Tarkov Ammo chart

Escape from Tarkov (EFT) is renowned for its brutal realism, and ammo choice is more critical than your gun in winning fights. Damage, penetration, and armor damage vary drastically between ammo types, making knowledge of ammo a key skill in Tarkov.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the Tarkov ammo chart, a clear ammo tier list, and the best ammo for each caliber to maximize your effectiveness in raids.

Tarkov Ammo Chart

When it comes to categorizing Tarkov ammo, the following descriptions are used:

• Penetration Power (Pen): Ability to pierce armor.
• Damage: Flesh damage inflicted on unarmored targets.
• Armor Damage %: How quickly it destroys armor durability.
• Fragmentation Chance: Chance to fragment, dealing additional damage.
• Velocity: Speed of the bullet (affects bullet drop and lead).
• Recoil Modifier: Impacts weapon recoil slightly depending on ammo.

Where to Find Full Ammo Charts:

• NoFoodAfterMidnight Ammo Chart (updated monthly).
• BattleBuddy mobile app.
• Tarkov Wiki Ammo Table.
• Discord bot commands.

Studying these charts helps you select ammo for different enemy armor classes, ensuring your shots count during PvP and PvE.

Tarkov Ammo Tier List

To simplify ammo selection, players rank ammo by tiers based on pen, damage, and cost-efficiency:

S-Tier (Endgame)

• Highest pen, best vs Class 5–6 armor.
• Often expensive or locked behind trader levels.
• Examples: 7N39 “Igolnik” (5.45x39mm), M995 (5.56x45mm), M61 (7.62x51mm), AP SX (4.6x30mm), 7N31 (9x19mm)

A-Tier (High)

• Effective vs Class 4–5.
• They are more available and affordable.
• Examples: BS (5.45x39mm), M855A1 (5.56x45mm), BP (7.62x39mm), SS190 (5.7x28mm), AP 6.3 (9x19mm)

B-Tier (Mid)

• Effective vs Class 3–4.
• Great for budget and mid-level PvP.
• Examples: BT (5.45x39mm), BP (5.45x39mm), M80 (7.62x51mm), L191 (5.7x28mm)

C-Tier (Budget/Flesh)

• Low pen, high flesh damage.
• Best vs unarmored scavs and low-level PMCs.
• Examples: PS (7.62x39mm), PST GZH (9x19mm), FMJ (5.7x28mm), HP variants

D-Tier (Avoid)

• Very low penetration.
• Poor for PvP.
• Use only if nothing else is available.

Tarkov Best Ammo for Each Caliber

Below is a clear, practical list of the best ammo for each popular caliber in EFT:

• 5.45x39mm: Best - 7N39 “Igolnik”, Alternative - BS, BT
• 5.56x45mm: Best - M995, Alternative - M855A1, M855
• 7.62x39mm: Best - BP, Alternative - PS
• 7.62x51mm: Best - M61, Alternative - M62, M80
• 9x19mm: Best - 7N31, Alternative - AP 6.3, PST GZH
• 9x18mm: Best - 7N31 or PBP GZH, Alternative - PMM
• 5.7x28mm: Best - SS190, Alternative - L191, SB193
• 4.6x30mm: Best - AP SX, Alternative - FMJ SX
• 12x70 Shotgun: Best - AP-20 Slugs, Alternative - Flechette, 8.5mm Magnum
• 9x39mm (VSS/VAL): Best - SPP, SP6, Alternative - PAB-9
• .366 TKM: Best - EKO or AP, Alternative - Geksa
• 7.62x54R: Best - SNB, Alternative - 7N1
• .45 ACP: Best - AP, Alternative - FMJ

Important Tips for Ammo Usage in Tarkov

• Prioritize penetration over damage for PvP: Most fights involve armored targets.
• For PvE scav farming: High damage, low pen ammo saves roubles.
• Stockpile top-tier ammo during wipe events: Prices spike when traders reset or bans occur.
• Use the Ammo Chart regularly: New patches can rebalance ammo stats.
• Combine ammo: Top-load mags with best ammo and fill the rest with cheaper rounds.

Conclusion

Mastering ammo in Escape from Tarkov is crucial for your survival, PvP effectiveness, and raid profitability. Using the Tarkov ammo chart, following a clear tier list, and knowing the best ammo for each caliber will ensure you penetrate enemy armor while maximizing your damage output. Whether you are a budget runner or a late-wipe chad, smart ammo choices win fights before they even begin.