Compare / 5.56x45mm NATO vs 7.92x33mm Kurz

Cartridge comparison

5.56x45mm NATO vs 7.92x33mm Kurz

5.56x45mm NATO is faster (3,240 vs 2,250 fps); 7.92x33mm Kurz carries more energy (1,405 vs 1,400 ft·lb); 5.56x45mm NATO recoils less.

5.56x45mm NATO →
Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–1000 yd
100 yd · zero0″−149″149″ drop @ 1000 yd05001000Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
7.92x33mm Kurz →
Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd
100 yd · zero0″−69″69″ drop @ 500 yd0250500Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
5.56x45mm NATO7.92x33mm Kurz
TypeRifleRifle
Introduced19801943
Bullet ⌀0.224″0.323″
Case length1.76″1.299″
Velocity2,750–3,240 fps2,100–2,250 fps
Energy1,200–1,400 ft·lb1,220–1,405 ft·lb
Max pressure62,000 psi49,313 psi
Recoil3.8–5.5 ft·lb8–12 ft·lb
Eff. range600 yd400 yd

FAQs

Is 5.56x45mm NATO faster than 7.92x33mm Kurz?
5.56x45mm NATO is faster — up to 3,240 fps versus 2,250 fps.
Does 5.56x45mm NATO hit harder than 7.92x33mm Kurz?
7.92x33mm Kurz carries more muzzle energy (1,405 vs 1,400 ft·lb).