The 7.7×58mm Arisaka cartridge played a significant role during World War II as the standard ammunition for the Imperial Japanese Army. Designed to succeed the 6.5×50mmSR cartridge, it was widely used in rifles and machine guns. Despite its intended replacement role, it couldn’t fully phase out its predecessor by the war’s end. The 7.7×58mm Arisaka boasts impressive capabilities, rivalling the .303 British in performance, and is known for its robust action.
Enthusiasts and collectors often seek out 7.7 Japanese ammo for its historical value and performance. Notably, the Arisaka Model 99 rifle, which uses this cartridge, is popular among collectors and history buffs. For those interested in shooting, 7.7×58mm ammunition, such as the 174gr FMJBT rounds from Steinel Ammunition, offers a reliable and accurate option. Factory-loaded rounds can be found with specifications similar to military loads, providing authentic shooting experiences.
For hunters, the 7.7×58mm Arisaka is a suitable medium game cartridge. Its design, similar to the 8×57 but necked down, ensures effective performance. Precision One offers a selection of 7.7 Japanese ammunition, which can be explored on their website. This versatile cartridge remains a fascinating choice for both historical collectors and active shooters.
Historical Significance Of 7.7 Jap Ammo
Contents
- Historical Significance Of 7.7 Jap Ammo
- Specifications And Features Of 7.7 Jap Ammo
- Uses of 7.7 Jap Ammo Today
- Where To Buy Reliable 7.7 Jap Ammo
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What calibre is comparable to the 7.7 Japanese cartridge?
- Where can one purchase 7.7 Japanese ammunition?
- What are the ballistics characteristics of the 7.7 Japanese round?
- Can modern firearms use the 7.7 Japanese ammunition safely?
- What gun models were historically chambered for the 7.7 Japanese cartridge?
- Are there any notable differences between 7.7 Japanese military and civilian ammunition?
The 7.7 Jap Ammo, also known as the 7.7x58mm Arisaka, played a crucial role in Japan’s military history. Its development and use spanned significant historical events, particularly during World War II.
Origins And Military Use
The 7.7 Jap Ammo was developed as the successor to the 6.5×50mmSR cartridge. This new ammunition was designed to be more powerful and improve battlefield performance. The cartridge featured a .311 inch bullet diameter and was used in the Type 99 rifle.
Introduced in the late 1930s, this ammo quickly became the standard for the Imperial Japanese Army and Air Service. Its creation marked a shift towards heavier and more effective rounds in response to the changing demands of modern warfare.
Role In World War II
During World War II, the 7.7 Jap Ammo was extensively used by Japanese forces. It played a pivotal role in both Pacific and Asian theatres. Despite its intended purpose, it never completely replaced its predecessor, the 6.5×50mmSR cartridge.
The ammo’s design was based on the German 8×57, but it was necked down to fit the .311 inch bullet. In combat, it offered reliable performance, helping to enhance the firepower of Japanese rifles and machine guns.
Even after the war, the legacy of the 7.7 Jap Ammo continued, affecting post-war ammunition design and availability. Some modern manufacturers produce it today, though often under-loaded for safety in older firearms.
Specifications And Features Of 7.7 Jap Ammo
The 7.7 Jap ammo was a crucial component for the Imperial Japanese military during World War II. It offers distinct characteristics in terms of calibre, bullet weight, performance, and ballistics, making it a significant topic in both historical and technical contexts.
Calibre And Bullet Weight
The 7.7 Jap ammo, also known as the 7.7x58mm Arisaka, features a bullet diameter of 7.9mm (.311 inches).
This calibre was designed to replace the earlier 6.5x50mm SR cartridge. The standard bullet weights for the 7.7 Jap range from 150 grains to 180 grains.
For comparison, the 150-grain bullets were typical for lightweight applications, while the heavier 174 to 180-grain bullets were more common for sustained fire or specialized use.
These varying weights offered flexibility for different military operations and types of firearms, from rifles to machine guns.
Performance And Ballistics
The 7.7 Jap ammo offered robust performance during its use in WWII. When hand-loaded, it can achieve speeds of 2700 feet per second (fps) with 150-grain bullets. With heavier bullets, such as those ranging from 174 to 180 grains, the velocity drops to around 2400 fps.
Another essential feature is its comparable performance to the .303 British cartridge. Tests showed that the 7.7 Jap could perform equal or better in many scenarios, largely due to its efficient case design and the strong action of the Arisaka Model 99 rifle.
Factory-loaded ammunition by manufacturers like Norma ensures consistent quality and results. This reliability made it a preferred choice for the Japanese military across various theatres of war.
Uses of 7.7 Jap Ammo Today
The 7.7 Jap ammo, also known as the 7.7x58mm Arisaka, has found its place both in historical collections and modern shooting sports. Despite its wartime origins, it remains popular for various uses.
Collectors and Historical Reenactments
Many firearms enthusiasts in Canada and worldwide collect military rifles and ammunition. The Type 99 rifle, commonly associated with 7.7 Jap ammo, is a sought-after piece.
Collectors often seek original ammunition to display with their rifles for authenticity. Historical reenactments also use 7.7 Jap ammo to simulate World War II battles. Using period-correct ammunition adds realism and engagement for spectators and participants.
Museums and historical societies also preserve these artifacts. Proper storage and handling of 7.7 Jap ammo ensure its longevity and historical value.
Practical Applications in Shooting Sports
Besides its historical usage, 7.7 Jap ammo is practical for shooting sports. Hunters pursuing medium games find this cartridge effective. Its performance is similar to the .303 British, making it suitable for deer hunting.
Competitive shooters also use 7.7 Jap ammo in various shooting events. The accuracy and reliability of the Type 99 rifle allow marksmen to excel in target shooting competitions. Ammunition manufacturers like Bannerman and Norma produce new 7.7 Jap ammo to meet the demand of modern shooters.
Types of 7.7 Jap Ammo:
- 174 Grain Soft-Point (SP)
- 150 Grain SPBT
Brands:
- Norma
- Bannerman
New production ensures safe and reliable ammunition for today’s users.
Where To Buy Reliable 7.7 Jap Ammo
Finding reliable 7.7 Jap ammo is essential for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Factors like price, brand reputation, and stock availability play a crucial role. One trusted source for purchasing is Precision One due to its consistent quality and reliability.
Factors To Consider When Purchasing
When buying 7.7 Jap ammo, several factors need attention:
Price: Budget is important. Comparing prices across different retailers can help find the best deals.
Brand Reputation: Known brands like Steinel Ammunition Co. provide consistent quality, ensuring the ammo is reliable.
Bulk Buying: Purchasing in bulk often reduces costs. Retailers like Ammo To Go and KIR Ammo offer competitive prices for bulk purchases.
Online Reviews: Reading customer reviews helps gauge product satisfaction. Sites like AmmoSeek and AmmoBuy compile reviews, providing insights into retailer reliability.
Why Precision One Is A Trusted Source
Quality Assurance: Precision One is known for its stringent quality control processes. Each round is inspected to ensure it meets high standards.
Customer Satisfaction: Many buyers have praised Precision One for its reliable and well-performing ammo. Positive reviews highlight their consistent delivery of high-quality ammunition.
Competitive Pricing: Precision One offers fair pricing without compromising on quality. Buying in bulk from them can result in significant savings.
Availability: Unlike some smaller suppliers, Precision One maintains a good stock level, reducing the chances of running out of ammo when needed most.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 7.7 Japanese ammunition, known as the 7.7x58mm Arisaka, was used extensively by Japanese forces in World War II. This section addresses some common questions about its specifications, usage, and historical context.
What calibre is comparable to the 7.7 Japanese cartridge?
The 7.7 Japanese cartridge is similar in performance to the .303 British round. Both use bullets with a .311-inch diameter, and their velocities and stopping power are nearly identical.
Where can one purchase 7.7 Japanese ammunition?
7.7 Japanese ammunition can be found through military surplus stores, specialized ammunition dealers, and online retailers that stock historical cartridges. Checking different sources can help find the best deals and availability.
What are the ballistics characteristics of the 7.7 Japanese round?
The 7.7 Japanese round typically fires a 174-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of around 2400 feet per second. Its ballistics are designed to provide effective range and stopping power for military use.
Can modern firearms use the 7.7 Japanese ammunition safely?
Modern firearms are generally not designed to use 7.7 Japanese ammunition. It is crucial to use the correct ammunition specified by the firearm manufacturer to ensure safe operation and avoid damage.
What gun models were historically chambered for the 7.7 Japanese cartridge?
The 7.7 Japanese cartridge was primarily used in the Type 99 rifle, which was the standard issue for Japanese infantry during World War II. The Type 99 was known for its durability and accuracy.
Are there any notable differences between 7.7 Japanese military and civilian ammunition?
Military 7.7 Japanese ammunition closely mirrors the .303 British in terms of design and performance. Civilian versions may vary slightly in terms of bullet weight and powder load, but they generally aim to replicate military specifications for collectors and historical shooting.