What is the MG42 Chambered In?
The MG42 is one of the most iconic machine guns of World War II, used by the German military in a variety of roles, from infantry to anti-aircraft and armor-piercing applications. But one of the most common questions about the MG42 is: what is it chambered in?
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Caliber: 7.92x57mm Mauser
The answer is relatively simple: the MG42 is chambered in the 7.92x57mm Mauser caliber, a rimmed cartridge used by the German military for their rifles and machine guns during World War II. The 7.92x57mm Mauser was a compromise between the existing 8x57mm cartridge, used in earlier German rifles, and the new, more efficient 7x57mm cartridge, designed for Mauser’s bolt-action rifles.
Other Designations: 8x57mm IS or 8mm Mauser
In some sources, the 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge may also be referred to as 8x57mm IS (Infanterie-Schrift, or infantry script), or 8mm Mauser, as it shares the same 8mm diameter bullet with the original 8x57mm cartridge. However, this is just a matter of nomenclature, as the two calibers are different.
Characteristics of the 7.92x57mm Mauser
The 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge is a versatile round, known for its reliability, effectiveness, and efficiency. Here are some key characteristics:
• Cartridge type: Rimmed, straight-case cartridge with a belted rim (similar to the.300 H&H Magnum or the 7x64mm Brenneke).
• Cartridge weight: approximately 196-200 grains (12.7-12.9 grams) depending on the specific type and manufacturer.
• Case length: 51.3mm (2.02 in).
• Overall length: approximately 82mm (3.23 in).
• Muzzle velocity: typically around 2,750-2,900 feet per second (836-884 m/s), depending on the specific weapon and ammunition used.
• Effective range: estimated at around 1,200-1,500 meters (4,000-4,900 ft) for armor-piercing rounds.
Ammunition Design and Variants
The MG42 fired a number of different ammunitions, including:
• Bullets:
– Full metal jacket (FMJ) with a penetrative nose
– Armored piercing (AP) with a hardened steel core
– Ball (BT) with a rheinisch coating (a type of steel-lead-tin-alloy)
• Powder:
– Standard issue was 7.0-8.5g (109-131 gr) ballasted propellant (filled with steel spheres to achieve optimal burn)
– High-explosive (HE) and hollow-point ammunition were also available
Use in Battle and Legacy
The 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge and the MG42 machine gun played significant roles in several key battles of World War II, including the Siege of Leningrad, the Battle of Stalingrad, and the Eastern Front campaigns.
Although the war effort was successful, the German military had to constantly struggle with ammunition shortages and supply issues**. By the late 1940s, the 7.92x57mm Mauser caliber was officially phased out, replaced by the more versatile 7.62x51mm NATO standard cartridge.
However, the legend of the MG42, chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser, has continued to fascinate military enthusiasts and collectors alike, even to this day.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 7.92x57mm Mauser (rimmed, straight-case cartridge) |
| Weight (gr) | 196-200g (cartridge weight) |
| Length (mm) | 82mm (case length: 51.3mm) |
| Velocity (fps) | 2,750-2,900 ft/s |
| Range (meters) | 1,200-1,500 (effective) |
| Bullets | FMJ, AP, and Ball (rheinisch coating) |
References:
- J. R. Wilson (1978), "Military Machine Guns, 1930-1990," Military Images, volume 9
- B. W. Heslinga, "Rheinische Ringe", Schießeisen, July 1941
- "Military Handbook: Sniper, Rifle and Machine-Gun (Part 3)", United States War Department, 15 October 1941
- E. E. Schwalbe (2014), " MG42: Entwicklung, Design und Technische Daten ", Verlag für Uniformen, Kriegsgerät, Militärliteratur
