Intermediate cartridge
However, even though they are less powerful than a traditional full-power cartridge, the external ballistics are still sufficient for an effective range of 300–600 metres (330–660 yd), which covers most typical infantry engagement situations in modern warfare.The first known early intermediate cartridge to see service was the 10.4x38mmR Swiss used in the Vetterli rifle which gave it controllable handling and a then high-capacity magazine of 12 rounds.Cartridges like the American 5.56×45mm M193 (1964; originally used in the M16), Soviet 5.45×39mm M74 (1974; used in the AK-74, which replaced the AKM), Belgian SS109 / 5.56×45mm NATO (1980; used in most AR-15 systems), and the Chinese 5.8×42mm (1987; used in the QBZ-95) allow a soldier to carry more ammunition for the same weight compared to their larger and heavier predecessor cartridges, have favourable maximum point-blank range or "battle zero" characteristics and produce relatively low bolt thrust and free recoil impulse, favouring lightweight arms design and automatic fire accuracy.[5][6] The late 19th and early 20th century saw the introduction of smokeless powder cartridges with small caliber jacketed spitzer bullets that extended the effective range of fire beyond the limitations of the open rifle sights.To achieve this goal, both Allied and Axis countries rapidly developed and produced a number of semi-automatic service rifles, such as American M1 Garand, Soviet SVT-40 and the German Gewehr 43.In 1951, the US military published a study on the M1 Garand's fire rate: a trained soldier averaged 40–50 accurate shots per minute at a range of 300 m (330 yd).SMG, chambered in pistol calibers (7.62x25, 9x19 Parabellum and .45 ACP) lacked penetration provided by larger and faster rifle bullets.Additionally, when fired in full automatic mode free recoil delivered by full-sized and full-powered cartridges became an issue, too.
9×19mm (pistol cartridge)
7.92×33mm (intermediate cartridge)
7.92×57mm (fully powered cartridge)
9×19mm7.92×33mm7.92×57mmSturmgewehr 44Maschinenkarabiner 42(H)carbinecartridgepistolmuzzle energyfully powered cartridges.303 British7.62×54mmR7.65×53mm Mauser7.92×57mm Mauser7.7×58mm Arisaka.30-06 Springfield7.62×51mm NATOrecoilfully automatic riflesexternal ballisticseffective rangeassault rifleselective firesmall armsbattle rifles10.4x38mmR SwissVetterli rifleGerman7.92×33mm KurzStG 44.30 Carbineselect fire7.62×39mm M435.45×39mm M74SS109 / 5.56×45mm NATO5.8×42mmQBZ-95point-blank rangebolt thrustfree recoilsmokeless powderjacketedspitzer bulletsopen rifle sightsMaxim gunmachine gunLebel Model 1886 riflebolt-action rifleGewehr 98Lee–EnfieldMosin–NagantM1903 SpringfieldM1 GarandSVT-40Gewehr 43effective fire ratesubmachine gunsPPSh-41PPS-43Thompson7.62x259x19 Parabellum.45 ACP6.5×50mm ArisakaFedorov AvtomatM1 CarbineStG-447.62×39mmBritish Army.280 BritishbullpupVietnam WarM14 rifle.223 Remingtonspecial forcesM16 rifle7mm caliberexternalterminalUS Armytelescoped ammunitionpolymer-cased ammunitioncaseless ammunition6.8×51mmNext Generation Squad Weapon ProgramC.I.P.NATO EPVATMuzzle energiesft⋅lbfMuzzle velocitiesOratios.22 SpitfireIver Johnson Spitfire.221 Remington Fireball.300 AAC Blackout.375 SOCOM.450 Bushmaster.45 Raptor.458 HAM'R.458 SOCOM.50 Beowulf6.5mm Grendel7.62×37mm MusangSabhara/Police V1-V28.6 mm Blackout9×39mmservice rifles5.45×39mm5.56×45mm NATO.345 Winchester Self-Loading.351 Winchester Self-LoadingWinchester Model 19077.62×45mmvz. 52M1870 Italian VetterliM1870 Belgian ComblainM1871 Beaumont12.17×42mm RF.50-70 GovernmentCalhoon cartridges.17 Mach IV.17 Remington.17 Remington Fireball.20 VarTarg5 mm/35 SMc.20 Tactical