What Rounds Do AK-47 Use?
The AK-47, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the 1940s, is one of the most iconic and widely used assault rifles in the world. With its rugged design, reliability, and ease of use, it has become a staple in many military and civilian arsenals. But what rounds does the AK-47 use?
Direct Answer:
The AK-47 uses 7.62x39mm cartridges, which are a type of intermediate cartridge designed to provide a balance between the power of full-powered rifle cartridges and the lightness and ease of handling of pistol cartridges.
History of the 7.62x39mm Cartridge
The 7.62x39mm cartridge was designed specifically for the AK-47, and it was intended to provide a more powerful and reliable alternative to the earlier 7.62x31mm Tokarev cartridge used in the Soviet Mosin-Nagant rifle. The 7.62x39mm cartridge was developed in the early 1940s, and it was first used in the AK-47 rifle in 1947.
Characteristics of the 7.62x39mm Cartridge
The 7.62x39mm cartridge has several key characteristics that make it well-suited for use in the AK-47:
- Case length: 39mm
- Bullet diameter: 7.62mm (0.30 inches)
- Muzzle velocity: approximately 700-800 m/s (2,300-2,600 ft/s)
- Muzzle energy: approximately 1,400-1,600 J (1,000-1,200 ft-lbs)
- Effective range: approximately 400-500 meters (1,300-1,600 feet)
Variations of the 7.62x39mm Cartridge
Over the years, several variations of the 7.62x39mm cartridge have been developed, including:
- 7.62x39mm Soviet: The original cartridge used in the AK-47, characterized by a mild steel case and a lead core bullet.
- 7.62x39mm Eastern Bloc: A variation used in Eastern European countries, characterized by a lacquered steel case and a full metal jacket bullet.
- 7.62x39mm Western: A variation used in Western countries, characterized by a non-corrosive case and a full metal jacket bullet.
- 7.62x39mm FMJ: A variation with a full metal jacket bullet, designed for civilian use.
- 7.62x39mm Hollow Point: A variation with a hollow point bullet, designed for hunting and self-defense.
Table: Comparison of 7.62x39mm Cartridge Variations
| Cartridge | Case Material | Bullet Material | Corrosive | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.62x39mm Soviet | Mild Steel | Lead | Yes | Military |
| 7.62x39mm Eastern Bloc | Lacquered Steel | Full Metal Jacket | No | Military |
| 7.62x39mm Western | Non-Corrosive Steel | Full Metal Jacket | No | Civilian |
| 7.62x39mm FMJ | Non-Corrosive Steel | Full Metal Jacket | No | Civilian |
| 7.62x39mm Hollow Point | Non-Corrosive Steel | Hollow Point | No | Hunting/Self-Defense |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the AK-47 uses 7.62x39mm cartridges, which were designed specifically for the rifle. The 7.62x39mm cartridge has several key characteristics that make it well-suited for use in the AK-47, including its case length, bullet diameter, muzzle velocity, and muzzle energy. Over the years, several variations of the 7.62x39mm cartridge have been developed, including different case materials, bullet materials, and corrosive properties.
