Two Cold War cartridges
The 7.62x39mm was adopted by the Soviet military in the 1940s and became famous as the cartridge of the SKS and AK-47 family. The 5.56x45mm NATO grew out of the .223 Remington and became the standard US military round with the M16 and later the M4. Our 5.56 vs .223 vs .223 Wylde guide explains that family.
Both are "intermediate" cartridges, smaller than a full-power rifle round like the .308 but more powerful than a pistol round. They took two different paths to the same goal.
The numbers
| 7.62x39mm | 5.56x45mm NATO | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical bullet weight | 122–124 gr | 55–62 gr |
| Example listed velocity | 2,350 fps (PMC Bronze 123 gr) | 3,180 fps (Winchester M193 55 gr) |
| Trajectory | More drop past 200 yards | Flatter |
| Recoil | Moderate | Light |
| Common case types | Steel (often Berdan) and brass | Mostly brass, some steel |
| Common rifles | AK pattern, SKS, some ARs and bolt guns | AR-15 pattern, many bolt guns |
Velocity figures are maker numbers as listed by Ammunition Depot and depend on barrel length.
Ballistics in plain English
The 7.62x39 throws a bullet roughly twice as heavy as a standard 5.56 bullet, but much slower. Up close, that heavier bullet carries solid energy and tends to push through light brush and intermediate barriers well. Its rainbow-like trajectory becomes a factor past 200 yards or so, where holdovers grow quickly.
The 5.56 is fast and flat. It's easier to hit with at longer ranges, recoils less, and lets you carry more rounds for the same weight. Its terminal performance depends heavily on velocity and bullet design, so barrel length and load choice matter. Our short-barrel AR ammo guide explains why.
Neither is "better." They're tuned for different trade-offs.
Steel vs brass cases
Much of the affordable 7.62x39 on the market has historically been steel-cased. Steel cases are cheaper to make and work fine in rifles designed for them, like the AK. They're usually Berdan-primed, which means they aren't practical to reload. Brass-cased 7.62x39 from makers like PMC is also available, usually at a higher price.
The 5.56 market is mostly brass. Steel-cased .223 exists, but some AR owners avoid it in their rifles; follow your rifle maker's guidance. Our steel vs brass ammo guide and PMC Bronze vs TelaAmmo 7.62x39 comparison go deeper.
Supply after the Russian import halt
For years, cheap Russian steel-cased 7.62x39 was a big part of the US market. That changed when US import permits for Russian firearms and ammunition were halted as of September 7, 2021, following sanctions. Existing stock was sold through, and the market shifted to other sources and US-made ammunition.
The practical result: 7.62x39 is still widely available, but the mix of brands has changed, and the old "dirt cheap" Russian steel case pricing isn't the baseline anymore. 5.56 remains one of the most produced rifle rounds in the US, which tends to keep it competitive on cost per round. Our cheapest calibers to shoot in 2026 guide has more context.
Example loads
Hunting and defense
For hunting, both can take deer-sized game at moderate ranges with proper expanding bullets where state law allows. The 7.62x39's heavier bullet gives it some extra margin on deer and hogs at short range. See our hog hunting ammo guide. Never hunt with FMJ range ammo.
For home defense, both are capable, and both can penetrate interior walls. Pick a quality defensive load designed for it, know what's behind your target, and practice. Our 5.56 vs 9mm drywall penetration article covers that concern.
How to choose
- You already own an AK or SKS: 7.62x39, and stock up on a reliable practice load your rifle likes.
- You want the flattest-shooting, lightest-recoiling option: 5.56 in an AR-15.
- You want the widest ammo and parts choice: 5.56.
- You want a short, handy brush gun for close-range hogs or deer: 7.62x39 with expanding bullets is a reasonable pick.
Rifle and magazine notes
The cartridge you pick usually decides the rifle platform, and that decision carries through to magazines, parts and accessories. AK-pattern rifles use curved 7.62x39 magazines; AR-15 rifles chambered for 5.56 use standard AR magazines. ARs built for 7.62x39 exist, but they need a specific barrel, bolt and magazines, and some owners find them fussier than an AK.
Mark magazines clearly if you own both. A 7.62x39 round loaded into the wrong rifle is a serious hazard.
Buying in bulk
Both cartridges are common bulk purchases. If you buy a case, first confirm your rifle runs that exact load reliably. Steel-cased ammo that runs fine in one rifle may cause extraction problems in another. Brass-cased loads tend to be more universally reliable but cost more per round.
Storage matters too. Lacquered or polymer-coated steel cases resist corrosion, but any ammo stored in a damp space can degrade. Use sealed containers with desiccant and keep them off concrete floors.
Hunting regulations
Some states set minimum caliber or cartridge rules for deer that may affect one or both rounds. Check your state's current regulations before using either for big game, and always use an expanding hunting bullet, never FMJ.
The bottom line
If you're starting from scratch, most new buyers end up with 5.56 because of the huge choice of rifles, parts and ammunition, plus its flat trajectory and light recoil. If you love the AK platform or want a simple, rugged rifle with a heavier bullet for close-range work, 7.62x39 remains a sound choice. Either way, the cartridge matters less than buying quality ammunition your rifle runs reliably, practicing with it, and choosing the right bullet for the job: FMJ for the range, expanding bullets for hunting, and dedicated defensive loads for home defense.
Prices for both rounds move with demand, so compare cost per round on current listings rather than relying on old rules of thumb. Ammunition Depot groups current 5.56 and .223 listings on its .223 and 5.56 ammo page.
Frequently asked questions
Is 7.62x39 more powerful than 5.56?
It fires a heavier bullet with more energy at close range. The 5.56 is faster and flatter, so it holds up better at longer distances.
Can I shoot 7.62x39 in an AR-15?
Only in an AR built or converted specifically for 7.62x39, with the right barrel, bolt and magazines. Never fire it in a 5.56 rifle.
Is steel-case 7.62x39 bad for my rifle?
AK-pattern rifles are generally designed to run steel cases. For other rifles, follow the manufacturer's guidance.
Why is cheap Russian ammo hard to find now?
US import permits for Russian ammunition were halted as of September 7, 2021. Remaining stock sold through, and other sources filled in.
Which is better for deer?
Both can work at moderate range with expanding bullets where legal. The 7.62x39 has more bullet weight; the 5.56 shoots flatter. Check your state's rules.
Editorial note: This comparison draws on manufacturer information, retailer listings and published reports. We haven't tested these loads hands-on. Regulations, specifications, availability and prices change, so check the current listing and your firearm's manual before buying. We may earn a commission from links on this page at no extra cost to you.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links to Ammunition Depot. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial choices are not influenced by commissions. Check current price, stock and specifications directly with the retailer.