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An intermediate cartridge is a rifle/carbine cartridge that has significantly greater power than a pistol cartridge but still has a reduced muzzle energy compared to fully powered cartridges , and therefore is regarded as being "intermediate" between traditional rifle and handgun calibers.
As their recoil is significantly reduced compared to full-power cartridges, fully automatic rifles firing intermediate cartridges are relatively easy to control. However, even though they are less powerful than a traditional full-power cartridge, the external ballistics are still sufficient for an effective range of 300–600 metres , which covers most typical infantry engagement situations in modern warfare. This allowed for the development of the assault rifle, a type of versatile selective fire small arms that is lighter and more compact than traditional battle rifles that fire full-power cartridges.
Early intermediate cartridges to see service were the German 7.92×33mm Kurz used in the StG 44 and the.30 Carbine used in the American M2 select fire carbine during the late years and closing days of World War II.
With the data collected during World War II and the Korean War, the benefits of intermediate cartridges became apparent. This resulted in the development of "modern" cartridges such as the Soviet 7.62×39mm M43 and 5.45×39mm M74 , the Belgian SS109 / 5.56×45mm NATO , and the Chinese 5.8×42mm.