High-velocity German varmint and small game cartridge by RWS; pushes .224 caliber bullets over 3,800 fps from a standard case; popular in Europe for fox hunting.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1964, Germany
Parent case: 8x57mmJS (necked down)
Standardization: CIP
Bullet diameter: 0.224" (5.69 mm)
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Boxer Small Rifle
Production status: Active
Also known as: 5.6x57R RWS · 5.6x57mm RWS rimmed · 5.6x57R
History: Developed by RWS in 1964, the 5.6x57mmR is one of the fastest commercial .22 centerfire cartridges ever produced, driving 74-grain bullets to approximately 3,900 fps. It is based on the 8x57mmJS Mauser case necked down to 5.6mm and is popular throughout Central Europe for fox, hare, and roe deer hunting. CIP-standardized.