The Shpagin submachine gun is fired with live ammunition of 7.62×25 mm caliber, developed on the basis of the German 7.63×25 mm Mauser. This particular type of ammunition provides high penetration and a flat bullet trajectory, which is critical for effectively hitting targets wearing body armor or behind light cover. Chamber design 7.62 mm allows the weapon to use a magazine with a capacity of 71 rounds (disc) or 35 rounds (open-end), providing a high density of fire in close combat.
Only cartridges with a brass or bimetallic sleeve are suitable for shooting from PPSh, since steel sleeves can cause delays due to the extraction characteristics of older models.
It is important to note right away that there are remade versions PPSh-41, adapted for the 9×19 mm Parabellum cartridge, however, the standard and historically correct caliber is precisely 7.62 mm. Understanding the differences between these ammunition is necessary not only for historians and collectors, but also for practicing shooters working with reconstructed weapons. Misusing ammo of the wrong caliber can result in serious damage to the weapon and injury to the shooter.
Historical standard: 7.62×25 TT cartridge
The main ammunition for which the legendary Soviet submachine gun was created was the cartridge 7.62×25 mm TT. This cartridge had a powerful bullet with a steel core, capable of piercing a steel helmet at a distance of up to 150 meters. The high muzzle velocity, reaching 480–500 m/s, made the weapon effective not only in trench battles, but also in supporting infantry in open areas.
The design of the cartridge case and the shape of the bullet ensured reliable feeding from the disc magazine, although problems with jamming were sometimes encountered when the mechanism was heavily contaminated. Tula cartridge It was distinguished by high bullet energy at the muzzle, which compensated for the lack of optical sights and made it possible to conduct effective fire at medium distances.
Chuck technical details
The 7.62x25mm cartridge case does not have a protruding rim, which distinguishes it from many pistol cartridges of the time. This required precise adjustment of the chamber and extractor for reliable operation of the automation.
Export versions and caliber 9×19 Parabellum
During World War II and the post-war period, a significant number of PPSh were captured by German troops and converted to the standard Wehrmacht cartridge 9×19 mm. Such modifications were designated MP 717(r) and were equipped with sight conversion strips to take into account the ballistics of the new ammunition. The alteration consisted of replacing the barrel and sometimes the chamber, since the diameter of the bullet and the pressure of the powder gases were significantly different.
Using the cartridge 9mm Parabellum reduced the bullet's penetration ability, but increased its stopping effect at short distances. This made the weapon more suitable for police operations and work in urban environments, where it was necessary to minimize the risk of ricochet and through penetration.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to attempt to shoot 9 mm cartridges from a 7.62 mm barrel without appropriate re-barrel. This will lead to swelling of the bore, rupture of the cartridge case and possible injury to the shooter from shrapnel.
Ballistic characteristics of ammunition
The difference in ballistics between standard and export calibers is significant and affects aiming. The 7.62mm cartridge has a flatter flight path, making it easier to hit moving targets. At the same time, a 9-mm bullet loses energy faster at distances over 100 meters, but has a larger cross-section, creating more extensive wound channels in soft tissues.
To assess the effectiveness of ammunition, you can refer to comparative data. Below is a table showing the key differences in the characteristics of the bullets used in various modifications of the PPSh.
| Characteristics | 7.62×25 TT (State) | 9×19 Parabellum (Export) |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet weight | 5.5 g (steel core) | 7.5–8.0 g (lead core) |
| Initial speed | 480–500 m/s | 350–380 m/s |
| Energy at 100 m | about 350 J | about 280 J |
| Penetration (steel) | High (2 mm at 100 m) | Medium (1.5 mm at 50 m) |
The main advantage of 7.62 mm over 9 mm in the context of PPSh is the preservation of lethal force at distances of up to 200 meters, which was critical for mass attack tactics.
Design features of the chamber
The PPSh chamber is designed taking into account the dimensions of the 7.62×25 mm sleeve, which has a specific angle of the bullet entrance. This ensures that the barrel bore is tightly locked at the moment of firing and the bullet is directed correctly into the rifling. Any changes to the geometry of the chamber require replacing the entire barrel, since boring to a different caliber is impossible without loss of strength.
Inside the chamber there are extractor grooves (grooves for the extractor), which must exactly match the shape of the cartridge case. When using cartridges with a brass sleeve, extraction is smoother, while bimetallic sleeves require a more powerful recoil spring and an ideal condition of the chrome plating of the bore.
- Visual inspection of the markings on the bottom of the sleeve
- Measuring the bullet diameter with a caliper
- Checking the length of the cartridge (35 mm for 7.62)
- No deformation of the cartridge case neck-->
Types of bullets and their purpose
The PPSh arsenal used various types of bullets, each of which had its own purpose. The main ammunition was a bullet with a steel core, but there were also specialized options. Knowing the markings allowed soldiers to quickly navigate the ammunition load.
- 🔴 B-32 - an armor-piercing incendiary bullet with a black tip and a red belt, designed to set fire to fuel and lubricants and penetrate light armored shields.
- 🔵 P - an ordinary bullet with a steel core, which formed the basis of infantry ammunition.
- 🟢 T — a tracer bullet with a green tip, allowing you to adjust the fire in the dark.
- 🟡 PP - a bullet with reduced ricocheting ability, used less frequently for training or special operations.
The use of tracer bullets made it possible to set up fire barriers and designate targets for other fighters, but they burned out at a distance of about 300–400 meters. Armor-piercing variants were especially valuable when storming fortified positions where the enemy could use light armor protection.
The influence of caliber on tactics of use
The choice of caliber directly dictated the tactics of using weapons. The high rate of fire of the PPSh in combination with the penetrating 7.62 mm cartridge made it possible to create a dense wall of fire that suppressed the enemy. The weapon was often used to “sweep” the enemy out of trenches and premises, where the ricochet from a solid bullet was less dangerous for the shooter due to the short distance.
When switching to 9 mm, tactics changed: the weapon became more effective as a means of self-defense or for work in the rear, where it was not necessary to pierce helmets. However, in the conditions of the Eastern Front, where penetrating ability was valued, the 9 mm option was considered as a temporary measure or a captured solution.
⚠️ Attention: When storing 7.62×25 mm cartridges, it is necessary to avoid humidity, as old sample capsules can oxidize, leading to misfires at a critical moment.
Current condition and collectibles
Today, original PPSh caliber 7.62 mm are museum rarities or valuable collector's items. Most examples in civilian circulation (in countries where this is permitted) are either deactivated, converted to a hunting cartridge, or are exact copies. The 7.62×25 TT ammunition market remains stable due to the popularity of pistols TT and submachine guns.
For restorers and owners of historical weapons, it is important to use cartridges with a non-corrosive primer and high-quality powder charge so as not to damage the historical mechanism. Modern manufacturers often produce replica cartridges that fully correspond to the ballistic characteristics of the war years.
Is it possible to shoot PPSh with 7.62 Nagan cartridges?
No, this is impossible and dangerous. The 7.62×38 mm Nagant cartridge has a different case shape (conical) and length. It simply will not fit into the chamber of the PPSh, and attempts to force the chambering will lead to damage to the magazine or bolt.
Why does 7.62 TT penetrate better than 9 mm?
This is due to the shape of the bullet (sharper) and the presence of a solid steel core, which does not deform when meeting an obstacle, unlike a 9 mm lead bullet.
What is the real firing range of a PPSh?
The effective range of aimed fire is up to 200 meters, although the maximum bullet range reaches 1500–1800 meters. After 200 meters the accuracy drops sharply.
Have there been any PPSh chambered for .45 ACP?
Officially, such modifications did not exist. The only caliber that was widely converted was the 9x19mm Parabellum. Experiments with other calibers were sporadic and did not go into series.