Rifle · CIP
5.6x57mm
Rimless version of the 5.6x57mmR; used in bolt-action sporting rifles throughout Europe for small game and varmint hunting; CIP-standardized..
- Caliber
- 0.2244″ · 5.7 mm
- Introduced
- 1964
- Case
- Rimless
- Parent
- 7mm Mauser
- Primary use
- Hunting
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 1964
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- Germany
- Inventor
- RWS (Rheinisch-Westfälische Sprengstoff)
- Manufacturer
- RWS
- Standard
- CIP
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Uncommon
- Case capacity
- 49 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:9.8
- Primer
- Boxer Small Rifle
- Case type
- Rimless
- Max pressure
- 63,817 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 200 yd
- Max range
- 3900 yd
- Recoil
- 7.9–9 ft·lb
Introduced by RWS
Ballistics
Velocity only, no drag model: no published ballistic coefficient is on file for 5.6x57mm, 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
- 7mm Mauser
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 ⌀ | 7.24 | 0.285 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 10.94 | 0.431 | ✓ |
| Shoulder angle | 17.4° | — | ✓ |
| Base ⌀ | 11.90 | 0.469 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 11.95 | 0.470 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.30 | 0.051 | ✓ |
| Neck length | 6.29 | 0.248 | ≈ |
| Case length | 56.70 | 2.232 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 69.00 | 2.717 | ✓ |
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. 5.6x57mm 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
necked to .224
Connected reference
History
The rimless companion to the 5.6x57mmR, this version is chambered in bolt-action sporting rifles rather than combination guns. It shares the same high-velocity characteristics as the rimmed version and is CIP-standardized for use in European bolt-action hunting rifles.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 5.6x57mm use?
- 5.6x57mm typically uses a 1:9.8 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 5.6x57mm?
- 5.6x57mm uses a 0.2244″ (5.7 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 5.6x57mm still in production?
- 5.6x57mm is active; typical availability is uncommon.
- What is 5.6x57mm used for?
- 5.6x57mm is primarily used for hunting.
- What is 5.6x57mm based on?
- 5.6x57mm is derived from the 7mm Mauser case.
Sources & provenance
- Standard C.I.P. (Commission Internationale Permanente) — TDCC datasheet 5,6 x 57 (rimless) · bullet ⌀ archived
- Secondary Chuck Hawks (Chuck Hawks) — The 5.6x57R and 5.6x57 RWS · velocity, grain weights archived
- Secondary Wikipedia (pointer) — 5.6x57mm · bullet ⌀, year, grain weights, velocity archived
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
