Which cartridge does the AK-74 use?

Which cartridge does the AK-74 use?

• A. 7.62x39mm
• B. 5.45x39mm
• C. 7.62x54R
• D. 5.56x45mm

Answer: (B)

The AK-74 was designed to use a smaller, higher-velocity round to improve controllability and carrying capacity for automatic fire. That design choice led to chambering it for the 5.45x39mm cartridge, a light, compact round optimized for velocity and flat trajectory. This distinguishes it from the 7.62x39mm used by the AK-47/AKM, which has a larger, heavier bullet and more recoil; the 7.62x54R, a much larger rifle cartridge used in longer-range weapons; and the 5.56x45mm, NATO standard used by Western rifles like the M16/M4. Therefore, the AK-74 is associated with the 5.45x39mm.

The AK-74 was designed to use a smaller, higher-velocity round to improve controllability and carrying capacity for automatic fire. That design choice led to chambering it for the 5.45x39mm cartridge, a light, compact round optimized for velocity and flat trajectory.

This distinguishes it from the 7.62x39mm used by the AK-47/AKM, which has a larger, heavier bullet and more recoil; the 7.62x54R, a much larger rifle cartridge used in longer-range weapons; and the 5.56x45mm, NATO standard used by Western rifles like the M16/M4. Therefore, the AK-74 is associated with the 5.45x39mm.