Cartridge comparison
5.45x18mm Soviet vs 5.56x30mm MINSAS
5.45x18mm Soviet and 5.56x30mm MINSAS are both in the reference; see the full spec comparison below.
Side by side
| 5.45x18mm Soviet | 5.56x30mm MINSAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pistol | Pistol |
| Introduced | 1973 | 2011 |
| Bullet diameter | 0.2217″ | 0.2189″ |
| Case length | 0.7098″ | 1.1811″ |
| Max pressure | 25,382 psi | 12,000 psi |
| Recoil | 1.5–1.6 ft·lb | 0.9 ft·lb |
| Effective range | 25 yd | 50 yd |
| SAAMI | Military standard | Not SAAMI standardized |
| CIP | CIP standardized | Not standardized |
| Obsolete | — | Obsolete |
Highlighted cells hold the clear edge where both sides have a number. Every figure is a range maximum from the reference; typical loads run lower.
Case profiles, to scale
Drawn to the same scale, so the proportions are true. Physical size varies with your screen.
