Light Ball- Heavy Ball

smokem · 11-09-2006, 11:45 PM

I just bought some Yugo Heavy Ball ammo and was wondering what the differences between heavy ball and light ball ammo was (besides the obvious answer of weight). I have only used light ball surplus stuff in the past and wanted to know how different they are. Also, is it even safe to use heavy ball on my Mosin m91/30?

Big Dog · 11-10-2006, 03:33 AM

"Heavy ball" is essentially machinegun ammo. The heavier bullet has better ballistics for the MG useage. Some nations, like Finland, designed their rifle barrels to work best with the heavy ball ammo, thus making logistics easier - only one type ammo to stock! My Finn M-39 really prefers the heavy stuff.
My old M1891 and hex-receivered 91/30 prefer the light ball.

NRAJOE · 11-10-2006, 05:25 PM

Less recoil...I use Czech 147 gr Silvertip and Czech 44 gr practice ammo...fun stuff!

smokem · 11-10-2006, 08:58 PM

yeah, i thought it would be along those lines. Also, (even though this isnt the case and i know its wrong but its just a common sense type question) wouldnt light ball ammo be better for MGs since it fires so many rounds and the recoil is lighter? Rifles using 7.62x54r fire only one shot per trigger-pull so it allows it to pack all its punch into one round, therefore since only one bullet is used at a time, the more powerful the bullet, the better it is. Finally, my last question resumed unanswered: Is it safe to shoot heavy ball ammo with my Soviet M91/30?

Big Dog · 11-11-2006, 06:38 AM

Yes, it's safe to shoot. It'll just thump you a little harder, and your vertical shot placement may change a bit.

MG's need the heavier ammo, as it gives more impact to target, and it gives a bit greater range. Simple physics - a heavier bullet travels farther with a flatter trajectory up to a point.

11-09-2006, 11:45 PM	#1
smokem Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2	Light Ball- Heavy Ball I just bought some Yugo Heavy Ball ammo and was wondering what the differences between heavy ball and light ball ammo was (besides the obvious answer of weight). I have only used light ball surplus stuff in the past and wanted to know how different they are. Also, is it even safe to use heavy ball on my Mosin m91/30?

11-10-2006, 03:33 AM	#2
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,214	"Heavy ball" is essentially machinegun ammo. The heavier bullet has better ballistics for the MG useage. Some nations, like Finland, designed their rifle barrels to work best with the heavy ball ammo, thus making logistics easier - only one type ammo to stock! My Finn M-39 really prefers the heavy stuff. My old M1891 and hex-receivered 91/30 prefer the light ball. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

11-10-2006, 05:25 PM	#3
NRAJOE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Toledo,OH Posts: 19,052 Images: 3	Less recoil...I use Czech 147 gr Silvertip and Czech 44 gr practice ammo...fun stuff! __________________ U.S. Army 1976-1979 237th Combat Engineers Heilbronn, Germany

11-11-2006, 06:38 AM	#5
Big Dog Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Tallahassee, Florida Posts: 10,214	Yes, it's safe to shoot. It'll just thump you a little harder, and your vertical shot placement may change a bit. MG's need the heavier ammo, as it gives more impact to target, and it gives a bit greater range. Simple physics - a heavier bullet travels farther with a flatter trajectory up to a point. __________________ Moderator of: AR15/M16, M14/M1A, New/Beginning Shooters and Militaria/Collectables.

11-10-2006, 08:58 PM	#4
smokem Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2	yeah, i thought it would be along those lines. Also, (even though this isnt the case and i know its wrong but its just a common sense type question) wouldnt light ball ammo be better for MGs since it fires so many rounds and the recoil is lighter? Rifles using 7.62x54r fire only one shot per trigger-pull so it allows it to pack all its punch into one round, therefore since only one bullet is used at a time, the more powerful the bullet, the better it is. Finally, my last question resumed unanswered: Is it safe to shoot heavy ball ammo with my Soviet M91/30?