Rifle · CIP
5.6x50mmR
German semi-rimmed varmint cartridge developed by RWS for combination guns (Drilling and Bergstutzen); widely used in German and Austrian combination firearms..
- Caliber
- 0.2244″ · 5.7 mm
- Introduced
- 1968
- Case
- Semi-Rimmed
- Parent
- .222 Remington Magnum
- Primary use
- Hunting
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 1968
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- Germany
- Inventor
- Günter Frères / RWS
- Manufacturer
- RWS
- Standard
- CIP
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Uncommon
- Case capacity
- 34 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:13.8
- Primer
- Boxer Small Rifle
- Case type
- Semi-Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 55,114 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 200 yd
- Max range
- 3500 yd
- Recoil
- 3.9–4.3 ft·lb
Introduced by RWS
Ballistics
Velocity only, no drag model: no published ballistic coefficient is on file for 5.6x50mmR, so this is the shape gravity alone gives the advertised velocity. Drag would steepen it. The tool below solves real loads through their published G1 or G7 model.
Open in Ballistic Compare- Parent case
- .222 Remington Magnum
Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input (no published BC for this cartridge yet).
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 ⌀ | 5.70 | 0.224 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 6.48 | 0.255 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 9.00 | 0.354 | ✓ |
| Shoulder angle | 23° | — | ✓ |
| Base ⌀ | 9.56 | 0.376 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 10.90 | 0.429 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.40 | 0.055 | ✓ |
| Neck length | 6.77 | 0.267 | ≈ |
| Case length | 50.00 | 1.969 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 61.30 | 2.413 | ✓ |
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. 5.6x50mmR is highlighted below.
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.
Lineage
Connected reference
History
Developed by RWS in 1968 specifically for the rifle barrel of German combination guns — Drillings (triple-barreled guns) and Bergstutzen (mountain combination guns). The semi-rimmed case ensures reliable feeding and headspacing in break-open combination arms. CIP-standardized and still in production.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 5.6x50mmR use?
- 5.6x50mmR typically uses a 1:13.8 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 5.6x50mmR?
- 5.6x50mmR uses a 0.2244″ (5.7 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 5.6x50mmR still in production?
- 5.6x50mmR is active; typical availability is uncommon.
- What is 5.6x50mmR used for?
- 5.6x50mmR is primarily used for hunting.
- What is 5.6x50mmR based on?
- 5.6x50mmR is derived from the .222 Remington Magnum case.
Sources & provenance
- Standard C.I.P. (Commission Internationale Permanente) — TDCC datasheet 5,6 x 50 R Mag. · bullet ⌀ archived
- Reference DBI Books / Krause (Frank C. Barnes) — Cartridges of the World, 8th ed. · grain weights, year, velocity
- Secondary Wikipedia — .222 Remington Magnum (states it is the basis of the 5.6x50) · parent_cartridge
- Secondary Wikipedia (pointer) — 5.6x50mm Magnum · grain weights, velocity, year archived
- Secondary Gun Mart — Case Histories: 5.6x50 Magnum · parent_cartridge
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
