Intermediate rifle cartridge powering the AK-47 and variants. Most widely used military cartridge in history by number of rifles. Reliable and effective at moderate ranges.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1943, Soviet Union
Parent case: 7.62x41mm experimental
Standardization: Soviet / Russian GRAU
Bullet diameter: 0.312" (7.92 mm)
Case length: 1.528" (38.8 mm)
Overall length: 2.205" (56 mm)
Max pressure: 50,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Large Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:9.5
Muzzle velocity: 2300–2400 fps
Muzzle energy: 1450–1550 ft-lbs
Effective range: 400 yd
Common bullet weights: 122, 123, 124, 150, 154 gr
Primary use: Military, Hunting, Self Defense
Production status: Active
Also known as: 7.62 Soviet · 7.62x39 · M43 · .30 Russian Short · 7.62x39mm
History: Developed during WWII as intermediate cartridge combining rifle power with submachine gun controllability. First issued in SKS, then became famous in AK-47. The AK-47/AKM family has produced over 100 million rifles. Extremely common worldwide due to Soviet exports and licensed production. More rifles chambered for this than any cartridge in history.
Notable firearms: AK-47, AKM, SKS, RPD, RPK, Ruger Mini-30
Military use: {"country":"Soviet Union/Russia","years":"1943-present","conflicts":["WWII","Cold War conflicts","Afghanistan","Chechnya"]}, {"country":"China","years":"1949-present","conflicts":["Korean War","Vietnam War"]}, {"country":"North Vietnam","years":"1950s-1975","conflicts":["Vietnam War"]}, {"country":"Over 50 nations","years":"1950s-present","conflicts":["Countless conflicts worldwide"]}
Similar cartridges: .300 Blackout, .30-30 Winchester