Here’s part 2 of the series on China overhauling their Type 95 assault rifle.
http://www.tacticalgunfan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=517&Itemid=1
It deals with ammunition and what they might be up to.
any thoughts?
“During testing conducted by the PLA, the 5.8x42mm DBP-87 load was outperformed by both the 5.56x45mm SS109 and 5.45x39mm 7N6 regarding terminal performance.”
I think this highlights the Chinese lack of understanding when it comes to terminal effects. A rifle bullet must disrupt and have a significant wounding mechanism to have good terminal effects. Considering that the 5.56 SS109 and 5.45 7N6 have developed a mediocre service record, it’s nothing to brag about when the 5.8 doesn’t do as well as those two. Plus, shooting dogs is not a very effective indicator of caliber effectiveness on humans. The permanent and temporary cavities of the 5.8 on an animal 1/3 the size of a human would be the equivalent of being shot by a .30-06 in permanent cavity. You get an exponential effect with TCS in a smaller body, and on a body the size of a human that TCS would be closer to being shot by a .50BMG.
Just like any cartridge, the 5.8 bullet could be designed to have rapid disruption and have good wounding through permanent and temporary cavity stretch, but that requires a little better engineering on China’s part. As far as I know, the Chinese don’t have a standarized method of ammunition testing, quality control, and design. Shooting dogs instead of designing the round around minimal disruption depth in calibrated ballistics gel is evidence of that.
At this point, the 6.8 SPC is superior in design and execution.
All that aside, the Chinese are on the right track in regards to modularity and the use of a universal cartridge. The logistics advantages of only using the 5.8 and using a modular selection of weapons will be huge, and in a major conflict it will give them a significant advantage. Logistics usually win over tactics and incremental equipment advantages.
While what you are saying is true, to a degree, you are thinking from an American perspective. The Chinese plainly stated they are willing to give up terminal performance for penetration.
Now, the question is “How is their new ammunition designed to perform”.
Will it look to increase penetration, likely.
or will they try to improve terminal performance.
I guess that would depend on who they are planning on going to war with. The M855 was develop for penetration in anticipation for war with the Warsaw pact. Now we find ourselves in a fight an enemy without body armor and ammo with lackluster performance.
I would think with the state of U.S. body armor the Chi-Com’s will place a premium on penetration.