Nonfluorinated surfactants selected from C7-C20 linear 1-alkanesulfonates,-2-sulfonates, and-1,2-disulfonates are particularly effective for stabilizing emulsions in preparing non-elastomeric fluoropolymers containing at least 71 wt % vinylidene fluoride and having at least a 2% crystalline polyvinylidene fluoride content. Processes for making such fluoropolymers using these surfactants, particularly in combination with one or both of a nonionic polymerization initiator and the use of mechanical coagulation to isolate the product, are also provided, as are fluoropolymers made thereby.