Question by Edge: What is the caliber of the AK47 assault rifle?
Is it superior our .223 NATO round?
Answers and Views:
Answer by cattledog
39…. (Specifically 7.62 x 39mm)
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Russian Life & People Digest
Jagermann says
The AK-47 originally and most commonly uses the 7.62×39 cartridge. That is .308 caliber or 7.62mm. It is a decent sized bullet and does a lot more damage than the .223, but is not as accurate. Some AKs such as the AK-108 use .223NATO. It is debatable which round is more superior. It depends on if you want to do more damage or if you want more accuracy and range.
J Kirsch says
(Q1. What is the caliber of the AK47 assault rifle?
(A1. The AK47 fires the 7.62x39mm round.
(Q2. Is it superior our .223 NATO round?
(A2. Its debatable. The 7.62x39mm round fires a heavier bullet (123 grains vs. 62 grains) at a bit slower velocity (2300 fps vs. 3100fps). The two cartridges have very similar power levels though (1480 ft-lbs vs. 1309 ft-lbs) The 7.62x39mm has a small edge in power and may have better penetration (especially against body armor). It also produces larger wound channels. However the 7.62x39mm cartridge weighs more so soldiers can carry fewer rounds. It also has more recoil than the 5.56x45mm NATO round which makes it much harder to control in burst/full automatic fire. So basically they're both good intermediate rounds with their strengths and weaknesses.
For what its worth, and this is worth what you paid for it, the big advantage that most people give the 7.62x39mm is that its typically chambered in the AK47 and AKM rifles which are far more mechanically reliable than the m16 family of rifles that the 5.56x45mm is chambered in.
METROPOLIS1 says
The 7.62X39MM shoots basicaly a .30 caliber bullet…..
Superior to the .223 / 5.56?? Hmmmmmm – You comparing apple to oranges here. The .223 definitely has more reach and in the right rifle can shoot well over 200 yards – .223 in a bolt action can be used to 500 yards….
The 7.62X39MM was not designed for long distance shots. It performs well within 200 yards and provides more foot pounds of knock down power than the .223 at closer ranges…..
Remember – the AK47 was designed for close range combat and its cartridge is well suited for that purpose….
Both the .223 and 7.62X39MM have there advantages and disadvantages….
7.62X39MM ballistics info….. http://www.handgunsmag.com
Interesting historical and identification information concerning the 7.62X39MM… http://home.comcast.net/site/error/error_404.html
fepowered says
Superior is relative. If you are hunting Whitetail Deer, then the 7.62×39 is a better choice. If you are shooting varmints at 400 yards or paper at 600 yards, then the .223 has a clear cut advantage. The advantage is actually very apparent at much closer distances. Regarding a weapon of war, in the 20" barrel M16, the .223 (5.56) is a proven effective caliber.
samuelkowal906 says
7.62x39mm aka .30 Short Russian.
I don't think it is better than the 5.56x45mm NATO round; it is simply different.
While the 7.62 has superior penetration, higher ballistic coefficient (less affected by wind), and greater power, it lacks the speed of the 5.56 limiting it's long range capabilities. However, since the AK is not considered a long range weapon, and with the average engagement where assault rifles are used being about 100-200m, range is generally a mute issue. They are both great calibers and hey, what do you know! Both weapons are available in both calibers ( the AK-102 is a NATO caliber Kalashnikov pattern rifle, and there are aftermarket 7.62x39mm uppers for the Stoner platform rifles)
M1911/HK P7 says
7.62x39mm, and yes, I believe its better.
allama1126 says
traditionally speaking, it is the 7.62×39. More recently they have chambered it for other calibers.
Which round is superior is an age old question that will probably be argued forever
Facts are they each have their own strengths and weaknesses, so each will be ideal for different situations.
The 7.62 can go through cinder blocks, the .223 can't. The .223 is faster, flatter and more accurate. The 7.62 has more knock down power. The 7.62 is cheaper to purchase.. the comparison goes on and on. The 7.62 bullet weights usually 124 grains. The .223 bullet weights 50-75 grains usually.
acmeraven says
7.62 x 39. Sort of a 308 short, well thought out and unsurpassed for accuracy to this day.
M.P.M says
i almost positive it is a 308. round but i know it is some type of 30 cal.
Second Amendment Def says
7.62×39 is a 30 caliber round (7.62)
Bullet diameter 7.90 mm (0.311 in)
Neck diameter 8.64 mm (0.340 in)
Shoulder diameter 10.01 mm (0.394 in)
Base diameter 11.25 mm (0.443 in)
Rim diameter 11.30 mm (0.445 in)
Case length 38.65 mm (1.522 in)
Overall length 55.80 mm (2.197 in)
.223 aka 5.56×45
Bullet diameter 5.69 mm (0.224 in)
Neck diameter 6.43 mm (0.253 in)
Shoulder diameter 8.99 mm (0.354 in)
Base diameter 9.55 mm (0.376 in)
Rim diameter 9.6 mm (0.38 in)
Rim thickness 1.14 mm (0.045 in)
Case length 44.7 mm (1.76 in)
Overall length 57.4 mm (2.26 in)
223 has a Muzzle energy of about 1700
7.62×39 is about 1400
223 is lighter and faster so it shoots straighter and longer accuracy range
7.62×39 is a larger round and is less subject to drift
They are both good rounds in the weapon systems they where designed for (or visa versa)
If I had my choice of the two in a Remington 700 action, I am not sure which I would choose, I like them both for there attributes.
man_in_black72 says
7.62 x 39 mm is the cartridge. Look for ammo marked exactly like that and you will be fine.
It's true caliber would be in the neighborhood of .31…I don't have a calculator handy or a piece of paper to do the mathwork LOL.
For general work, multiply the bore dimensions (in metric form) by 4. That will bring you onto the range so to speak.
Wayner says
Caliber is a measure of the inner diameter of the rifle barrel, usually measured in inches or millimeters. Thus a 22 caliber rifle has a barrel with an interior diameter of 0.22 inches. An artillery piece with a 105 mm interior bore would be a "105 gun".
A Kalashnikov rifle uses 7.62 mm (diameter) x 39 mm (length) ammunition. An American M-60 machine gun also uses 7.62 mm ammunition, but is longer (51 mm) than the AK shell, so they are not interchangeable.
Kurdis P says
7.62X39 MM.
Ballistically similar to the 30/30 Winchester round.
Tommy M says
its 7.62mm in caliber and uses a .311 inch diameter bullet. the cartridge is 7.62x39mm.