insurance, shipping, etc was 256.21. Just to buy the hornady bullets at say midway is about 40 cent a projectile plus the shipping. It does not pay to reload this cartridge and steel case is no problem for me.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Completely agree. Sabre is the clear winner, all things considered.

[@chefboyarb]

Just purchased 250 for $150. Listed at .60c a round as of 8/14

[@billdye3530]

Only major difference is price. Both looked really nice & better than 5.56 but of course its a bigger projectile. The Sabre penetrated farther but the Hornady had more energy. Nice comparison! 👍🙏🇺🇸🎯

[@WytesOwnley]

Treatt it like a 30-30 and it won't disappoint you hunting❤

[@ToolsandTargets]

I'll take one of each!😎👊

[@jerrywiese9722]

Thanks for another great test, Fine Shooting as usual. I agree on the 7.62x39 being better than 5.56. It always proves to be true in the jelly test.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thumpers 😎👊

[@scottythebody0811]

Fantastic review. These are the two loads I bought for the exact rifle. Looks like both performed exceptionally well.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Very nice stuff.😎👊

[@randyduncan795]

Now if we could just get them to load 10mm to the same top spec they're loading AK rounds to. Thanks for the great test! I'm ordering some.

[@projectturbocoupe4897]

The difference in velocity probably has little to do with steel versus brass. Most likely the difference in powder and charge. Great test! Appreciate it.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@hoffpbass]

Definitely the power and assume couple more grains of it.

[@lutherpayne9957]

Most likely the brass cased Hornady sealed a little tighter in the chamber giving a little better consistency in velocity. Steel cases tend to not seal as consistently as brass. Good to know either one will get the job done. Cheers!

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@steelpunisher6944]

Wow! Both did a phenomenal job! And the aac is a decent amount cheaper. I have to agree with you about loving my .556 but always surprised by how much the 7.62 dumps more energy. Great head to head my friend 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Fin.mint.]

PSA actually writes on their website the projectile is made by Hornady.

[@mot0rhe4d40]

Perfect timing my friend. Just got a range report from the old man on the X39 AAC Black Sabres I sent him for Father's Day. I run a hand loaded Hornady ballistic tip in my X39 hunting load. I suspect the AAC bullet is a Hornady product, that they load themselves

[@markjones2859]

I love me some 7.62x39! Awesome job tools. Thanks bud , appreciate all your work 😊👍

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that!😎👊

[@allenbolen9705]

Great performance ! Thanks Tools

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate ya, brother.😎👊

[@Gunner-ll1zd]

Dope, great video. I'd love to see 100 yard 3 shot groups with both.

[@codycunningham8762]

From my research I’ve determined it is an SST clone, but without the interlock band that makes it bonded. I think that’s why the hornady bullet looked more uniform and lost less material. Old video but I just picked some of this stuff up. Great video as always sir

[@MC-je7qm]

7.62x39 is my favorite round. Might have to check this ammo out. I have the same bolt gun, love it.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Trigger on this thing is really nice.😎👊

[@MC-je7qm]

@@ToolsandTargets yes it is!

[@ds6872]

7.62x39 > 300hype-out

[@CrashRacknShoot]

​@@ds6872different use cases. But also nearly identical performance, grain-to-grain. Been shown many a time.

[@ds6872]

@@CrashRacknShoot $30 premium hype-out is comparable to $8 7.62x39

[@hoffpbass]

Perfect 72, calm, low humidity and blue skys in Minneapolis today. Was a swamp a couple days ago, though. Nice performance again today. I don't have anything chambered in this 308-short, though 😂 But I can see why this would make a good ranch rifle.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Pretty handy little package.😎👊

[@KD-lb9bg]

Great stuff all around. Thanks for another fine round of Jelly Time testing.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate that.😎👊

[@steveflo]

Glad someone is doing a test on performance 7.62x39 ammo.

[@kevinramsey4673]

Thanks Tools! I'm fixing to order some from PSA.

[@mikethomas4598]

Field report on the AAC one buck and one doe. Both passed in sight of me in heavy woods. (About 20 yards) they created a great blood trail if it had been necessary. It's now my go to ammo for Ozark whitetail.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Nice 😎👊

[@charlescox-Chuck]

I run the Hornady Black in a Mini 30.

[@Starcraft98marine]

Hey tools, recently garand thumb put out a video showcasing the lack of .300blk effectiveness (from a 6 inch barrel) w subs and 150 grainers vs a 10.5 AR15 using 77 grainers. I was hoping you could set the record straight by using an equal length 10.5 barrel using 110-120 grain .300 blk vs the same length set up he used for a true*r comparison in lethality between the rounds in gel

[@ronaldbarnes8302]

Another sweet rifle test Tools! Back to back winners. Definitely hits harder than the 556. Thanks for the video!

[@saltymofo5870]

Just picked up a gen II Ruger American 7.62, with an aac ranger 7 it is quite the quiet little package

[@markerparker1980]

My thoughts is that Sabre had less speed due to being steel case. Steel doesn't seal as well as brass. 🤔

[@andyd2960]

I was wondering the same.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Makes sense.😎👊

[@ericbergfield6451]

Yeah, good point, I've heard the same - because it doesn't expand like the more malleable brass does when the cartridge fires & seals the chamber for a split second

[@tomsreviews238]

I haven't shot any special ammo through my mini thirty, but I find even standard 7.62 is surprisingly potent. I love this round. It's 30cal with lighter recoil than the 308.

[@Angel.76239]

I’d go with the hornady because of the bigger cavity and more energy. Also to avoid over penetration.

[@JT-mg9pd]

Looks like the 762x39 sabre tip held together better than the 556 sabre. Just my preference out of these mid power .30 cartridges I prefer the hornady subsonic out of 300 blkout.

[@Gator69420]

I think the 5.56 is a V-max! I wish they’d make a soft point for 5.56! Maybe one day! I’m a huge believer in the soft points! I’ve been getting 50 round boxes of hornady soft points at my local for 23.99$ hard to beat

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

​@@Gator69420 I have some Sellier & Bellot 9mm 124 grain soft points I bought recently & surprisingly they flatten out like a mushroom through my Beretta92FS. But it was the last box in stock.

[@Gator69420]

@@PerceptionVsReality333 I’ve never used soft points in 9mm but I know they’re very affective for hunting with a rifle

[@ColeDedhand]

Those Sabre rounds are an amazing value. For a x39 fan like me it is a game changer.

[@destroyingdadxx2274]

Thanks tools! Love the 7.62x39 tests!

[@jnichols3]

Would love to try this ammo in my Gen II, but right now Hornady 7.62x39 is nonexistent. A local gun dealer told me that Hornady is sending it all to Ukraine, so ironically we are not getting any, but still get to pay for it (+ 10% to the Big Guy). Of the dozen different ammos I have tried, Winchester 123gr Power Point has grouped the best. I made the discovery Winchester FMJ Target & Practice is just repackaged PPU. Same bullet and PPU case. Probably same powder. I do not have any Win T&P left to break open and compare powder.

[@MrYour1Fan]

Great video!! Love the Hornady Black

[@heavy6355]

I wonder if the 20” barrel of the Sks would get that advertised velocity

[@Adam-dn1vp]

I've had a ton of luck with those hornadys. Really accurate and great results on whitetail. It's good stuff.

[@PooreBoy74]

Great comparison test Tools ! Either one would be a great deer hunting round in my book , the Hornady Black is a tack driver in my PSA KS-47 at 100 yards

[@redstick9518]

Thank you sir. I was curious about both rounds. Glad I picked up several boxes of the Hornady black. Looks like it would be excellent for Hogs. Going to have to pick up several boxes of the Sabre Blade.

[@zappadali8696]

TSUSA has a Horandy Black 111 monoflex. Would like to see a comparison!

[@scarifrougeone7225]

Hornady Black ammo seems to be very consistent, reliable, accurate and well made. The SST is really nice projectile. Very good test and commentary with great results. The Sabre Blade also was very good but, I like the extra velocity and consistency. Agreed same projectiles. Keep cool and be safe. 🇺🇸👊🇺🇸👊

[@aaronmeeks1155]

Both would make a great critter getter 👍

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

BTW it's been 110 degrees farenheit with low humidity where I'm from in northern CA.

[@shaunharvey1112]

Saber blades are very similar to the nosler tipped varmagedon I’ve been looking for some to hand load for pigs everyone is out and there gonna force me to buy a different bullet or factory ammo either sst or varmagedon there both great projectiles

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@KeithRichardson-zs2eq]

I run the SSTs in my mini thirty and these are awesome rounds

[@glockholliday7490]

I’ve been wanting to see a good ballistic review on the SST

[@ToolsandTargets]

Definitely a potent round.

[@Dwayne7834]

Good test. I am a fan of the 7.62x39.Good video 👍🇺🇸

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@nathancastaneda975]

Can you do a review on Underwood 7.62x39?

[@guardianminifarm8005]

Yes sir! Sure enough good results. Home defense, deer hunting, hogs, etc. looks good. Thank you Sir.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Definitely problem solvers.😎👊

[@YattaMoyo]

Test the deerseason xp 7.62x39 16inch and a short barrel please

[@williammccaslin8527]

I run the SST in my AR, an get on a avg a 3/4" group at 100 yds, its my pigging rifle. They do the job, an the only reason I run the SST, is its brass cased, my AR, don't like the steel ammo at all. A lesson learned the hard way. Thx for the vid T T

[@fuggleeartshow]

I like it. If they aren't exactly the same they're so close as to be basically indistinguishable. I will have to get some of that

[@joemokrzycki2006]

Both did well

[@petee454]

Excellent test! I love an AK. I love 5.45x39. Wish PSA would do 5.45x39. 7.62x39 I will definitely be looking up PSA for that! Thank you.

[@jbflyinglow]

Great video as always. I’m missing 308-762x51 vids probably to much tho

[@jstephen45]

Those are both awesome. Likely can't beat the aac price for such similar results. I like the aac saber blade 300 blk and 6.5 cm both shoot tight groups for me.

[@rolanddaniel5123]

Would love to see the Hornady Black 111gr Monoflex VS the Hornady Black 123gr SST VS the Winchester Super-X (7.62x39)

[@wawilked1]

Buddy the Ruger American Ranch 300aac takes AR mags. I recommend for 16" testing 👍

[@rogerwood5228]

Another excellent test, Tools. I've not invested in any x39 platforms, but I'll know what to use if I ever do.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. Winners either way with these.😎👊

[@Nutty.357]

That's some good stuff! Rocked the jelly worm too lol! Makes me wanna go look at BCA haha! Thanks for sharing! 💥💥

[@charlesmorgan1879]

Hey Nutty357, I got bca upper 16" chf barrel , nitride finish for 229 & of course wk after they had it 20 cheaper...paired it with a psa stealth lower 119 & the just had it on sale 99

[@ToolsandTargets]

Appreciate ya, brother!😎👊

[@Nutty.357]

@@charlesmorgan1879 Hey Charles! Hope all is good! That is how my luck goes lol they have a great sale AFTER i buy something hahaha! Maybe they will have a good deal at BCA on a 7.62 upper for 4th of July special! 🤞i want one lol! I like the dual charging version! :)

[@BIGBOB951]

Taking the Sabre on my next deer hunt.

[@caleb6988]

Another fantastic test brother tools.

[@painmt651]

That is my favorite cartridge. Great performance!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Delivering the power.😎👊

[@Bob-lq9ys]

Very good test, Keep them coming

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@rowdyron4111]

Good stuff. Both cartridges performance looked great. Since I got AK's, my AR hasn't seen the light of day in years. That Ruger American is sweet!! Would love a bolt gun in 7.62x39. I'm guessing that rifle is fairly accurate? Thanks.

[@clutchcargo1239]

Wow, pretty cool test. That 7.62X39 is pretty impressive in that jell. A .308, or 7.62X51 jell test with the same type tipped Hornady style bullet, like in 150, 168, 175, or 180 grain would be interesting to watch. I got the POF Revolution PD .308 thinking it would be the shit. So far, it works great, and it is sub moa accurate at 100. It really likes the heavier bullets. The 168gr and up to 180. Good video Tools, have a great evening!!!

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir. I do have some more .308 I need to test out.😎👊

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

A 308 version would penetrate much deeper & the wound channel a little bit larger.

[@clutchcargo1239]

@PerceptionVsReality333 Perception could be a bit, but reality might be a bit more than a bit. I'm thinking 308 would be more than a bit more fun to watch in the jell than the 7.62 X39... The lighter .308 bullets traveling much closer to 2900fps might just explode to pieces in the jell... I'd watch.

[@davidjernigan8161]

I would go with the steel case ammo in an AK and the Hornady in bolt guns if I save brass to reload so I didn't have to worry about chasing brass or it being too beat up to use.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Sounds like a plan.😎👊

[@garythornbury9793]

tomrrow im heading to Academy to see if the have either one of thse in stock.i enjoy your channel, thanks.

[@EC-mc7vg]

The Sabre Blade Black Tip are sold by Palmetto State Armory.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@garythornbury9793]

@@ToolsandTargets its the true.

[@ericbergfield6451]

Detective Brian on the job; I was hoping the Black Tips were specifically designed by PSA, oh well - I use it instead of M855 now

[@ToolsandTargets]

Go Go Gadget Jelly Contraption!😎👊

[@leroycaudill96]

Good test Tools stay safe and God Bless.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Thank you sir.😎👊

[@tomswan3805]

Have you tested the American Gunner 7.62x39? I have been wanting to see how it does.

[@YellowHammer26]

👍👍great test tools, thanks

[@chrisgabbert658]

👍😊 neat little setup.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Pretty good stuff.😎👊

[@chrisgabbert658]

@@ToolsandTargets I can imagine what a 308 SST would do. 💥

[@jessjosh4119]

I know for a fact that Hornady makes different color tips I have a box of ammo inc 308 with 150 gr SST with a black tip and a box of S&B 150 gr SST with a red tip I'm pretty sure they even make a one with a blue tip

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@cgsimons1187]

The Hornady Black SST may have a slight edge since it is moving faster and stops within 20". Though it looks like either of these would work well for typical defensive purposes.

[@timjohnson8390]

Is there a noticeable difference in accuracy between the AK and the Ruger ?

[@albundy7459]

Wonder if they will ever sell just the bullets? My handloads with sst have extraordinary accuracy.

[@tobykornreich2719]

Steinel also has a 140 grain 10mm round that supposedly is hitting 1530 out of a 5 inch bbl. Would like to see it eventually as I don't own a gelly contraption. And the doubletap 125 and 135 gr.

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@tobykornreich2719]

If you need some 125 I can donate it.

[@wildcatindustries8030]

From what I understand a lot of AACs loads use other manufacturers projectiles and AAC does the rest. Considering the massive price difference between black and Sabre, Sabre takes the cake all day for me, probably why they don’t advertise a SST projectile, hornady might get upset losing sales to AAC

[@jonclark8155]

Hornday black is consistent. Good testing

[@rob6850]

Answering the big questions for us.

[@ToolsandTargets]

Inquiring minds wanna know!😎👊

[@GilLopezPadro]

I saw the Black Tip wining.

[@charlesmorgan1879]

Both will get it done but the AAC cheaper than Hornady. Thanks for info

[@ToolsandTargets]

Yessir 😎👊

[@ckiefner715]

Great comparison. You didn’t say Jelly Contraption

[@ToolsandTargets]

I noticed that during editing. I almost just scrapped the whole video because of it!😉

[@curtk8130]

Both look nice!

[@djmcdonald5508]

Do you think the sabre x39 has better ballistics for pigs/medium game over the 110gr 300blk? Both would be from a 12 inch barrel

[@theunofficialresults231]

Glad to see the Sabre Blade work well, bought a couple hundred rounds for my arak on a chance it might be ok.

[@ToolsandTargets]

I think it's great stuff.😎👊

[@derdampfhammer6652]

Brass cases tend to generate faster velocity due to a better chamber seal

[@ToolsandTargets]

😎👊

[@derdampfhammer6652]

@@ToolsandTargets Great vids thank you for making them for us. I love my 7.62x39.

[@ToolsandTargets]

@@derdampfhammer6652 Thank you sir.

[@DuaneClark-wo7eu]

Good show

[@talega1]

Wonder how they do out of a Yugo (Not the micro, but the other sml)

[@YesImTaco24-7]

Could you do Hornady Black in 9mm?