I want to limit the poll to three loads that work well in both my 7.62x39 AR’s, has excellent performance in ballistic gel, and is inexpensive in bulk.

Those are:

Tula 124 grain hollow point 8M3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ENhmMKuaVU

Tula 124 grain soft point
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7E-qY9-DE0

Golden Tiger 124 grain FMJBT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gknVTUd7tY

You can make other recommendations provided it is similar in cost and you can post a URL where I can see its gel test.

Golden Tiger is best, as they have a "slightly" more potential for accuracy bullet and they seal their case mouths and primer pockets.  Tula does not seal and uses Flat base bullets.  Therefore Golden Tiger is best to stack deep since it will have better longevity than Tula.

The 8m3 Tula is also sealed, and it shoots more accurately in my ARs than the Golden Tiger.  The 8m3 also has the benefit of reliable expansion.
The Golden Tiger has been disappointing to me.  The 8m3, Bear lead tip and hollow point I have on hand all shoot a little better.  The only thing I have that GT will outperform is an old case of pre- obama Tul 122 gr FMJ.

How do I tell what's 8M3?

It says "8M3" on it and you bought it from SG Ammo.

I'd go with either soft point or 8M3, unless you love somewhere very humid. I live in AZ so I wouldn't know, but lots of folks get corrosion on the polymer coated steel case in humid climates.

ETA: I believe that Federal Fusion is the best available. S&B 123 gr soft point is also very good.



https://youtu.be/xEo6avZd9ys



https://youtu.be/tZD3kIeGaUs