Rifle · SAAMI · Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardizedObsolete
7.92x33mm Kurz
The world's first assault rifle cartridge.
- Caliber
- 0.3236″ · 8.22 mm
- Introduced
- 1943
- Case
- Rimless
- Parent
- 7.92x57mm Mauser
- Primary use
- Military
- Status
- Active
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1943
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- Germany
- Inventor
- Polte Armaturen / Hugo Schmeisser
- Manufacturer
- Polte / German Military
- Standard
- SAAMI · Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardized
- SAAMI
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Common
- Case capacity
- 34.2 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:9.45
- Primer
- Large Rifle
- Case type
- Rimless
- Max pressure
- 49,313 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 350 yd
- Max range
- 3500 yd
- Recoil
- 3.8–4.2 ft·lb
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 7.92x33mm Kurz. Parent case: 7.92x57mm Mauser.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
CIP TDCC · verified| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 8.22 | 0.324 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 9.10 | 0.358 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 11.40 | 0.449 | ✓ |
| Shoulder angle | 17.5° | — | ✓ |
| Base ⌀ | 11.94 | 0.470 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 11.95 | 0.470 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.30 | 0.051 | ✓ |
| Neck length | 4.97 | 0.196 | ≈ |
| Case length | 33.00 | 1.299 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 48.00 | 1.890 | ✓ |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. 7.92x33mm Kurz is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Firearms chambered in 7.92x33mm Kurz
Lineage
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 Kalashnikov's AK-47 and 7.62x39mm development.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 7.92x33mm Kurz use?
- 7.92x33mm Kurz typically uses a 1:9.45 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 7.92x33mm Kurz?
- 7.92x33mm Kurz uses a 0.3236″ (8.22 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 7.92x33mm Kurz still in production?
- 7.92x33mm Kurz is active; typical availability is common.
- What is 7.92x33mm Kurz used for?
- 7.92x33mm Kurz is primarily used for military.
- What is 7.92x33mm Kurz based on?
- 7.92x33mm Kurz is derived from the 7.92x57mm Mauser case.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 10 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
