The M14 rifle, a select-fire rifle that was the standard-issue rifle for the United States military from 1959 to 1970, is chambered in the 7.62x51mm NATO caliber. This caliber is a rimless, bottleneck cartridge that was designed to replace the.30-06 Springfield cartridge, which was used in the M1 Garand rifle, the M14's predecessor.
Cartridge Specifications
The 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, which is also known as the.308 Winchester, has a bullet diameter of 7.82 mm (0.308 in) and a case length of 51 mm (2.0 in). The cartridge has a maximum pressure of 50,000 pounds per square inch (psi) and a maximum average chamber pressure of 46,000 psi. The M14 rifle is designed to fire a variety of 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges, including ball, tracer, and armor-piercing rounds.
Performance Characteristics
The 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge has a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,800 feet per second (853 meters per second) and a muzzle energy of around 2,500 foot-pounds (3,386 joules). The cartridge has an effective range of approximately 600 meters (2,000 feet) and a maximum range of around 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). The M14 rifle’s accuracy and reliability, combined with the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge’s performance characteristics, made it an effective weapon system for the US military during its time in service.
| Cartridge Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester) |
| Bullet Diameter | 7.82 mm (0.308 in) |
| Case Length | 51 mm (2.0 in) |
| Maximum Pressure | 50,000 psi |
| Maximum Average Chamber Pressure | 46,000 psi |
| Muzzle Velocity | approximately 2,800 ft/s (853 m/s) |
| Muzzle Energy | around 2,500 ft-lb (3,386 J) |
| Effective Range | approximately 600 meters (2,000 feet) |
| Maximum Range | around 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) |
Key Points
- The M14 rifle is chambered in the 7.62x51mm NATO caliber.
- The 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge has a bullet diameter of 7.82 mm (0.308 in) and a case length of 51 mm (2.0 in).
- The cartridge has a maximum pressure of 50,000 psi and a maximum average chamber pressure of 46,000 psi.
- The M14 rifle has a muzzle velocity of approximately 2,800 ft/s (853 m/s) and a muzzle energy of around 2,500 ft-lb (3,386 J).
- The effective range of the M14 rifle is approximately 600 meters (2,000 feet), with a maximum range of around 3,000 meters (10,000 feet).
The M14 rifle's 7.62x51mm NATO caliber and select-fire capability made it a popular choice among US military personnel during its time in service. Although it has largely been replaced by more modern rifles, the M14 remains a versatile and effective weapon system for civilian shooters and collectors. Its performance characteristics, combined with its reliability and accuracy, make it a popular choice for hunting and target shooting applications.
What is the caliber of the M14 rifle?
+The M14 rifle is chambered in the 7.62x51mm NATO caliber.
What is the effective range of the M14 rifle?
+The effective range of the M14 rifle is approximately 600 meters (2,000 feet).
What type of cartridge does the M14 rifle fire?
+The M14 rifle fires the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, which is also known as the.308 Winchester.
