The 5.45×39mm cartridge is a small-caliber, high-velocity round developed by the Soviet Union during the early 1970s. It was designed for use in the AK-74 assault rifle, which replaced the earlier AKM and its 7.62×39mm round in Soviet and later Russian military service. The 5.45×39mm cartridge features a light, high-velocity projectile with a distinctive boat-tail and a hollow cavity in the nose, which contributes to its destabilization upon impact, enhancing its wounding capability.
Use cases:
1. Military: Primarily used by Russian and several former Soviet states' armed forces.
2. Civilian Sporting: Utilized by civilian shooters for sporting and hunting purposes, particularly in AK-74 variants available to the public.
3. Law Enforcement: Some law enforcement agencies worldwide may use rifles chambered in this round for its ballistic properties.
The round has several variants, including those tailored for increased penetration (armor-piercing) and reduced visibility (tracer and subsonic).
Key features:
- Caliber: 5.45 mm
- Case length: 39 mm
- Muzzle velocity: Approximately 900 m/s, depending on the load
It is often compared to the NATO 5.56×45mm due to its similar role in small arms engagements.