What Bullet Does the AK-47 Shoot?
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 over 100 million units produced, it’s no surprise that people are curious about the ammunition that powers this legendary firearm. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of what bullet the AK-47 shoots and provide an in-depth look at its characteristics.
Standard Ammunition
The standard ammunition used by the AK-47 is the 7.62x39mm cartridge. This Soviet-designed cartridge was specifically designed for the AK-47 and has become synonymous with the rifle. The 7.62x39mm cartridge is a rimless, bottlenecked cartridge that consists of a .311-inch (7.9 mm) diameter bullet, a 39 mm long case, and a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,000 feet per second (610 m/s).
Here are the key characteristics of the 7.62x39mm cartridge:
• Bullet weight: 123 grains (8 grams)
• Muzzle energy: 1,600 foot-pounds (2,170 joules)
• Effective range: 400-500 meters (437-547 yards)
• Muzzle velocity: 2,000 feet per second (610 m/s)
Variations and Alternative Ammunition
While the 7.62x39mm cartridge is the standard ammunition for the AK-47, there are some variations and alternative ammunition options available. These include:
• 7.62x39mm AKM: This is a variant of the 7.62x39mm cartridge designed for the AKM rifle, which is a more modern and refined version of the AK-47. The 7.62x39mm AKM cartridge has a slightly higher muzzle velocity and better accuracy than the standard 7.62x39mm cartridge.
• 5.45x39mm: This is a smaller and lighter cartridge designed for the AK-74 rifle, which is a Soviet-designed assault rifle. The 5.45x39mm cartridge has a lower muzzle velocity and less kinetic energy than the 7.62x39mm cartridge, but it is more accurate and has a longer effective range.
• .223 Remington: This is a civilian-friendly cartridge that can be used in AK-47 rifles with modifications. The.223 Remington cartridge has a lower muzzle velocity and less kinetic energy than the 7.62x39mm cartridge, but it is more accurate and has a longer effective range.
Benefits and Drawbacks
The 7.62x39mm cartridge has both benefits and drawbacks that make it suitable for the AK-47. The benefits include:
• Penetration: The 7.62x39mm cartridge has a high kinetic energy and penetration power, making it effective against soft targets and light armor.
• Range: The 7.62x39mm cartridge has a moderate effective range of 400-500 meters, making it suitable for medium-range engagements.
• Availability: The 7.62x39mm cartridge is widely available and affordable, making it a popular choice for AK-47 owners.
However, the 7.62x39mm cartridge also has some drawbacks:
• Accuracy: The 7.62x39mm cartridge is not as accurate as some other cartridges, such as the 5.56x45mm NATO or the.308 Winchester.
• Reliability: The 7.62x39mm cartridge can be sensitive to dirty or worn-out barrels, which can affect the rifle’s reliability.
• Noise: The 7.62x39mm cartridge is relatively loud, which can be a drawback for some users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the AK-47 shoots the 7.62x39mm cartridge, which is a rimless, bottlenecked cartridge designed for the rifle. The 7.62x39mm cartridge has a high kinetic energy and penetration power, making it effective against soft targets and light armor. While it has some drawbacks, such as accuracy and reliability issues, the 7.62x39mm cartridge is widely available and affordable, making it a popular choice for AK-47 owners. Whether you’re a civilian shooter or a military operator, understanding the characteristics of the 7.62x39mm cartridge can help you make informed decisions about your ammunition choices.
