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 based on?

5.6x57mm is derived from the 7mm Mauser case.

Lindcott Armory

Rifle · CIP

5.6x57mm

Also known as 5.6x57 RWS · 5.6x57mm RWS rimless

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
Status: Active

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Velocity3,400–3,700 fps

Energy1,899–2,249 ft·lb · est.

Identity

Introduced: 1964
Type: Rifle
Origin: Germany
Inventor: RWS (Rheinisch-Westfälische Sprengstoff)
Standard: CIP
Status: Active
Availability: Uncommon

Build

Primer: Boxer Small Rifle
Case type: Rimless

Pressure & range

Max pressure: 63,817 psi
Eff. range: 200 yd

Ballistics

Representative trajectory · velocity only, no drag model · 100 yd zero0–1000 yd

Drop Zero

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 ⌀	7.10	0.280	✓
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.

Powder $/lb Charge (gr) Bullet $/ea Primer $/ea Brass reuses Brass $/ea

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Lineage

Family TreeOpen 5.6x57mm in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

FirearmsFirearms in 5.6x57mm ToolCompare ballistics

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 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 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 Wikipedia (pointer) — 5.6x57mm · year, velocity, grain weights, bullet ⌀ archived
Secondary Chuck Hawks (Chuck Hawks) — The 5.6x57R and 5.6x57 RWS · velocity, grain weights 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 →