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How many bullets does a machine gun hold?

Published in Firearms Ammunition 1 min read

The number of bullets a machine gun holds varies depending on the specific model and the type of ammunition belt or magazine used.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Belt-fed machine guns: These typically hold a large number of rounds, often supplied in belts. A common configuration for modern machine guns is 1,000 rounds, usually distributed among five 200-round belts. Some operators may carry up to 500 additional rounds in 100-round soft pouches. This can differ based on operational needs.

  • Magazine-fed machine guns: Some light machine guns (LMGs) use magazines, which hold a significantly smaller number of rounds compared to belts. Magazine capacities can range from 20 to 100 rounds depending on the specific weapon and magazine type.

Therefore, there's no single answer. The capacity ranges from a few dozen to over a thousand bullets depending on the model and ammunition feeding system.

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