The world's first assault rifle cartridge. An intermediate round between pistol and full-power rifle, it gave birth to every assault rifle that followed — including the AK-47 and M16.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1943, Germany
Parent case: 7.92x57mm Mauser
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.323" (8.22 mm)
Case length: 1.299" (33 mm)
Overall length: 1.882" (47.82 mm)
Max pressure: 46,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimless
Primer: Large Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:9.45
Muzzle velocity: 2100–2250 fps
Muzzle energy: 1220–1405 ft-lbs
Effective range: 400 yd
Common bullet weights: 125 gr
Primary use: Military
Production status: Active
Also known as: 8mm Kurz · Pistolenpatrone 43 · 7.9mm Kurz · 7.92 Sturmgewehr
History: Developed by German Army ordnance despite Hitler's explicit opposition to intermediate cartridges. The project was concealed from Hitler by labeling the weapon 'MP44' (Maschinenpistole) to avoid his scrutiny. After Eastern Front officers reported its effectiveness, Hitler reversed course and renamed it Sturmgewehr 44. Soviet engineers captured StG44s and the concept heavily influenced Mikhail…
Notable firearms: StG44 (Sturmgewehr 44), MP43, MP44
Military use: {"country":"Nazi Germany","years":"StG44"}
Similar cartridges: 7.62x39mm, 5.56x45mm NATO