The Distribution of Iranian Ammunition in Africa - Conflict Armament ...

ANNEXESANNEX 2: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF IRANIAN 7.62 x 54R mm CARTRIdgES 62The ammunition is 7.62 x 54R mm in calibre and hasa brass cartridge case. The projectile weighs 11.2 g,is 31.3 mm in length and boat-tailed in design, witha lead core encased in a tombak jacket. 63All documented cartridges feature a green primerannulus (various shades). The primer is securedwith three 120-degree stab crimps. The headstampfollows a standard format displaying the full calibredesignation (‘7.62 x 54’) at the 12 o’clock positionand an abbreviated date code at the 6 o’clockposition (‘01’ for 2001). The dimension and weightspecifications of this cartridge are consistent withthose provided by the Iranian DIO’s AMIG.The DIO lists two types of 7.62 x 54R in production.The first is described as ‘7.62 x 54 Light’, which hasa bullet weight of 9.7 g. The cartridge conformsto standard Soviet cartridges intended for usein weapons such as the PKM-pattern machinegun, which is in widespread service in Africa. DIOdescribes the second type as ‘7.62 x 54 Heavy’.The ammunition presented here is of this type.It has a heavier bullet weight (11.2 g) and wasdesigned for use in weapons that are now largelyobsolete, including the Maxim M1910 and SG-43machine guns (dating from the first half of the 20 thcentury). Although this cartridge can be fired fromPKM-pattern weapons, its ballistic characteristicsdiffer from the ‘7.62 x 54 Light’ variant. The resultis that accurate firing would be impaired, primarilybecause PKM-pattern weapon sights are notconfigured for this type of ammunition.Notes: Photographs of aphysical sample held byConflict Armament Research.Clockwise from top left: (1)full profile of the cartridge; (2)cartridge headstamp; (3) baseof the projectile; (4) full profileof the projectile.© Conflict Armament Research,201240Conflict Armament ResearchThe Distribution of Iranian Ammunition in Africa: Evidence from a Nine-country Investigation