If you are asking about Draco ammo type, the short answer is that most Draco pistols are AK-pattern guns chambered in 7.62x39mm, the same cartridge used in the classic AK-47. Some versions are chambered in other calibres, so the only reliable answer for your gun is what is stamped on the barrel or receiver and written in the owner’s manual.
Key takeaways
- Most Draco AK pistols use 7.62x39mm ammunition.
- Always check the calibre marking on the firearm and the manual before buying ammo.
- Match the cartridge to the gun exactly. Never guess.
- Follow local laws and store firearms and ammunition safely.
What the Draco is and what it fires
The Draco is an AK-style pistol sold by Century Arms in the United States, built on the AK platform with a short barrel and no stock. The maker’s own site is centuryarms.com, where you can find model details and manuals. Because it is built on the AK design, its main cartridge is the 7.62x39mm, which is described on Wikipedia’s 7.62x39mm page.
The AK design is known for being simple and tolerant of dirt, and the Draco carries that heritage in a compact, short-barrelled form. Because it has no shoulder stock, it is classed differently from rifles in many places, and the legal rules for owning, carrying and transporting it vary from state to state and country to country. Before buying one, or ammunition for it, read your local rules carefully or ask a licensed dealer, and keep any paperwork for your purchase.
Magazines are another point to check. Most AK-pattern magazines are designed for a specific cartridge, and 7.62x39mm magazines have a pronounced curve. Do not try to use a magazine made for another cartridge, even if it fits in the magazine well. Mixed-up magazines are a common cause of feeding problems.
How to confirm your gun’s calibre
- Make sure the firearm is unloaded and safe. Point it in a safe direction, remove the magazine and clear the chamber.
- Look for the calibre marking on the barrel, near the chamber or on the receiver.
- Check the manual or the manufacturer’s model page.
- If the markings are unclear, ask a gunsmith or the retailer.
Never fire a cartridge unless you are certain it matches the gun. The wrong ammunition can damage the firearm and cause serious injury.
Common AK-pattern calibres
| Cartridge | Notes |
|---|---|
| 7.62x39mm | The traditional AK round and the most common choice for Draco pistols |
| 5.45x39mm | A smaller, faster cartridge used in some AK-pattern guns |
| 5.56x45mm NATO | Used in some AK-style variants, but not interchangeable with the others |
These cartridges look similar to the untrained eye, but they are not interchangeable. Always read the headstamp on the cartridge and the marking on the gun.
Choosing the right Draco ammo type: 7.62x39mm options
Case material
You will see steel-cased, brass-cased and sometimes copper-washed steel ammo. Steel is generally cheaper and works in many AK-pattern firearms, while brass is more expensive and can be reloaded. Some ranges do not allow steel-cased or steel-core ammunition, so check the rules before you go.
Bullet type
- Full metal jacket (FMJ): common for range practice and affordable.
- Soft point or hollow point: designed to expand and sometimes used for hunting where it is legal.
- Steel core or armour-piercing: restricted or banned in many places and at many ranges.
Corrosive and non-corrosive ammo
Some older surplus ammunition uses corrosive primers that leave salts in the barrel and gas system. If you use it, you must clean the firearm thoroughly, usually with water-based cleaner or hot soapy water followed by oil, soon after shooting. Modern commercial ammo is mostly non-corrosive, and the packaging should say so.
A good habit is to buy a small box of one brand first and test it for reliability in your own gun before stocking up. Some firearms run one brand perfectly and stumble on another, and it is much better to find that out with twenty rounds than with a thousand. Keep notes on what you try, including any failures to feed or eject, and check the manufacturer’s advice if problems persist.
Practical points for a pistol
A short barrel changes how ammunition behaves. You get more muzzle blast, flash and noise than from a rifle, and the bullet leaves the barrel at lower speed because there is less barrel to burn the powder. Recoil can feel sharp for a firearm without a stock. Wear good ear and eye protection, and think about training with an experienced instructor if you are new to this type of gun.
If you are comparing other calibres out of curiosity, our write-up on whether .223 Wylde is better than 5.56 explains why similar-looking cartridges need matching chambers, and the page on the Mossberg 590 Shockwave covers another popular firearm.
Buying and storing ammunition
- Buy from a licensed retailer and check local and state laws, including age limits and any restrictions.
- Keep ammunition in its original box, cool and dry.
- Store firearms and ammunition separately, locked and out of reach of children.
- Never mix different calibres in the same container.
- Dispose of old or damaged ammunition through a local police department, range or licensed dealer rather than the bin.
Safety basics
Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot, point it in a safe direction and be sure of your target and what is beyond it. Take a safety course if you have not had one. For general education on topics like conversion between measures when reloading or measuring, you can read our page on how many grams are in three-quarters of a cup, although reloading itself needs proper training and manuals.
Frequently asked questions
What ammo does a Draco take?
Most take 7.62x39mm, but check the marking on your specific gun and the manual.
Can I use 5.56 in a 7.62×39 Draco?
No. They are different cartridges and are not interchangeable.
Is steel-cased ammo okay in a Draco?
Many AK-pattern firearms handle it, but check the manual and your range’s rules.
What is corrosive ammo?
Surplus ammo with primers that leave corrosive salts. It requires a prompt, thorough clean.
Where can I find the calibre?
On the barrel or receiver markings and in the manufacturer’s manual.
Conclusion
For most owners, the Draco ammo type is 7.62x39mm, but never rely on assumptions. Read the markings, check the manual, choose ammunition that suits your use and your range, and always follow safe handling and storage rules.
Key takeaways about draco ammo type
Here is a short summary of draco ammo type so you can find the main points quickly.
- If you are asking about Draco ammo type, the short answer is that most Draco pistols are AK-pattern guns chambered in 7.62x39mm, the same cartridge used in the classic AK-47.
- The Draco is an AK-style pistol sold by Century Arms in the United States, built on the AK platform with a short barrel and no stock.
- The AK design is known for being simple and tolerant of dirt, and the Draco carries that heritage in a compact, short-barrelled form.
- Never fire a cartridge unless you are certain it matches the gun.
Use this page as a starting point for draco ammo type and come back to it when your situation changes.
Good decisions about draco ammo type come from checking the facts, comparing your options and taking your time.
Save this guide to draco ammo type so you can find it again whenever you need a quick reminder.
If you only remember one thing about draco ammo type, make it the practical steps covered in this guide.
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For general background, you can look up draco ammo type on Wikipedia.
