The 7.62x39mm cartridge is a bottleneck cartridge, meaning the casing narrows where it meets the bullet. This design affects its ballistic properties and compatibility with firearms chambered for this specific round. A typical cartridge comprises a brass casing filled with propellant, a primer at the base, and a lead core bullet often with a copper jacket. Dimensions include an overall length, case length, bullet diameter, and weight, all critical factors influencing its performance.
Understanding cartridge dimensions is crucial for several reasons. These specifications are fundamental to firearm design and function, ensuring proper feeding, firing, and extraction. Moreover, these measurements are essential for ballistics analysis, which examines the projectile’s trajectory and impact. Historically, this cartridge gained prominence during the mid-20th century and remains widely used globally, influencing the development of subsequent firearm and ammunition designs.