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7.62 × 40 mm SP-3
Category
Ammunition, Missiles and precision weapons
Synonyms none Armament TsNIITochMash MSP pistol. Development The SP-3 cartridge was developed in the 1960s along with the 7.62 × 62.8 mm for use by Soviet special operations forces in situations where absolute silence was required. It was introduced into service in 1972, along with the associated MSP silent two-barrelled derringer-type pistol. The relationship between the two cartridges and the similar pistols associated with them is unclear, although it is presumed that the SP-3 preceded the 7.62 × 62.8 mm, which
was used in the S4M pistol. The MSP pistol, chambered for the SP-3, was used in Afghanistan by Soviet special operations forces, and the S4M has been used in Central America. The cartridge retains the propellant gases after it has been fired, but like the 7.62 × 62.8, the protruding piston prevents the use of the SP-3 in a conventional semi-automatic pistol. Description The SP-3 is a rimless, tapered bottleneck design, virtually identical in external appearance and dimensions to the standard Soviet M1943 7.62 × 39 mm cartridge. It has been designated 7.62 × 40 mm to differentiate it from the standard 7.62 × 39 mm. The SP-3, however, is quite different in design in that it has thickened case walls to retain the pressure of the powder gases upon firing and has a complex pair of pistons, one surrounding the other, which obturate against the case wall when the cartridge is fired, sealing in the powder gases. The pistons remain outside the cartridge after firing. The SP-3 bullet is identical in external appearance to that of the M1943 , except that the SP-3 bullet has no cannelure. RUSSIAN FEDERATION Manufacturer Tula Ammunition Factory Type; Ball: FMJ; 8 g; MV ? m/s