5.45x39
Soviet small-caliber round that replaced the 7.62x39 in the AK-74.
Good for: Cold War & modern, Varmint today
A typical factory load is a 53 gr 7N6 FMJ bullet at about 2,900 ft/s, with roughly 990 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle.
Typical load
53 gr7N6 FMJMuzzle speed
2,900 ft/sMuzzle energy
990 ft-lbsTypical BC (G1)
≈ 0.33typical, varies by brandTwist rate
1:7.87Point-blank range
265 yd6" vital zoneHunting today
Varmints and coyotes; import limits keep surplus scarce.On the Military Surplus chart
Service history
Soviet small-caliber round that replaced the 7.62x39 in the AK-74.
Service rifles
AK-74, RPK-74
Military load
53 gr7N6 FMJ
Typical muzzle fps
2,900ft/s
Typical muzzle energy
990ft-lbs
Typical BC (G1)
≈ 0.33typical, varies by brand
Twist rate for typical load
1:7.87
MPBR (iron sights)
265 yd6" vital zone · Near zero 16 yd · Far zero 225 yd · Min PBR 0 yd · Max PBR 265 yd · Sight-in @100 2.83" high
Hunting today
Varmints and coyotes; import limits keep surplus scarce.
Open the full Military Surplus chart →
Similar cartridges
Browse more
Speed, energy and BC are typical figures for the listed load; real numbers vary by brand, lot and barrel length. Always check the ammo maker's data for your exact load.