Why Did Soviets Boil Ammo?

Published on September 13, 2024
Duration: 0:45

This guide details a practical test to determine if boiling ammunition renders it inoperable, a tactic reportedly used by Soviet soldiers. The process involves boiling 7.62x39mm rounds, allowing them to cool, and then testing their functionality in an AK-47/AKM. The video demonstrates that despite the boiling, the ammunition often remains functional, highlighting the resilience of lacquered cartridges.

Quick Summary

Tests indicate that boiling 7.62x39mm ammunition, a practice reportedly used by Soviet soldiers in Afghanistan, often fails to render the rounds inoperable due to protective lacquer coatings. These lacquered rounds frequently remain functional and can be fired successfully after being boiled.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Historical Context: Ammo as Currency
  2. 00:14The Boiling Myth Explained
  3. 00:25Live Fire Test of Boiled Ammo
  4. 00:30Conclusion: Functionality Test

Frequently Asked Questions

Did boiling ammunition make it unusable for Soviet soldiers?

While Soviet soldiers reportedly boiled ammunition to disable it for trading, tests show that the lacquer coating often kept the rounds functional, meaning they could still be fired.

Why did Soviet soldiers boil their ammunition?

The practice stemmed from corruption and poor rations in Afghanistan, where soldiers traded ammunition for goods. Boiling was an attempt to render it inoperable before trading, though often unsuccessful.

What type of ammunition was involved in the boiling practice?

The ammunition discussed and tested is typically 7.62x39mm, commonly associated with Soviet-era rifles like the AK-47 and AKM.

What is the purpose of lacquer coating on ammunition?

Lacquer coating on ammunition serves to protect the casing and bullet from corrosion and moisture, ensuring better shelf life and reliability, and can also enhance the seal.

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