Abstract: A plurality of ammunition links form a belt of ammunition by interlocking with a plurality of tapered rounds having average casing diameters between about 0.400 inches and about 0.425 inches. A link includes at least a first resilient member and a second resilient member that extend in substantially opposing directions. A link engages with and provides a compressive force to a first round with the first resilient member and, optionally, a third resilient member. The link engages a second round and applies less or substantially no compressive force with the second resilient member.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for firing a belt-fed closed-bolt firearm by delivering an impulse from an impulse source along a first axis to a firing pin on a second axis. The first axis and second axis are not coaxial, allowing the impulse source to be disposed away from and not in direct contact or alignment with the firing pin.