Lindcott Armory Rifle · Soviet / Russian GRAU
5.45x39mm Soviet
Soviet answer to 5.56 NATO.
- Introduced
- 1974
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- Soviet Union
- Inventor
- Soviet Ordnance
- Manufacturer
- Tula Arsenal
- Standard
- Soviet / Russian GRAU
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Moderate
- Bullet ⌀
- 0.22″
- Case length
- 1.535″
- Overall length
- 2.244″
- Base ⌀
- 0.39″
- Rim ⌀
- 0.392″
- Case capacity
- 26.5 gr H₂O
- Twist
- 1:7.87
- Primer
- Small Rifle
- Case type
- Rimless
- Max pressure
- 51,488 psi
- Eff. range
- 500 yd
- Max range
- 2800 yd
- Recoil
- 2.5–4 ft·lb
Ballistics
- Velocity
- 2,900–3,000 fps
- Energy
- 950–1,100 ft·lb
- By real loads
- 2,952–2,953 fps · 41 loads
- Typical MSRP
- $0.55/rd · price history →
- Parent case
- —
Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input, not a measured load. Real published loads span the "by real loads" range above.
Factory loads
In production — 41 active loads across 25 brands. Top 15 shown · see all 41 →.
| Brand | Load | Grain | Bullet | FPS | ft·lb | BC | $/rd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady | SST 60gr Superformance | 60 | SST | 2,953 | 1,162 | 0.281 | $0.85 |
| Hornady | SST | 60 | SST | 2,953 | 1,162 | 0.281 | $0.85 |
| Barnes | TSX FB 52gr | 52 | TSX FB | 3,100 | 1,109 | — | $0.85 |
| Nosler | Ballistic Tip | 55 | Ballistic Tip | 3,000 | 1,099 | — | $0.85 |
| Wolf | FMJ Training | 60 | FMJ | 2,953 | 1,162 | — | $0.35 |
| Arsenal | M74 FMJ | 53 | FMJ BT | 2,953 | 1,026 | — | — |
| Barnaul | FMJ | 60 | FMJ | 2,953 | 1,162 | — | $0.34 |
| Igman | FMJ 60gr | 60 | FMJ | 2,953 | 1,162 | — | — |
| TulAmmo | Steel Case FMJ | 60 | FMJ | 2,953 | 1,162 | — | — |
| Fiocchi | FMJ 60gr | 60 | FMJ | 2,953 | 1,162 | — | $0.85 |
| Silver Bear | Silver Bear | 60 | FMJ | 2,953 | 1,162 | — | — |
| Wolf Performance | FMJ Steel Case 60gr | 60 | FMJ Steel | 2,953 | 1,162 | — | — |
| Poongsan | FMJ 60gr | 60 | FMJ | 2,953 | 1,162 | — | — |
| Wolf | Performance FMJ | 60 | FMJ | 2,953 | 1,162 | — | $0.35 |
| Lap | FMJ | 60 | FMJ | 2,953 | 1,162 | — | — |
Velocities are manufacturer-stated (test-barrel). Discontinued loads dimmed.
Dimensions
Reloading cost
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Firearms chambered in 5.45x39mm Soviet
12 models in the database chamber 5.45x39mm Soviet. Browse all →
Connected reference
History
Developed as Soviet response to US adoption of 5.56mm. After Afghanistan experience with 7.62x39mm, Soviets wanted lighter recoiling, flatter-shooting cartridge. Introduced in 1974 with AK-74. The bullet has unique construction with air space in tip, causing it to tumble violently on impact. Replaced 7.62x39mm as Soviet standard rifle cartridge.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 5.45x39mm Soviet use?
- 5.45x39mm Soviet typically uses a 1:7.87 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 5.45x39mm Soviet?
- 5.45x39mm Soviet uses a 0.22″ (5.6 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 5.45x39mm Soviet still in production?
- 5.45x39mm Soviet is active; typical availability is moderate.
- What is 5.45x39mm Soviet used for?
- 5.45x39mm Soviet is primarily used for military.
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 41 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. Spotted an error? Report it →