Escape From Tarkov has earned a reputation for being one of the most hardcore and realistic first-person shooters available. With its incredibly detailed gun mechanics and wide array of weapons and modifications, it provides an incredibly immersive combat experience. However, one of the most important mechanics to understand in order to succeed is the myriad of ammunition types available.
With different ammo varying significantly in armor penetration, damage, and other attributes, selecting the right bullets for your raids is essential. This is where having a comprehensive bullet chart can make a massive difference. By detailing the stats of all available ammo, EFT bullet charts allow you to see exactly how different rounds compare within a caliber.
In this extensive blog post, we will be covering detailed ballistics charts for all the major ammunition types available in Escape From Tarkov. Whether you’re using an AK rifle firing 7.62x39mm or a 9x19mm SMG, you’ll find a full breakdown of all the rounds for that caliber. We’ll also analyze the best budget, mid-tier, and top-tier bullets for different situations.
Let’s start by first understanding exactly what a bullet chart is and why they are so useful in EFT.
What is a Bullet Chart?
A bullet chart, sometimes called an ammo chart or ballistics chart, is a table that displays the various statistics and attributes for all available ammunition types of a particular caliber. For hardcore tactical shooters like Escape From Tarkov, these charts are incredibly useful reference tools for comparing and selecting the right ammo.
Bullet charts will typically include statistics like:
- Penetration Power – The ability of the bullet to penetrate through armor, usually the higher the better.
- Damage – The amount of damage the bullet inflicts on a target upon impact.
- Armor Damage – The amount of durability damage the bullet does to armor.
- Fragmentation Chance – The probability of the bullet fragmenting into pieces inside the target.
- Ricochet Chance – The likelihood of the bullet ricocheting off of hard surfaces.
- Projectile Velocity – The speed that the bullet travels when fired.
By displaying all of this data side-by-side for each ammo type, EFT bullet charts allow you to see exactly how different rounds compare within a caliber category. This allows you to select the optimal ammunition for your needs and playstyle.
Overview of Calibers in EFT
Escape From Tarkov features an impressive arsenal of real-world firearms from pistols to assault rifles to sniper rifles. These weapons utilize a range of different ammunition calibers, each with their own selection of ammo types to choose from. Let’s briefly go over the main calibers available:
- 5.45x39mm – Used in AK-74 rifles and variants like the RPK-16 LMG.
- 5.56x45mm NATO – Used in M4A1, HK416, and other western rifles.
- 7.62x39mm – Used in AKM, SKS, and other AK platform rifles.
- 7.62x51mm NATO – Full-sized rifle rounds used in RSASS, M1A sniper rifles.
- 7.62x54mmR – Another full-sized round used in the Mosin and SVDS rifles.
- 9x19mm Parabellum – Pistol caliber used in many SMGs and handguns.
- 9x18mm Makarov – Underpowered pistol round used in some compact weapons.
- 12x70mm – Powerful shotgun shells with buckshot or slugs.
- And more! In total, there are over 20 calibers featured in EFT.
Later in this guide we will be taking a deep dive into the bullet charts for each of these major calibers. This will allow you to see a full breakdown of the penetration, damage, and other statistics for all available ammo types.
First up, let’s take a look at the rounds available for the 7.62x25mm caliber used in the TT pistol.
7.62x25mm TT Ammo Chart
The 7.62x25mm caliber is used primarily in the TT pistol in Escape From Tarkov. This is an old pistol cartridge known for its high velocity and flat trajectory. Below is a chart detailing the available ammunition types for 7.62x25mm and their ballistic statistics:
| Ammo Type | Penetration | Damage | Armor Damage | Velocity | Fragmentation Chance | Ricochet Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TT Pst gzh | 24 | 50 | 36 | 430 m/s | 0.2 | 0.1 |
| TT FMJ43 | 8 | 60 | 29 | 427 m/s | 0.25 | 0.065 |
| TT LRN | 6 | 64 | 28 | 375 m/s | 0.35 | 0.05 |
| TT LRNPC | 5 | 66 | 27 | 385 m/s | 0.35 | 0.05 |
| TT P gl | 10 | 58 | 32 | 430 m/s | 0.25 | 0.065 |
| TT PT gzh | 12 | 60 | 34 | 415 m/s | 0.166 | 0.1 |
| TT AKBS | 9 | 58 | 32 | 425 m/s | 0.25 | 0.065 |
As we can see, the TT Pst gzh stands out when it comes to penetration power with its rating of 24. This comes at the cost of lower outright damage compared to some other rounds like the TT LRN. The TT FMJ43 offers a nice balance of damage and penetration for a cheap, available round.
For the TT pistol, aim to use TT Pst gzh when you expect heavily armored targets. Rounds like TT FMJ43 or TT AKBS are more than sufficient for unarmored scavs or early game combat. Their high velocity and flat trajectory also makes 7.62x25mm ammo ideal for landing headshots.
Next up we’ll be looking at the charts for the underpowered but common 9x18mm Makarov pistol caliber.
For example, heavy sniper rounds tend to have very high penetration but lower outright damage. Shotgun shells on the other hand deal immense damage at close range but have limited penetration. Using bullet charts makes these tradeoffs visually clear.
Later in this post we’ll be covering detailed charts for all available ammunition in Escape From Tarkov. But first, let’s do a quick overview of all the calibers available.
9x18mm Makarov Ammo Chart
The 9x18mm Makarov is a relatively underpowered pistol caliber used in compact sidearms like the PM, PMM, and APS. It is also used in a few SMGs like the Klin and Kedr. Below you can find a bullet chart detailing all the available ammunition for 9x18mm:
| Ammo Type | Penetration | Damage | Armor Damage | Velocity | Fragmentation Chance | Ricochet Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM PMM | 25 | 56 | 33 | 420 m/s | 0.17 | 0.095 |
| PM PBM | 22 | 44 | 30 | 519 m/s | 0.16 | 0.09 |
| PM PPe gzh | 7 | 61 | 15 | 297 m/s | 0.35 | 0.05 |
| PM PPT gzh | 8 | 59 | 22 | 301 m/s | 0.166 | 0.1 |
| PM PRS gs | 6 | 58 | 16 | 302 m/s | 0.3 | 0.01 |
| PM PSO gzh | 5 | 54 | 13 | 315 m/s | 0.35 | 0.065 |
| PM 9 BZT gzh | 16 | 55 | 28 | 325 m/s | 0.17 | 0.095 |
The 9x18mm PM PMM stands out as the top performing round with high penetration and damage for the caliber. The PM PBM is nearly as good. For cheap, available early game ammo, rounds like PM PSO gzh or PM BZT gzh are decent enough.
The low velocity and penetration of 9x18mm ammo makes it poorly suited against armor. Aim for legs or heads when using these pistols and SMGs. Their compact nature at least makes them great backup weapons or loot runners.
Up next we’ll move onto much more capable SMG and pistol ammunition with the 9x19mm Parabellum bullet chart.
9x19mm Parabellum Ammo Chart
The extremely common 9x19mm Parabellum pistol round is used in a wide range of SMGs, pistols, and even some rifles in EFT. Its versatility and performance against unarmored targets makes it a popular early-wipe caliber. Below is a chart with all the available 9x19mm ammo types:
| Ammo Type | Penetration | Damage | Armor Damage | Velocity | Fragmentation Chance | Ricochet Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBP gzh | 25 | 52 | 48 | 392 m/s | 0.05 | 0.2 |
| RIP | 2 | 102 | 11 | 381 m/s | 1 | 0.002 |
| AP 6.3 | 25 | 52 | 48 | 392 m/s | 0.05 | 0.2 |
| PST gzh | 18 | 54 | 33 | 457 m/s | 0.15 | 0.05 |
| PSO gzh | 10 | 56 | 32 | 340 m/s | 0.25 | 0.065 |
The 9x19mm PBP gzh is the clear winner when it comes to penetration, matching the AP 6.3 round. RIP delivers immense flesh damage at the cost of armor penetration. For cost-effective performance, PST gzh is a great choice.
9mm SMGs like the MP5 or MPX are excellent for spray-and-pray CQB battles. Use rounds like RIP or aim for legs. The high capacity pistols also benefit from cheap ammo like PSO gzh.
With the basics covered, next up we’ll dive into the hard-hitting 7.62x39mm bullet chart.
7.62x39mm Ammo Chart
The 7.62x39mm rifle cartridge is commonly associated with AK platform weapons like the AKM, SKS, and VPO-136. It provides a nice balance of power, recoil, and availability. Below you can find a bullet chart for all 7.62x39mm ammunition in EFT:
| Ammo Type | Penetration | Damage | Armor Damage | Velocity | Fragmentation Chance | Ricochet Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BP | 47 | 58 | 63 | 730 m/s | 0.12 | 0.315 |
| PS | 34 | 54 | 52 | 700 m/s | 0.25 | 0.35 |
| HP | 15 | 83 | 35 | 754 m/s | 0.2625 | 0.175 |
| US | 29 | 56 | 42 | 300 m/s | 0.075 | 0.358 |
| T45M | 31 | 62 | 46 | 720 m/s | 0.12 | 0.35 |
The 7.62x39mm BP round is the clear winner when it comes to penetrating armor thanks to its high penetration rating. PS and T45M are great mid-tier rounds. For leg meta, the HP ammo is devastating.
Overall, the 7.62x39mm caliber is excellent for mid-range combat. Weapons like the AKM and SKS are EFT mainstays for good reason. Be sure to utilize the best ammo you can acquire.
Next up, we’ll move to the hard-hitting 7.62x51mm NATO and 7.62x54mmR full sized rifle calibers.
7.62x51mm NATO and 7.62x54mmR Ammo Charts
The 7.62x51mm NATO and 7.62x54mmR rounds are powerful full-sized rifle cartridges used in EFT’s arsenal of bolt-action and semi-auto precision rifles. Their high penetration and stopping power make them favored for long range engagements. Below you can find the bullet charts for these two similar calibers:
7.62x51mm NATO:
| Ammo Type | Penetration | Damage | Armor Damage | Velocity | Fragmentation Chance | Ricochet Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M61 | 68 | 70 | 83 | 849 m/s | 0.13 | 0.3 |
| M62 | 54 | 79 | 75 | 816 m/s | 0.14 | 0.38 |
| M80 | 41 | 80 | 66 | 833 m/s | 0.17 | 0.38 |
7.62x54mmR:
| Ammo Type | Penetration | Damage | Armor Damage | Velocity | Fragmentation Chance | Ricochet Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNB | 62 | 75 | 87 | 875 m/s | 0.08 | 0.285 |
| 7N1 | 45 | 86 | 84 | 875 m/s | 0.083 | 0.285 |
| LPS gzh | 42 | 81 | 78 | 865 m/s | 0.18 | 0.39 |
For both calibers, we can see the premium rounds like M61 and SNB offer superb penetration paired with high damage, perfect for dispatching thickly armored PMCs. More available rounds like M80 and LPS gzh still get the job done.
The stopping power of these full-size rounds makes them ideal for snipers. Their performance at long range can’t be understated. Marksmen rejoice!
Next up, we’ll move from rifles to shotguns with the 12x70mm shotgun shell ballistics.
12x70mm Shotgun Shells Ammo Chart
Shotguns like the MP-153 and M870 may seem simple, but they have a diverse selection of highly specialized ammo types. From buckshot to slugs and more, the 12x70mm shells offer something for every type of close quarters engagement. Here’s a chart with 12 gauge’s fantastic ammunition diversity:
| Ammo Type | Penetration | Damage | Armor Damage | Velocity | Fragmentation Chance | Ricochet Chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP-20 Slug | 32 | 164 | 65 | 510 m/s | 0.03 | 0.1 |
| Flechette | 28 | 19×8 | 26 | 320 m/s | 0 | 0 |
| Magnum Buckshot | 2 | 44×8 | 26 | 385 m/s | 0 | 0 |
| RIP | 0 | 235 | 11 | 410 m/s | 1 | 0.01 |
As we can see, the AP-20 slugs are unmatched when it comes to armor penetration for a shotgun, able to challenge even class 5 armor. Flechettes shred unarmored targets. For leg meta, RIP or Magnum buckshot will quickly put down a target.
While limited in range, a well-placed shotgun blast is a force to be reckoned with. Their flexibility makes them a strong backup weapon or CQB powerhouse.
With the essentials covered, let’s move onto some specialty calibers and their EFT bullet charts next.
Other Calibers and Specialty Ammo
Escape from Tarkov features a huge arsenal of real-world firearms, many of which use more obscure or specialized ammunition types. Let’s take a quick look at some other noteworthy EFT bullet charts:
5.45x39mm – The AK-74 rifle’s cartridge has ammunition like 7N39 Igolnik and BS with excellent armor penetration. The fast firing guns chew through ammo quickly, so use conservatively.
5.56x45mm NATO – M995 and M856A1 are top choices for western rifles like M4A1s and HK416s. High rate of fire means ammo conservation is key.
9x39mm – Specialty subsonic rounds used in the AS VAL and VSS Vintorez. SP-5 and SP-6 offer quiet yet deadly stopping power.
4.6x30mm – Unusual H&K MP7 ammo with variants like AP SX that penetrate even class 6 armor with ease.
.45 ACP – Slow heavy pistol rounds that come in Hydra-Shok and AP varieties, useful in Vector SMGs.
12.7x55mm – Massive caliber used in the ASh-12 rifle. PS12B ammo hits extremely hard if you can tame the recoil.
20x70mm – Oddball shotgun ammo for the TOZ-106. Go with 7.5mm buckshot or Star slugs for best results.
With dozens of calibers and hundreds of ammo types available, the ballistics diversity in EFT is unparalleled. Be sure to utilize the right tools for the job!
Next up, let’s discuss some additional ammo mechanics and factors to consider.
Fragmentation, Ricochet, and Other Mechanics
Penetration and damage are just a few of the statistics that factor into choosing the right ammo in Escape From Tarkov. Let’s discuss some other ballistic mechanics that can influence your ammunition selection:
Fragmentation Chance – Some bullets have a chance to fragment into multiple pieces inside a target, amplifying damage. However, fragments are often stopped by armor.
Ricochet Chance – Bullets can bounce off hard surfaces like walls or armor plates if struck at an angle. Lower is better to prevent random deflections.
Accuracy – Not shown on charts, but some ammo types improve or reduce grouping/spread when fired. This affects precision at range.
Recoil – Also not on charts, certain ammo significantly increases or reduces recoil control. Big for full-auto fire.
Trajectory – Faster moving bullets fly flatter over distance. Important for long range shots. Energy retention matters too.
Armor Materials – Steel, ceramic, UHMWPE and other materials protect differently depending on ammo stats. Angles of impact also matter.
As you can see, there are many additional factors that determine how ammunition performs in combat scenarios. Always keep your tactical situation and weapon in mind when selecting your ammo.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s discuss best practices for ammo selection at different stages of an EFT wipe.
When to Use Each Ammo Type
Escape from Tarkov wipes periodically, resetting player progress. This means the gear you encounter will change dramatically throughout a wipe, and therefore the ammo you should use also evolves. Let’s discuss strategies for budget, mid-game, and end-game ammo selection.
Early Wipe – When everyone is low level with basic gear, cheap ammo like 9x19mm Pst gzh, 5.45x39mm PP, and 12x70mm Buckshot is more than sufficient. Conserve higher quality ammo.
Mid Wipe – Now you’ll start seeing class 4 armors regularly. Switch to rounds like 5.45x39mm BT, 5.56x45mm M855A1, and 7.62x39mm PS which can handle this armor tier.
Late Wipe – High tier ammo is now a must as you go against class 5 and 6 armor users. Use top ammo like 5.56x45mm M995, 7.62x51mm M61, etc. if you have it.
Ammo Conservation – Bring a few magazines of premium ammo, then fill the rest with budget rounds. Use the good stuff for PMCs only.
Leg Meta – When armor is too thick, ammo that shreds legs like RIP, Magnum Buckshot, or 7.62x39mm HP can still win fights.
Match ammo power appropriately to the stage of a wipe for optimal performance without wasting good ammo. Learn affordable ammo that packs a punch too!
Summary & Conclusion
Selecting the right ammunition for your needs is one of the most important aspects of finding success in Escape From Tarkov’s hardcore raids. This extensive guide has provided detailed bullet charts for all the major calibers in EFT along with analysis of top tier, mid tier, and budget ammo options.
Key points covered in this blog post include:
- An explanation of what bullet charts are and why they are essential tools in Tarkov
- An overview of the major calibers available and the guns that use them
- In-depth bullet charts for calibers like 7.62x39mm, 5.56x45mm NATO, 12x70mm shotguns, and many more
- Breakdowns of the best performing rounds for penetration, damage, and armor destruction
- Evaluations of budget-friendly and available ammunition
- Additional factors like ricochet chance, fragmentation, accuracy, and more
- Ammo selection and conservation tips for early, mid, and late wipe cycles
Proper ammunition selection can mean the difference between a successful raid and an utter loss. With this guide and these EFT bullet charts, you now have the knowledge to pick the right ammo for every occasion. Whether you need to shred unarmored scavs on a budget or penetrate tier 6 armor, you’ll have the firepower. Now get out there and take on some raids with your newfound ammo wisdom!
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