The Kalashnikov assault rifle is a legendary weapon, known throughout the world for its reliability and simplicity. But even such a universal mechanism requires the correct choice of ammunition. Not only the shooting accuracy, but also the life of the weapon, and in some cases, the safety of the shooter, depends on the cartridge. The wrong caliber or poor quality ammo can cause delays, shell rupture, or even barrel damage.

In this article we will look at which cartridges are compatible with different modifications of AK (from classic AK-47 to modern AK-12), how the markings on the cartridges are deciphered, and what to look for when purchasing. We will pay special attention industrial and artisanal ammunition, since their quality may differ radically. If you are the owner or are planning to purchase a Kalashnikov assault rifle, this information will help you avoid mistakes and extend the life of your weapon.

⚠️ Attention: In Russia and most CIS countries, the circulation of military weapons and ammunition is strictly regulated by law. This article is for informational purposes only and does not encourage breaking any laws. All handling of weapons must be carried out in accordance with local regulations.

1. Main calibers of AK cartridges: from 7.62×39 to 5.45×39

Kalashnikov assault rifles were produced for several types of cartridges, but two calibers remain the most common: 7.62×39 mm and 5.45×39 mm. The choice of caliber depends on the modification of the weapon, since their barrels and bolt groups are not interchangeable.

7.62×39 mm - a classic cartridge developed back in 1943 for AK-47. It has high penetration and destructive power, but has significant recoil. This caliber is used in:

  • 🔫 AK-47 and its early modifications (AKM, AKMS)
  • 🔫 PKK (Kalashnikov light machine gun)
  • 🔫 Modern clones such as Saiga in a civilian version (chambered 7.62×39)

5.45×39 mm - a more modern cartridge, adopted for service in 1974. It is lighter, has less recoil and better accuracy at long ranges. This caliber is used in:

  • 🔫 AK-74 and its modifications (AK-74M, AK-105)
  • 🔫 AK-12 and AK-15 (modern military models)
  • 🔫 RPK-74 (light machine gun under 5.45×39)

⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to shoot 5.45x39 ammunition from a 7.62x39 weapon or vice versa! This will lead to jamming of the bolt group, rupture of the sleeve or destruction of the barrel. Even outwardly similar cartridges have different case lengths and bullet diameters.

📊 Which AK caliber do you prefer?
7.62×39 (classic)
5.45×39 (modern)
Other caliber
Didn't shoot from AK

2. Cartridge markings: how to read markings on cartridges

At the bottom of the cartridge case of any cartridge there is a marking that contains information about the manufacturer, year of manufacture and type of ammunition. Understanding these markings is important to avoid counterfeit or obsolete ammunition.

Typical Soviet/Russian cartridge markings include:

  • 🏭 Manufacturing plant (for example, 188 — Barnaul cartridge plant, 711 - Ulyanovsk Cartridge Plant)
  • 📅 Year of manufacture (last two digits, for example, 23 - 2023)
  • 🔢 Chuck type (for example, LPS - with a light bullet with a steel core, 7N6 - armor-piercing incendiary)

Decryption examples:

  • 🔹 188 23 LPS — the cartridge was produced in Barnaul in 2023, with a light bullet with a steel core.
  • 🔹 711 20 7N6 — Ulyanovsk cartridge, manufactured in 2020, armor-piercing incendiary.
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If there is no marking on the cartridge case or it is erased, this is a reason to doubt the quality of the ammunition. It is especially dangerous to use cartridges with rust on the case or a deformed bullet.

Marking Chuck type Purpose Applicable in
LPS With a light bullet with a steel core Standard ammunition for manpower shooting AK-74, AK-12, RPK-74
7N6 Armor-piercing incendiary Penetrating body armor and igniting flammable materials AK-74M, special forces
US Reduced speed (subsonic) Shooting with a silencer, noise reduction AKS-74U, VSS
T-45 Tracer Fire adjustment, target designation AK-47, RPK

3. Compatibility of cartridges with AK modifications

Not all cartridges are suitable for all modifications of AK. For example, AK-12 can shoot both 5.45x39 and 7.62x39, but this requires replacing the barrel and bolt group. The table below shows the compatibility of the main models:

Parts interchangeability details

Changing calibers in an AK-12 requires not only the barrel, but also the bolt carrier, gas piston and magazines. B AK-103 (7.62×39) parts from AK-101 (5.56x45 NATO) without complete rework.

Model AK Main caliber Additional calibers (if modified) Types of cartridges
AK-47, AKM 7,62×39 — LPS, T-45, 7N23 (armor-piercing)
AK-74, AK-74M 5,45×39 — LPS, 7N6, 7N10, US
AK-12 5.45×39 or 7.62×39 5.56x45 NATO (export versions) LPS, 7N6, 7N39 (reinforced)
AK-103 7,62×39 5.56×45 (when replacing barrel) LPS, 7N23, MS (sniper)

⚠️ Attention: Magazines for 7.62×39 and 5.45×39 are not interchangeable! Trying to charge AK-74 store from AKM will lead to jamming. It is also not recommended to use magazines from different manufacturers without first checking - some Chinese or Eastern European analogues may not register in the receiver.

4. Which cartridges are better: comparison of characteristics

The choice of cartridge depends on the task:

  • 🎯 For accurate shooting over long distances (300+ meters) will do 7N6 (5.45×39) or 7N23 (7.62×39) - they have better ballistics.
  • 🛡️ To penetrate body armor armor-piercing cartridges used: 7N6, 7N10 or 7N23.
  • 🔥 To set a target on fire incendiary cartridges are used (for example, 7BZ).
  • 🤫 For silent shooting need subsonic cartridges US (but they lose range and stopping power).

☑️ What to check before buying cartridges

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Comparison of popular cartridges for AK-74:

Cartridge Bullet type Initial speed (m/s) Penetration (steel sheet, mm) Application
LPS With steel core 900 5–6 Standard ammunition
7N6 Armor-piercing incendiary 920 8–10 (class 2 body armor) Combat operations
7N10 Reinforced armor-piercing 910 12–14 (class 3 body armor) Special forces
US Subsonic 290–310 3–4 Shooting with a silencer
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Ammo 7N6 and 7N10 prohibited from free circulation in most countries due to their high penetration power. Their use is limited to security forces only.

5. Handicraft and homemade cartridges: risks and consequences

Common in some regions homemade cartridges, reloaded by hand. They are cheaper than factory ones, but extremely dangerous:

  • 💥 Case rupture - due to low-quality gunpowder or poor crimping.
  • 🔫 Bolt group jamming - if the bullet does not sit tightly in the cartridge case.
  • 🎯 Reduced accuracy - due to the uneven weight of the powder charge.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, up to 15% of accidents when shooting from AKs are associated with the use of homemade or reloaded cartridges. It is especially dangerous to use cartridges of unknown origin in machine guns with a high rate of fire (for example, AK-74M), where the load on the sleeve is higher.

⚠️ Attention: If you find cartridges with the following symptoms, they should not be used:

  • 🔴 Sleeve with cracks or traces of corrosion.
  • 🔴 The bullet wobbles in the cartridge case.
  • 🔴 Marking is missing or counterfeit (for example, the factory code does not correspond to the real manufacturer).
  • 🔴 Traces of soldering or glue are visible on the sleeve (a sign of handicraft repair).

6. Where and how to store AK cartridges

Even factory-made cartridges can lose their properties if stored improperly. Optimal conditions:

  • 🌡️ Temperature: from +5°C to +25°C (avoid extremes!).
  • 💧 Humidity: no higher than 60% (at high humidity, the gunpowder becomes damp and the cartridges rust).
  • ☀️ Light: in the dark (ultraviolet radiation destroys the capsule).
  • 📦 Packing: original factory boxes or sealed containers.
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If the cartridges were stored in non-ideal conditions, check them visually before use: the cartridge case should be clean, without a green coating (a sign of copper oxidation).

Shelf life of cartridges:

  • 🔹 Live ammunition (in original packaging) - up to 20–25 years.
  • 🔹 Household/educational - up to 10 years (the gunpowder in them is less stable).
  • 🔹 Reloaded — no more than 2–3 years (risk of capsule degradation).

⚠️ Attention: If the cartridges were stored in damp conditions or at sub-zero temperatures, their ballistic characteristics could change. It is better not to use such ammunition in critical situations (for example, hunting or competitions).

7. Common mistakes when choosing cartridges for AK

Even experienced shooters make mistakes sometimes. Let's look at the most common mistakes:

  1. 🔄 Use of 5.56x45 NATO cartridges in the AK-74.

    Although the caliber is close to 5.45x39, the cartridges 5,56×45 have a different liner shape and higher pressure. Shooting them out AK-74 will lead to rupture of the sleeve or damage to the bolt.

  2. 📦 Purchasing cartridges without checking the markings.

    There are many counterfeits of well-known brands on the market (for example, Barnaul or Ulyanovsk). Always check the factory code with the official data.

  3. 💰 Saving on quality.

    Cheap cartridges from unknown manufacturers often have unstable powder combustion, which affects accuracy and reliability.

  4. 🔧 Use of cartridges with a bimetallic jacket in barrels without chrome plating.

    Such bullets accelerate wear on the bore. For long-term use of weapons, it is better to choose cartridges with a tompak (copper) shell.

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If you shoot from AK-12 or other modern model, use cartridges marked 7N39 or 7N40 — they are optimized for new barrels and have improved ballistics.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about AK cartridges

❓ Is it possible to shoot 7.62×39 cartridges from an AK-12?

Yes, but only if you have a modification AK-12 for this caliber (for example, AK-15). To do this, you need to replace the barrel, bolt group and magazines. Standard AK-12 under 5.45x39 is not compatible with 7.62x39.

❓ What is the difference between LPS and 7N6 cartridges?

LPS - a standard cartridge with a light bullet and a steel core, suitable for training and shooting at open targets. 7N6 - armor-piercing incendiary, penetrates class 2 body armor and sets fire to flammable materials. Used in combat conditions.

❓ Is it possible to store cartridges in metal boxes?

It is possible, but only if the box is sealed and not subject to corrosion. It is better to use original cardboard packaging or plastic containers with silica gel (to absorb moisture).

❓ Why are 5.45×39 cartridges cheaper than 7.62×39?

5.45×39 cartridges have a lower bullet and case weight, which reduces production costs. In addition, they are mass produced for the needs of the army, which further reduces the price.

❓ What happens if you shoot expired cartridges?

Old cartridges may misfire, have an unstable trajectory, or burst in the barrel. The risk is especially high for cartridges stored in unsuitable conditions (dampness, temperature changes).