7.62 × 39 mm SOVIET
Intermediate cartridge for AK-pattern rifles
Designed in 1943 by a Soviet committee under N. M. Elizarov, the 7.62 × 39 mm is the original mass-issue intermediate cartridge and the chambering of the Kalashnikov family, the SKS carbine and the RPD and RPK light machine guns. Heavier and slower than 5.56 NATO, it delivers controllable automatic fire and reliable short-to-medium range effect from rugged, mass-produced weapons — including the platforms in Indian service.
Full Specifications
Cartridge dimensions
| Designation | 7.62 × 39 mm / 7.62 Soviet |
|---|---|
| Case type | Rimless, bottleneck |
| Bullet diameter | 7.92 mm (0.312 in) C.I.P.; 7.85–7.9 mm SAAMI |
| Neck diameter | 8.60 mm (0.339 in) |
| Shoulder diameter | 10.07 mm (0.396 in) |
| Base diameter | 11.35 mm (0.447 in) |
| Rim diameter | 11.35 mm (0.447 in) |
| Case length | 38.70 mm (1.524 in) |
| Overall length | 56.00 mm (2.205 in) |
Ballistics
| 122 gr (7.9 g) FMJ | 730.3 m/s (2,396 ft/s), 2,108 J |
|---|---|
| 123 gr (8.0 g) FMJ | 738.0 m/s (2,421 ft/s), 2,179 J |
| 154 gr (10.0 g) SP | 641.3 m/s (2,104 ft/s), 2,056 J |
| Service reference | 715 m/s (2,350 ft/s) from a 415 mm rifle barrel |
| Test barrel length | 520 mm (20 in) |
| Rifling twist | 240 mm (1 in 9.45 in) |
Standards & pressure
| C.I.P. Pmax | 355.0 MPa (51,490 psi) |
|---|---|
| SAAMI MAP | 310.3 MPa (45,010 psi) |
| Primer | Boxer large rifle in brass cases; Berdan in steel cases |
Service context
| Introduced | Designed 1943, in service 1945–present, Soviet Union |
|---|---|
| Effective range | 350 m from a Kalashnikov-pattern rifle |
| Typical platforms | AK-pattern rifles, SKS carbine, RPD and RPK light machine guns |
Dimensional, ballistic and pressure figures are the published C.I.P., NATO and SAAMI reference values for the 7.62 × 39 mm cartridge (reference data; ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 centerfire rifle standard). Steadfast production lots are proof tested and certified against the applicable standard. Product imagery is an in-house Steadfast studio visualisation and is indicative only; actual finish, headstamp and lot markings follow the applicable standard and the customer order.
