The 7.62x39mm is the iconic Soviet intermediate cartridge, primarily used by the AK-47, AKM, and AK-103 platforms. Compared to NATO 5.56mm, it offers superior barrier penetration and raw energy at close-to-medium ranges, but suffers from significantly more bullet drop and slower muzzle velocity.

• Visual ID: Black Tip
• Role: Modern Armor Piercing The “BP” (Broneboynaya) is the modern standard for high-threat environments. It features a hardened steel core designed to defeat modern body armor.
• Pros: Excellent balance of lethality and armor penetration; reliably defeats Level III plates.
• Cons: Harder to find in large quantities; high recoil compared to 5.45mm counterparts.

• Visual ID: Black and Red Tip
• Role: Armor-Piercing Incendiary A specialized combat round that combines a hardened penetrator with an incendiary charge.
• Pros: Can ignite vehicle fuel tanks and ammo crates (ACE Cook-off); high chance to start fires on impact.
• Cons: Over-penetrates soft targets; projectile trajectory can be slightly inconsistent at long range.

• Visual ID: Plain / Steel Case
• Role: Legacy Standard (Ball) The ubiquitous “Steel Core” ball round. It has been the global standard for decades.
• Pros: Massive availability; punches through wood and thin metal better than 5.56mm Ball.
• Cons: Struggles significantly against modern ceramic body armor; inconsistent fragmentation.

• Visual ID: Black Tip with Green Ring
• Role: Subsonic / Stealth “Umen'shennoy Skorosti” (Reduced Velocity) rounds designed specifically for use with the PBS-1 Suppressor.
• Pros: Nearly silent when suppressed; effective for sentry removal without alerting nearby AI.
• Cons: Velocity is roughly 300 m/s. Aiming at 100m+ requires massive hold-over.

• General Infantry: Use 57-N-231 (PS) for general purpose work. It is excellent at suppressing enemies behind light cover like wooden fences or foliage.
• Elite/Frontline: Standardize on 7N23 (BP) whenever possible to ensure effectiveness against armored Western or high-tier PMC factions.
• Saboteur / Stealth: Use 57-N-231U (US) strictly with the PBS-1 Suppressor. Be prepared for a “rainbow” trajectory and significant energy loss at range.
• Anti-Logistics: Use 57-BZ-231 (BZ) for disabling soft-skinned vehicles or unarmored technicals by targeting the engine block or fuel tank.