The 5.45×39 is the small, fast round behind the AK-74. It kicks less than the 7.62×39 and shoots flatter. For years it was also one of the cheapest centerfire rounds to shoot. That has changed, and so has what you’ll find on the shelf. This guide covers 5.45×39 ballistics for the loads we carry, how the round stacks up against its two closest rivals, and how to read the numbers.
What Is 5.45×39 Ammo?
The 5.45x39mm is a Soviet military cartridge. The USSR adopted it in 1974 along with the AK-74 rifle. It replaced the larger 7.62×39 as the main Soviet infantry round.
What caliber is 5.45×39? The name gives the bullet size in millimeters and the case length. The bullet is about .221 inch across, close to the .224 inch bullet of the 5.56 and .223. The two are not interchangeable, though. The cases and bullets differ.
The numbers in the name mean just that: 5.45 mm bullet, 39 mm case. It shares the 39 mm case length with the 7.62×39, but the case shape is different.
5.45×39 Loads We Carry
| Load | Grain | Bullet | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady Black | 60 | V-Max polymer tip | Not listed | Not listed | 20-round box |
| TelaAmmo | 65 | FMJ, brass case | Not listed | Not listed | See listing |
Neither maker lists velocity or energy in our product data, so those cells say “Not listed.” Here is what each load is for.
Hornady Black 60 grain V-Max uses a polymer-tipped boat-tail bullet. Hornady lists it for varmint hunting and personal defense. The tip starts fast expansion, which is what you want on small game and pests. It is non-corrosive and reloadable.
TelaAmmo 65 grain FMJ is a brass-case training round. The maker lists it for training and range use. It is non-corrosive.
How It Compares: 5.56 and 7.62×39
Since our 5.45×39 loads have no published speed in our data, the best way to frame them is by their neighbors. Here are common 5.56 and 7.62×39 range loads with published figures.
| Load | Grain | Bullet | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winchester White Box 5.56 | 55 | FMJ | 3,270 | 1,306 | 1,000-round case (50 x 20) |
| IMI 5.56 M193 | 55 | FMJ | 3,215 | 1,262 | 1,200-round case (40 x 30) |
| Winchester USA 7.62×39 | 123 | FMJ | 2,355 | 1,515 | 20-round box |
| Igman 7.62×39 | 123 | FMJ | 2,550 | 1,775 | 840 rounds (42 x 20-round boxes) |
Winchester White Box 5.56 55 grain lists 3,270 fps and 1,306 ft-lb. Winchester USA 7.62×39 123 grain lists 2,355 fps and 1,515 ft-lb.
The 5.45×39 sits closer to the 5.56 in concept: a light, fast bullet with mild recoil and a flat path. The 7.62×39 throws a much heavier, slower bullet. To see real numbers for your load, check the maker’s published data or chronograph it yourself.
How to Read 5.45×39 Ballistics
Velocity
Muzzle velocity is how fast the bullet leaves the barrel, in feet per second. Light bullets like the 5.45’s are built for speed, which flattens the path and cuts wind time.
Energy
Muzzle energy is in foot-pounds. It is figured from bullet weight and the square of speed. A light, fast round can post decent energy, but bullet design decides what happens on impact.
Bullet type
The V-Max is a varmint-style bullet made to expand quickly. FMJ does not expand and is meant for targets. Pick the bullet for the job first.
Barrel length and conditions
AK-74 pattern rifles and pistols come in many barrel lengths. A short barrel gives up speed versus a rifle-length one. Cold weather can slow some powders. Altitude barely changes muzzle speed but helps the bullet hold it downrange.
Is 5.45×39 Ammo Hard to Find?
It can be. For years, cheap Soviet-era surplus filled the market. In 2014, ATF stopped imports of the 7N6 steel-core surplus round, and that supply dried up. Later trade limits cut the flow of Russian-made commercial ammo too. Today, new brass-case and specialty loads fill the gap, and stock comes and goes. Buy a good supply when you find a load your rifle runs well.
Laws on ammo and on AK-pattern rifles vary by state and city. Check your local rules before you buy or order.
Choosing a Load
- Range and training: the TelaAmmo 65 grain FMJ brass case.
- Varmints and pests: the Hornady Black 60 grain V-Max. Check your state’s hunting rules.
- Home defense: Hornady lists the V-Max for personal defense. Laws on defensive ammo vary, so check your state and local rules.
For the AK’s larger round, read our 7.62×39 gel test guide. For the 5.56 side, see the M193 ammo guide.
Shop 5.45×39 Ammo
Both loads are in our 5.45×39 ammo collection. You can also browse 7.62×39 ammo and 5.56 ammo if you shoot more than one platform. Then compare 5.45×39 ballistics from your own rifle with a chronograph.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caliber is 5.45×39?
The 5.45x39mm fires a bullet of about .221 inch, with a 39 mm case. It is close in bullet size to the 5.56 and .223, but the rounds are not interchangeable. Only fire 5.45×39 in a gun chambered for it.
What is 5.45×39 ammo?
It is a Soviet military rifle cartridge adopted in 1974 with the AK-74. It fires a light, fast bullet with mild recoil. Today it is used for range shooting, training and, with expanding bullets, varmint hunting.
Is 5.45×39 ammo hard to find?
It can be. Cheap surplus once filled the market, but imports of the 7N6 steel-core round stopped in 2014 and Russian supply later fell off. New brass-case loads now fill the gap. Stock comes and goes, so buy when you find a load you like.
Which is cheaper, 7.62×39 or 5.45×39?
Prices change often. In the past, 5.45×39 surplus was very cheap. With that supply gone, 7.62×39 is now usually easier to find in bulk. Compare current listings for both before you buy.
What do the numbers in 5.45×39 mean?
The 5.45 is the bullet diameter in millimeters. The 39 is the case length in millimeters. The same naming style is used for other metric rounds, such as the 7.62×39 and the 7.5×55 Swiss.
