Not so long ago (namely, in 2015), a new hunting cartridge .366 TKM (9.5x39), as well as weapons for it, appeared on free sale in Russia. The latter has a barrel with a “paradox” type rifling (that is, the smooth barrel ends with a small rifled section, thanks to which a certain rotation is transmitted to the bullet).
The main difference between the .366 TKM caliber and other “paradoxes” lies in the cartridge, or more precisely, in its cartridge case, created on the basis of rifle cartridges. This point, on the one hand, allows you to increase the accuracy and speed of the bullet compared to other paradoxes, but at the same time makes the cartridge difficult to reload on your own and practically unsuitable for shooting with shot.
According to the manufacturer, the use of weapons chambered for the .366 TKM cartridge is possible for hunting small and medium-sized animals (weighing up to 200 kg), as well as for training shooting. Let's talk about how realistic and applicable this is in practice.
Cartridge .366 TKM: personal impressions and its advantages
I would like to start a conversation about the .366 TKM caliber with personal experience of use, and with what exactly I liked about it.
The first thing I would like to note is the rather interesting concept of a “semi-rifled” carbine, which essentially uses rifled cartridges (although legally listed as “smooth”).
The second important feature is its fairly high accuracy, superior to that of shotguns and smooth-bore carbines.
It is these two main features that make the .366 TKM so attractive. And attractive especially for novice hunters who want to purchase rifled weapons, but do not have the legal right to do so. Most likely, such hunters were chosen by the target audience when creating this cartridge and weapons for it. Such hunting weapons, by the way, are made by converting rifled SKSs, Saigas and other “combat” models, which further increases the attractiveness of carbines under .366 TKM in the eyes of shooters who crave “rifling.”
VPO-208 is a conversion of the legendary SKS carbine for the .366 TKM caliber.
Speaking about personal impressions of communicating with this weapon, it is worth noting, again, high accuracy when shooting with open sights, good stopping effect at short (and this should be emphasized twice) distances, as well as fairly comfortable recoil. On this, in principle, all the advantages of this carbine end, and objective reality begins (I am writing about it from a purely hunting position and the practical use of such weapons. Persons who actively “use” this barrel at shooting ranges may not agree...)
Disadvantages of the cartridge-weapon system in .366 TKM caliber
The first, and perhaps the most important thing I would like to note among the disadvantages is the price. Moreover, the price of everything - both weapons (which, by the way, exceeds the cost of the rifled samples from which they were converted, is almost twice as much, at least for the SKS/VPO-208 line), and cartridges.
I don’t know where and how, but here, in a remote province, the price of .366 TKM cartridges starts at 46 rubles (and some types of cartridges cost almost 60 rubles). This is very, very much, both for a hunting cartridge with similar characteristics, and for a conditionally sporting one. By the way, the cost of a 410 caliber cartridge in the same ormag is 28 rubles (that is, almost two times less), and the cost of a 7.62x39 cartridge is 8 rubles (that is, 6!!! times less). I think no one will argue that the .366 TKM is by no means a budget option for both shooting and hunting.
The second thing I would like to note is the difficulties with reloading. If standard tools are enough to reload cartridges for the same Saiga 410 (by the way, I can even do without UPS), then to reload .366 TKM you will have to purchase expensive equipment. In addition, to load .366 TKM caliber cartridges you will need to purchase special gunpowder, while 410 caliber works great on the familiar Sokol.
The third significant disadvantage of the .366 TKM caliber is its absolute lack of versatility. Despite the fact that it belongs to a smooth-bore weapon, it is almost impossible to use it for shotgun shooting. Yes, there are special cartridges (again, expensive) with a plastic bullet containing several small pellets. But who should we hunt with them? The shot charge is very small, the scattering area is small, and most importantly, the scree is uneven with a large number of windows (I speak from the results of shooting with VPO-208). The .366 caliber cannot be compared with the same 410 caliber (with which you can hunt quite successfully as with a shotgun).
The fourth reason why I personally would not buy this weapon is the low accuracy at long ranges. I won’t give shooting data, minutes of angle, etc. - all these numbers can be easily found on the Internet. I can only say that there can be no talk of any shooting at 300 meters (as they sometimes write) in a real hunt. The bullet drop is quite strong already at 200 meters (according to the manufacturer itself, it is almost half a meter, provided that the carbine is sighted at 50 meters). Accuracy over long distances is also low, noticeably lower than that of 7.62x39.
The effective range for the .366 TKM cartridge is 100, maximum 150 meters, no more (this is my opinion as a person who owns such weapons). It is for this reason that you should not rush for a “smooth-bore rifled” one, but rather wait the due date and buy a normal carbine (by the way, I and almost all of my fellow hunters bought a rifled one after 10-15 years of experience, before that there was simply no need ). That is why - is it worth rushing somewhere?
The fifth, and one of the most important problems is low-quality cartridges. Although I personally don’t know of such examples (and all my friends bought only one VPO-208), you can easily find a video on YouTube of a bullet getting stuck in the barrel after a shot. If you are not careful and fire a second shot, then at best the barrel will simply break, and at worst... There are practically no such problems with rifled weapons, but with the .366 TKM cartridge there are already quite a few cases...
In addition, active users of these weapons often complain about swelling of cartridges and problems with extraction, which is also not typical for a full-fledged rifled weapon.
Caliber .366 TKM and hunting
Perhaps the main purpose of weapons chambered for .366 TKM is far from budget shooting at targets/poppers/gongs, etc. That is, a purely “shooting range” application. Speaking about its use in hunting, we can say the following.
The .366 caliber practically cannot be used as a shotgun, since the shot charge is very small and produces an uneven scree (by the way, the scree of the 410 Saiga with the paradox is much more uniform and is close in area to 20 caliber).
It is unlikely that it will be possible to shoot effectively from such a weapon in flight, and from sitting targets only hazel grouse are available (and it must be in an exclusively open place - shooting through branches with such a quantity of shot will not give any effect).
Speaking of bullet shooting, it’s worth thinking about: who should you shoot?
For hunting upland game (which, for example, can be successfully shot with a 7.62x39 jacketed bullet), the .366 TKM caliber is clearly not suitable due to the large diameter and mass of the bullet. For hunting hare and fox, most likely, too (at least the damage after a hit will be clearly greater than from a rifled one, which is not at all good).
The .366 caliber is also not suitable for shooting large game such as elk and wild boars due to its low power and low stopping power at long distances (which, in fact, even the cartridge manufacturer himself says). You can often come across the idea on the Internet that the .366 TKM cartridge is an ideal “stopper” at close ranges. I just want to ask these authors - are they serious? Much more “ideal” than the same 12 gauge loaded with bullets? I don’t even see the point in commenting on anything here. As a result, the target niche for this caliber remains gilts and roe deer (in those places where they exist). For all other hunts it is better to choose something else.
What is the result?
On the left is an SKS chambered for the .366 TKM cartridge, owned by the author of the article.
At the end of all of the above, I would like to draw the following conclusion - a weapon chambered for the .366 TKM cartridge is an excellent “almost rifled” option for those who just can’t wait, but experience does not allow it.
In all other cases, this is a weapon of extremely limited use (if we talk about hunting). The most versatile weapon of a hunter is, of course, a gun, in second place is a rifled weapon, and then, at the very end, is a weapon chambered for .366 TKM, since it does not perform the functions of either a full-fledged shotgun or a full-fledged rifled weapon. It is for this reason that the VPO-208 and other barrels in this caliber are an excellent option as a weapon for shooting games (unless, of course, you don’t mind spending money on expensive ammunition). But for hunting, I personally (as well as a familiar owner of the same weapon) would not recommend this caliber. It’s better to take a full-fledged gun and wait for a rifled one, which will ultimately successfully cover all possible hunting niches.
Greetings, friends!
Group specialist Georgy Gubich tests the new TG2 “Mustangnum” carbine | Source: Kalashnikov. Media
Group specialist Georgy Gubich tests the new TG2 “Mustangnum” carbine | Source: Kalashnikov. Media
After my story about my acquaintance with the TG2 Magnum carbine at the ARMY-2020 forum, many in the comments asked to indicate the release date of this weapon on the shelves of gun stores. On March 15, 2021, Kalashnikov.Media announced the start of sales of the new product. This means that the TG2 Magnum is already available for purchase!
As part of this publication, I propose to discuss the features of this weapon, and also decide who needs the TG2 under .366 Magnum. Let's start!
Cartridge caliber 366 TKM
In Russia, smoothbore weapons are in constant development. Manufacturers regularly present different types of bullets and cartridges, and in recent years they are increasingly offering new calibers. One of the most interesting new products recently is the caliber 366 TKM .
The development of this caliber was carried out by Izhevsk. Back in 2014, she received a corresponding order from the Vyatka-Polyansky arms factory - to create a smooth-bore small-caliber cartridge that would be distinguished by good power and accuracy. During the work process, the cartridge acquired its current shape and technical and tactical characteristics. Its appearance is distinguished by a conical sleeve, which makes the cartridge unlike other smooth-bore analogues. This solution simplifies the feeding of the cartridge into the barrel and the exit of the spent cartridge case from the chamber.
The new caliber is based on the case of the most popular 7.62x39 cartridge, only in the version without a formed barrel. The choice of this particular sleeve was made for several reasons:
- this is a very popular caliber, for which many weapons are produced both in the Russian Federation and in the USSR;
- this solution simplifies the restructuring of cartridge production.
To prevent the new caliber from being converted into a rifled weapon, during its development it was decided to use a fixation on the end of the cartridge case. As an added bonus, this made it possible to make a bullet with a diameter of 9.55 mm and a weight of 11-15 grams .
Soon after the start of development, the first samples of new ammunition and small arms created for them appeared. The cartridge was designated caliber 366 TKM. The last combination stands for “Techkream-Hammer” . It is registered under this name by the international commission in Brussels.
The first production model of small arms of caliber 366 TKM was based on the Simonov carbine, known to Russian shooters. The new weapon was presented under the symbol VPO-208. The presentation of the new product took place on May 21, 2015 - on this day, professionals and arms enthusiasts gathered in the northern capital were able to evaluate the new product for the first time.
Many experts immediately drew attention to the shape of the bullet. Indeed, in many models of smooth-bore weapons, a non-standard bullet shape is necessary in order to ensure stabilization in flight. This means that when firing these cartridges, standard bullets must tumble in flight - how is this problem solved? Gunsmiths found a way out of this situation by using the “paradox” technology of partial cutting of the barrel. This decision does not contradict Russian legislation, which allows the rifled section of the barrel to be no more than 140 mm - and the weapon will still be considered smooth-bore. Thanks to the rifled section of the barrel near the muzzle, the bullet receives the necessary stabilization. Subsequently, the armory produced a carbine with a rifled barrel (using a technology known as Lancaster drilling).
Due to the high accuracy of the cartridge and carbine, when shooting at a distance of one hundred meters, the dispersion diameter of the bullets will not exceed 2 MOA (about 60 mm) . The specific “dumb” shape of the bullet, combined with its impressive weight and large diameter, gives the bullet excellent stopping power. This is a very important characteristic - even a semi-jacketed bullet can hit large game, even elk. Thus, the cartridge-weapon combination boasts power, accuracy and accessibility for the widest range of shooters. That is why it is becoming increasingly popular in the arms market.
At first, many treated the new caliber with understandable caution. But gradually the mistrust passed, and today the range of weapons for the 366 TKM caliber is only growing. Currently, 10 types of weapons and dozens of modifications are produced. These are both original models and modified AK and SKS. It is also planned to produce new types of weapons and insert barrels for the already known models MP-18 and MP-27.
This caliber retained the important advantage of the “smoothbore” - the ability of the shooter to independently load cartridges without violating the Russian law “On Weapons”. Moreover, the arms market has an abundance of components for assembling ammunition.
The cartridges and weapons could not avoid traditional “childhood diseases” - there were complaints about the quality and reliability of the cartridges. But as technology improved, better materials were chosen, and mass production was established, these problems quickly disappeared. Experts and ordinary consumers confirmed that the quality of the products has increased significantly compared to the first batches.
Bullet "Kion"
Production began in 2015. The bullet became the first semi-sheathed model made for caliber 366. Initially, the cone-shaped shape was supposed to give the bullet greater manufacturability, but it turned out that it was also effective when equipped with VPO-209 magazines. The bullet core is made of soft lead, and the jacket is made of brass. When it hits a target, it quickly flattens out.
Accessories
This ammunition can be loaded independently, like most smoothbore cartridges. For this purpose, the manufacturer offers shooters casings, hunting powder, primers, and bullets.
The developer of the caliber owns the rights to the patented chamber and cartridge design. It not only produces already developed models of cartridges, but also develops new types of bullets. Next year the company plans to significantly expand the range of bullets, adding models for all types of hunting and sports shooting.
Despite the first successes, it is still too early to assess the prospects of the new caliber. It has been present on the Russian market for only two years, and this is a very short period of time. But we can already say with confidence that a caliber specially created for local hunting conditions has appeared on the domestic market. Good reviews, a large selection of weapons, bullets and cartridges - all this shows other manufacturers that they can and should work in this direction.
"Dary"
"Dary" became the first production model of a bullet of this caliber. Initially, the cartridges were equipped with a cast bullet with 2 grooves; subsequently its shape underwent changes in order to achieve higher accuracy of fire. This model is distinguished by the fact that its core is made of solid lead with a polymer coating. Thanks to this solution, the friction of the bullet becomes less, and the barrel channel heats up less and is not subject to lead plating. As a result, when using such bullets, the weapon will last longer.
FMJ
These are completely new bullets - they have been produced since the spring of 2022. A full jacket soft lead bullet is encased in a tombac jacket. This model was created for hunting small game - passing through the carcass, it does not leave bruises on it. Can also be used for sports shooting due to its good penetrating power.
"Etna"
This model should go on sale in late autumn 2022. It is a copper hollow point bullet with a small cavity in the front section - this design simplifies the planned opening of the bullet. The cavity at the nose of the bullet has a special profile made in such a way that the bullet opens at the target, traveling a distance twice its own length. The original design of the bullet is explained by the fact that it was created specifically to hit large game and has an excellent stopping effect. The tip is covered with a special fairing so as not to harm the accuracy of fire and the aerodynamics of the bullet.
"Eco"
These bullets went on public sale quite recently - in early autumn 2022. The model is lightweight and has a flat trajectory and is perfect for AK-based small arms. The bullet has a conical shape, thanks to which the cartridge with it can be loaded into standard magazines without any modifications.
The bullet is made of zinc alloy. There are two grooves on the sides that protect the barrel from premature wear and reduced accuracy. This is the most affordable 366 caliber cartridge. It was developed as ammunition for targeted shooting, but many hunters successfully use it to hunt small animals.
SP13
The bullet has received all the necessary certificates and has been produced since October 2022. A variant of a semi-jacketed bullet with a lead front. The shape of the bullet nose suggests its use in hunting cartridges, in contrast to the similar “Cone” model, which is conical in shape. The core is made of soft lead and covered with a brass shell. By the end of 2022, a version of this bullet weighing 15 grams, with a profiled nose and a durable shell made of an alloy of two metals, should go on sale.
Fraction No. 10
Available from August 2022. A shot cartridge is a plastic container filled with lead shot. When it passes through the rifled part of the barrel, the plastic container is destroyed. Thanks to this, a uniform scattering of shot is achieved. Shotshells can be used for bird hunting and are effective at a distance of up to 25 meters.
"Hexa"
The first batches of these 366 TKM caliber bullets were released back in 2016. This model was the first version with programmable expansion for the new caliber. The soft lead bullet core is encased in a profiled brass jacket. The walls of the bullet are equipped with six longitudinal concentrates - thanks to this, it easily opens when it hits the target. The first batches were produced with a 380 MeGum sleeve, which acted as a shell. The model was made specifically for hunters; it has an impressive stopping effect and retains weight when hitting game. The version with brass shell will begin production soon and will go on general sale in 2022.
More on the topic: Cartridge 9.6x53 Lancaster
- Tweet
- Share 0
- Skype
- +1
- VKontakte
Similar
Weapons with ammunition
Now any hunter over 18 years of age can use weapons suitable for the .366 TKM caliber. Of course, this is not a combat rifle, but also not an ordinary hunting rifle, which is only suitable for shooting small animals. Weapons in this caliber are limited in name and are represented by SKS and AKM samples from Molot LLC and some other brands.
Hammer Weapon LLC under .366 TKM
The first to work on the development of weapons for the new cartridge was , which produces several types of shotguns and carbines.
Shotgun VPO-208 L SKS
VPO-208 is an SKS carbine (Simonov carbine) after some modification: cutting at the end of a smooth barrel and improving the magazine for feeding cartridges. Everything else about the gun's design remains unchanged.
Shotgun VPO-209 L AKM
To create such a gun, the platform of the Kalashnikov assault rifle was taken and the barrel was replaced from a smooth one to a “Paradox” one. Also, automatic fire was removed from the AK, and the food store was modified. Read more about VPO-209.
Carbine "Vepr-Pioneer" VPO-212
This carbine belongs to a new generation of weapons under .366 TKM. It was developed on the basis of the SOK-97-R carbine and has similar technical data: wooden stock, barrel length 520 and 650 mm, detachable magazines for 5-10 rounds, push-button safety.
Carbine "Vepr"-1V VPO-213
The basis for this model was the Vepr-1V platform with a heavy receiver from a Kalashnikov light machine gun. The new carbine is sold with barrel lengths of 390, 420, 520 mm. It is used for hunting big game and has an increased sighting range of 300 meters. The carbine has the ability to install an optical sight and various body kits.
Carbine "Ermine" VPO-215
This newest carbine is produced in several modifications for different ammunition, but only the VPO-215 is suitable for .366 TKM. It is suitable for slaughtering animals from beavers and foxes to wolves and wild boars. The weapons have unequal barrel lengths depending on the specific modification - 420, 520, 600 mm. Thanks to the rear position of the lugs, the carbine has a light receiver. The weapon's magazine is double-row, designed for 4 rounds of ammunition.
Hammer Arms LLC under .366 TKM
Another armory from the city of Vyatskie Polyany also developed several types of weapons for .366 TKM. The models are based on the AK and SKS platforms, but their barrels have a Lancaster-type drill.
AK and AKS 366 "Lancaster"
An AK-based smoothbore shotgun with a folding stock. It differs from military weapons in that the ability to automatically fire is blocked, and the barrel is sharpened to .366 caliber.
SKS 366 "Lancaster"
The smoothbore weapon is made on the basis of the SKS, in which the barrel has been replaced with one suitable for .366 TKM ammunition. The weight of the self-loading carbine is 3750 g, the total length is 1020 mm, the barrel length is 520 mm, the butt is a fixed double-row box, the magazine capacity is 10 rounds.
"Saiga" TG2 from JSC Concern "Kalashnikov"
The TG2 carbine from a popular arms concern, developed on the basis of 7.62/39 rifled weapons. The butt of the carbine folds to the left and is made of impact-resistant polymer. The length of the weapon when folded is 705 mm, when unfolded it is 945 mm, weight is 3500 g, barrel length is 415 mm.
Carbine "Ladoga" from the armory
"Ladoga" has an oval-helical barrel profile, which is called "Lancaster". The barrel length is 500 mm, the total length of the weapon is 980 mm, the weight is 3200 g. The 4-round magazine is removable, the safety is two-position, and when turned on, it blocks the bolt frame.
