I understand that steel core 7.62x39 are not Armor Piercing, but neither are steel core .223 M855 Green Tips. Do both rounds serve similiar functions? Does Green Tip out penetrate the 7.62x39 steel core? Are M855 Green Tips the same as 5.45 steel core?
Does this make sense in terms of penetration?
AP > 5.56 Green Tip > 7.62x39 steel core > 7.62x39 ball > 5.56 ball
I understand that penetrator rounds do tend to break up after piercing whatever hard object they hit as opposed to AP.
Any knowledge or feed back is welcome. . .
I only ask because I just read the story of how cheaper steel core 7.62x39 imports were banned once pistols were introduced in that caliber.
Full Version: 7.62x39 versus 5.56 Green Tip Penetrator
The commies used steel alloys in all aspects of their ammunition manufacturing.
It was cheaper than brass or copper for casings and jackets.
It is easier and safer to use for cores than lead.
The banning of the "steel core" ammunition was a 'politicians make the sheeple feel better reaction' to "OMG ITZ ARMOR PIERCING!!!!!" which it certainly is not (the steel is way too soft).
It was cheaper than brass or copper for casings and jackets.
It is easier and safer to use for cores than lead.
The banning of the "steel core" ammunition was a 'politicians make the sheeple feel better reaction' to "OMG ITZ ARMOR PIERCING!!!!!" which it certainly is not (the steel is way too soft).
QUOTE (nalioth @ May 23 2008, 03:14 PM) 
The commies used steel alloys in all aspects of their ammunition manufacturing.
It was cheaper than brass or copper for casings and jackets.
It is easier and safer to use for cores than lead.
The banning of the "steel core" ammunition was a 'politicians make the sheeple feel better reaction' to "OMG ITZ ARMOR PIERCING!!!!!" which it certainly is not (the steel is way too soft).
It was cheaper than brass or copper for casings and jackets.
It is easier and safer to use for cores than lead.
The banning of the "steel core" ammunition was a 'politicians make the sheeple feel better reaction' to "OMG ITZ ARMOR PIERCING!!!!!" which it certainly is not (the steel is way too soft).
Ok.
With the extent to which western infantrymen wear body armor, I didn't know if steel-core was the AK equivalent to penetrator rounds.
I guess such AK rounds would be specially marked and use a harder steel like you said.
Thanks.
QUOTE (dobravery @ May 23 2008, 02:45 PM)
QUOTE (nalioth @ May 23 2008, 03:14 PM)
The commies used steel alloys in all aspects of their ammunition manufacturing.
It was cheaper than brass or copper for casings and jackets.
It is easier and safer to use for cores than lead.
The banning of the "steel core" ammunition was a 'politicians make the sheeple feel better reaction' to "OMG ITZ ARMOR PIERCING!!!!!" which it certainly is not (the steel is way too soft).
It was cheaper than brass or copper for casings and jackets.
It is easier and safer to use for cores than lead.
The banning of the "steel core" ammunition was a 'politicians make the sheeple feel better reaction' to "OMG ITZ ARMOR PIERCING!!!!!" which it certainly is not (the steel is way too soft).
Ok.
With the extent to which western infantrymen wear body armor, I didn't know if steel-core was the AK equivalent to penetrator rounds.
I guess such AK rounds would be specially marked and use a harder steel like you said.
Thanks.
You're thinking on the right track, but you forget to factor in the era in which the M43 cartridge (fancy military name for the 7.62x39 military ball ammo) was designed.
In the early 40s (the M43 was accepted for use in 1943) NO Western soldier wore any other ballistic protection than his steel pot.
The use of steel cores (and steel everything else) were for cost reduction and ease of manufacture.
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