What ammo does a ak47 use?

What Ammo Does an AK-47 Use?

The AK-47 is one of the most recognizable and widely used assault rifles in the world. First designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the late 1940s, the AK-47 has become a symbol of military power and flexibility. But what kind of ammunition does this iconic weapon use?

Direct Answer:

The AK-47 uses a 7.62x39mm cartridge, which is a type of intermediate cartridge designed to provide a balance between rifle and pistol cartridges. This cartridge is characterized by its relatively large diameter (.308 inches or 7.9 mm) and its moderate velocity (approx. 2,400 ft/s or 731 m/s).

Origins of the 7.62x39mm Cartridge:

In the late 1940s, the Soviet Union was looking for a cartridge that could replace the larger 7.62x54mmR cartridge used in their Mosin-Nagant rifles. At the same time, the US was developing the M14 rifle, which fired a 7.62x51mm cartridge. The Soviet Union wanted to create a cartridge that could be used in both full-power rifles and sub-machine guns, and the 7.62x39mm cartridge was born.

Characteristics of 7.62x39mm Ammunition:

Here are some key characteristics of 7.62x39mm ammunition:

• Bullet diameter:.308 inches (7.9 mm)
• Case length: 1.3 inches (33 mm)
• OAL (Overall Length): 2.46 inches (62.4 mm)
• Average velocity: 2,400 ft/s (731 m/s)
• Maximum effective range: 800-1,000 yards (730-914 meters)
• Penetration: 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) of steel plating

Types of 7.62x39mm Ammunition:

There are several types of 7.62x39mm ammunition, including:

• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammunition: This type of ammunition has a copper or zinc jacket that covers the core of the bullet. The jacket helps to maintain the shape of the bullet during flight and reduces the likelihood of fragmentation.
• Soft Point (SP) ammunition: This type of ammunition has a lead or copper core with a thinner jacket. The jacket is designed to expand upon impact, increasing the bullet’s ability to expand and inflict damage.
• Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail (FMJ-BT) ammunition: This type of ammunition has a boat tail design, which helps to reduce wind resistance and improve the bullet’s accuracy at longer ranges.
• Hollow Point (HP) ammunition: This type of ammunition has a hole or cavity in the core of the bullet. Upon impact, the bullet’s hollow point expands, creating a larger wound channel.
• Tracer (TR) ammunition: This type of ammunition has a small amount of pyrotechnic material in the base of the bullet, which ignites upon discharge, creating a visible trail.

Comparison to Other Cartridges:

The 7.62x39mm cartridge is comparable to other intermediate cartridges like the 5.45x39mm and the 5.56x45mm. Here are some key differences:

• 5.45x39mm: This cartridge is used in the Russian AK-74 and is slightly smaller than the 7.62x39mm cartridge. It has a slightly higher velocity (approx. 2,700 ft/s or 823 m/s) but less penetration.
• 5.56x45mm: This cartridge is used in the US M16 and M4 rifles and is slightly larger than the 7.62x39mm cartridge. It has a higher velocity (approx. 3,000 ft/s or 914 m/s) but less penetration.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the AK-47 uses a 7.62x39mm cartridge, which is a versatile and effective intermediate cartridge. With its moderate velocity and large diameter, the 7.62x39mm cartridge provides a good balance between range and penetration. Whether you’re looking for a cartridge for combat, hunting, or plinking, the 7.62x39mm cartridge is a great option.

Table: Key Characteristics of 7.62x39mm Ammunition

Bullets:

• FMJ: Full Metal Jacket
• SP: Soft Point
• FMJ-BT: Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail
• HP: Hollow Point
• TR: Tracer

I hope this article provides a comprehensive overview of what ammo does an AK-47 use.