Rifle · Soviet / Russian GRAU
5.45x39mm Soviet
Soviet answer to 5.56 NATO.
- Caliber
- 0.2205″ · 5.6 mm
- Introduced
- 1974
- Case
- Rimless
- Primary use
- Military
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 1974
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- Soviet Union
- Inventor
- Soviet Ordnance
- Manufacturer
- Tula Arms Plant
- Standard
- Soviet / Russian GRAU
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Moderate
- Case capacity
- 26.5 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 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
Introduced by Tula Arms Plant
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 5.45x39mm Soviet.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
CIP TDCC · verified| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 5.60 | 0.220 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 6.29 | 0.248 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 9.25 | 0.364 | ✓ |
| Shoulder angle | 20.3° | — | ✓ |
| Base ⌀ | 10.00 | 0.394 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 10.00 | 0.394 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.50 | 0.059 | ✓ |
| Neck length | 5.82 | 0.229 | ≈ |
| Case length | 39.82 | 1.568 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 57.00 | 2.244 | ✓ |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. 5.45x39mm Soviet is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
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 0.2205″ (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.
Sources & provenance
- Standard C.I.P. — C.I.P. TDCC — Tables of Dimensions of Cartridges and Chambers
- Manufacturer Hornady — 5.45 x 39mm 60 gr V-MAX Hornady BLACK (item #81247) — product page · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
- Manufacturer Hornady — Hornady 2022 Metric Ballistics Chart (PDF) · grain_ballistics, representative_gun
- Manufacturer Barnaul Cartridge Plant (barnaulammo.com, official US site) — Barnaul 5.45x39 with Polymer Coated Case · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 41 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →