Introduced by Heckler & Koch in 1999, the 4.6x30mm Heckler & Koch (H&K) is a military and law enforcement cartridge designed for the H&K MP7 Personal Defense Weapon (PDW), which has been its primary platform. The 4.6x30 is a bottle-necked cartridge using light .183-inch bullets from 26 to 42 grains at moderate velocity (2000 to 2400 feet per second). The light bullets and small caliber are intended to reduce muzzle rise during rapid fire, provide better penetration on body armor, and allow a larger combat load because of lighter ammunition. The 4.6x30 H&K was designed to compete with FN's 5.7x28mm cartridge. Results have been inconclusive and neither cartridge has been standardized by NATO.
