Ammunition Comparison

The National WWII Museum, Education Collection

In simple terms, the 7.92x33mm Kurz round (the smaller bullet), is a 7.92x55mm Mauser round (the larger bullet) that has been shortened. The smaller round allowed a weapon to fire automatically while still using a round with good stopping power and good accuracy. The Kurz round is also jacketed in steel, instead of the more common brass due to shortages in Germany. The round is coated in lacquer to prevent rust which could lead to jamming.