What Rounds Does an 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. Its reliability, durability, and ease of use have made it a favorite among military and civilian shooters alike. But what rounds does this legendary rifle shoot?
Direct Answer: What Rounds Does an AK 47 Shoot?
The AK 47 is chambered in 7.62x39mm, a Soviet-designed intermediate cartridge that is designed to fire a bullet with a caliber of 7.62 millimeters and a length of 39 millimeters. This cartridge is a significant departure from the traditional rifle cartridges of the time, which were typically designed to fire full-power rifle bullets.
History of the 7.62x39mm Cartridge
The 7.62x39mm cartridge was designed in the 1940s by the Soviet Union as a replacement for the 7.62x54mmR cartridge, which was used in the Mosin-Nagant rifle. The new cartridge was designed to be more efficient and easier to produce, with a shorter length and a lighter bullet. The 7.62x39mm cartridge quickly became the standard cartridge for the Soviet military and was used in a variety of rifles, including the AK 47.
Characteristics of the 7.62x39mm Cartridge
The 7.62x39mm cartridge has several characteristics that make it well-suited for use in the AK 47. These include:
- Muzzle Energy: The 7.62x39mm cartridge has a relatively low muzzle energy of around 1,900 foot-pounds (2,570 joules), which makes it less powerful than traditional rifle cartridges. However, this also makes it more controllable and easier to handle.
- Bullet Weight: The 7.62x39mm cartridge typically fires a bullet with a weight of around 123 grains (8 grams), which is lighter than traditional rifle bullets. This makes it easier to produce and reduces the risk of over-penetration.
- Expansion: The 7.62x39mm cartridge is designed to expand upon impact, which makes it more effective against soft targets such as humans. The expansion is due to the bullet’s design, which includes a hollow point and a serrated jacket.
Advantages of the 7.62x39mm Cartridge
The 7.62x39mm cartridge has several advantages that make it well-suited for use in the AK 47. These include:
- Ease of Use: The 7.62x39mm cartridge is relatively easy to use, with a low recoil and a forgiving design.
- Durability: The 7.62x39mm cartridge is designed to be durable and resistant to corrosion, making it well-suited for use in harsh environments.
- Affordability: The 7.62x39mm cartridge is relatively inexpensive to produce, making it a popular choice for military and civilian shooters alike.
Disadvantages of the 7.62x39mm Cartridge
While the 7.62x39mm cartridge has several advantages, it also has some disadvantages. These include:
- Range: The 7.62x39mm cartridge has a relatively short effective range of around 500-600 meters (1,640-1,970 feet), which makes it less effective at long ranges.
- Penetration: The 7.62x39mm cartridge is designed to expand upon impact, which can make it less effective against hard targets such as armor.
- Availability: The 7.62x39mm cartridge can be difficult to find in some areas, particularly in countries with strict gun laws.
Conclusion
The AK 47 is chambered in 7.62x39mm, a Soviet-designed intermediate cartridge that is designed to fire a bullet with a caliber of 7.62 millimeters and a length of 39 millimeters. The 7.62x39mm cartridge has several characteristics that make it well-suited for use in the AK 47, including a relatively low muzzle energy, a light bullet weight, and expansion upon impact. While the cartridge has some disadvantages, such as a relatively short effective range and limited availability, it remains a popular choice for military and civilian shooters alike.
Table: Characteristics of the 7.62x39mm Cartridge
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Muzzle Energy | 1,900 foot-pounds (2,570 joules) |
| Bullet Weight | 123 grains (8 grams) |
| Expansion | Yes |
| Range | 500-600 meters (1,640-1,970 feet) |
| Penetration | Limited |
| Availability | Limited |
Bullets:
• The AK 47 is chambered in 7.62x39mm, a Soviet-designed intermediate cartridge.
• The 7.62x39mm cartridge has a relatively low muzzle energy and a light bullet weight.
• The cartridge is designed to expand upon impact, making it more effective against soft targets.
• The 7.62x39mm cartridge has a relatively short effective range and limited availability.
• The cartridge is relatively inexpensive to produce and easy to use.
