What type of ammunition is typically used in most general-purpose machine guns?

Belt-fed ammunition is the standard choice for most general-purpose machine guns because it allows for sustained fire over extended periods without the need for frequent reloading. This type of ammunition is typically linked together in belts, which can be fed automatically into the weapon. This design enables the gunner to maintain a high rate of fire, which is crucial in combat situations where suppressing enemy fire or providing covering fire is necessary.

Using belt-fed ammunition enhances the capability and efficiency of machine guns, as it reduces the time spent reloading and allows for a higher capacity of ammunition to be carried. This design also leaves the gunner free to focus on the task at hand, rather than managing multiple magazine changes during engagement.

Other types of ammunition, such as single-use cartridges or clip-loaded rounds, do not provide the same advantages in terms of sustained fire and rapid readiness. Drum-fed magazines could be an option for certain firearm types, but they are less common for general-purpose machine guns where the belt-fed system is favored for its reliability and efficiency.