The 5.56×30mm MINSAS is a rimless, bottlenecked intermediate firearm cartridge manufactured by India's Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) for close-quarters combat and personal defense weapon applications. It was designed in 2011 and is produced at the Ammunition Factory Khadki in Pune, India.
Overview
The cartridge was developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) alongside the Modern Sub Machine Carbine (MSMC), later renamed the Joint Venture Protective Carbine (JVPC). The MINSAS acronym stands for "Modern Sub Machine Carbine" or is derived from the INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) family. It was initially known as the 5.56×30mm INSAS, named after the planned INSAS carbine.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bullet diameter | 5.56 mm (0.219 in) |
| Case length | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Overall length | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Bullet weight | 2.6 g (40 gr) |
| Cartridge weight | 6 g |
| Muzzle velocity | 650 m/s (2,100 ft/s) (from 300 mm barrel) |
| Muzzle energy | 550 J (410 ft⋅lbf) |
| Effective range | 200–300 m (660–980 ft) |
Design
The 5.56×30mm MINSAS is a shortened derivative of the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge, using a bottlenecked case 30 mm in length. It is loaded with a lightweight, pointed full metal jacket bullet featuring a steel penetrator core. The bullet length is 17 mm. Some sources report a muzzle velocity close to 900 m/s (3,000 ft/s) depending on barrel length.
Performance
The cartridge is designed for close-quarters battle and personal defense weapon roles. DRDO has reported that the MINSAS can penetrate both soft body armor and 3.5 mm mild steel plates at 100 meters. The Ordnance Factory Board claims it exhibits penetration superior to 9×19mm Parabellum ammunition.
Variants
The MINSAS cartridge is manufactured in the following types:
- Ball – standard service round
- Drill – inert training round
- Proof – high-pressure proof test round
- Blank – blank firing round
Platforms
The following firearms are chambered for the 5.56×30mm MINSAS:
| Platform | Country | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Venture Protective Carbine (JVPC) | India | Carbine / Personal Defense Weapon |
| Amogh carbine | India | Carbine |
| Zittara (based on the IWI Tavor) | India | Carbine |
Users
The cartridge is used by the Indian Armed Forces.
See also
- .221 Remington Fireball – a similarly sized cartridge
- 5.56×45mm NATO – the parent cartridge
- Joint Venture Protective Carbine
