SP-4, SP-5, SP-6 and PAB-9Special Cartridges

Special Cartridges

SP-5, SP-6 and PAB-9 special rounds

The 9x39mm SP-5, SP-6 and PAB-9 rounds are used with the VSS and VSK-94 sniper rifles, AS and OTs-14 Groza special assault rifles, as well as SR-3 and 9A-91 small-size assault rifles.

The SP-5 sniper round is designed to engage separate soft targets when fired from a sniper rifle. The bullet incorporates a steel core and a lead core, placed together into a single clad metal envelope. The SP-5 rounds do not feature distinguishing colour on their bullets.

The SP-6 and PAB-9 enhanced penetration rounds are designed to engage personnel wearing body armour, hiding in automobiles or behind thin covers. Bullets of these rounds have their steel core and jacket placed into a clad metal envelope. The nose of the core protrudes from the envelope. Tips of bullets are painted black. SP-4 special cartridge

The SP-4 special cartridge, containing exhaust gases within the case, is designed for noiseless and flameless firing from the PSS special silent pistol and NRS-2 scouting knife. The bullet is fully concealed within the cartridge case. The bullet is a cylindrical alloy steel slug with a copper-driving band on the lead edge. There is a dimpled steel disc at its base, which acts as a piston. After the cartridge is fired, the piston strikes a case neck, retaining exhaust gases inside the case. The cartridge has no distinguishing colour.

Basic specifications

Designation SP-4 SP-5 SP-6 PAB-9 Calibre 7.62x42 9x39 9x39 9x39 Weight, g: round 24 23 23 14 bullet 10 16 16 17 Round length, mm 42 56 56 56 Muzzle velocity, m/s 195-205 285-295 285-295 285-295 Penetration capability, m: steel helmet 25 400 400 400

BZh-81-type body armour - - 400 400 Case material clad metal steel steel steel